Preventing Electrostatic Discharge


Static electricity can cause serious damage electronic components. Fortunately, there are some products and techniques that can help prevent electrostatic discharge. In this CompTIA A+ training module, we’ll learn about electrostatic discharge and discuss some products that can be used in your work environment to help prevent the buildup and discharge of static electricity. We’ll also compare ESD to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and show how troubleshoot and eliminate sources of EMI.

Links from this video:
Electrostatic Discharge Association

11 thoughts on “Preventing Electrostatic Discharge”

  1. David T from KSC, FL

    Hey,

    Great video! I work in an ESD envoriment. One thing you might want to add is to use ESD hand lotion. It will help you and the ground strap to make good contact. I work at the Kennedy Space Center as an Electronic Technician. I have an ESD electronic monitor at my bench and when I am not making good contact to ground a alarm will go off. Dry skin will cause you not to make good contact to ground and cause static discharge. Be safe, have fun learning, and thanks very much for the free training 🙂 David

  2. But why exactly is it that the pad is protected? What if static electricity is discharged into the pad, and then it is discharged from the pad to the circuitry on it? Should you wear a wrist strap connecting to the chassis and a wrist strap connecting to the pad?

      1. mr messer…howcome my last comment didnt make it onto this comments bit? I thought i was askin some valid questions…

    1. Mike –

      If you’re inside of your computer and need to ground yourself, then you should have already disconnected the power. If you open the case, the power supply should be completely disconnected to the wall at all times.

  3. Wow I got to see exactly what I’ve been reading on my own but never saw it presented the way you have. You made key points and kept it simple for us in the early stages. Thank you

  4. During the Dust Bowl of the 1930’s they had interesting problems with static electricity caused by the flying dust: damaged crops (what was left of them anyway), shorted out automobile electrical systems, and people didn’t want to shake hands because they didn’t want to get knocked down on their rear. I first learned of this on a PBS special about the dust bowl.

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