Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can be responsible for a number of issues in industry today. In fact, serious problems can develop because of this phenomenon. Let’s look closer at the problem and discover why ESD test equipment can be invaluable.
What is ESD?
Have you ever walked across a rug or carpet and touched something metal like a window? You may have received a shock and you might have noticed a spark jump between you and the window. What happened?
As you walked over the surface of the rug, it electrically charged your body. This happens when atoms become unstable. In other words as you were coming in contact with the rug, electrons from atoms were transferred to you from your rug. The more your feet rub against the rug, the more electrons are transferred.
As long as your body does not come in contact with the ground, it remains charged. However, as soon as you touch something which is connected to the ground the charge neutralizes itself, and you feel the results of the electricity. This is one source of electrostatic discharge.
ESD may also be cause by electrostatic induction. When a charged object is brought close to an uncharged object, it can redistribute the electrical charge in the uncharged object and when it comes into contact with a grounded item there will be sudden discharge of energy.
Dangers of Static Electricity in Industrial Applications
In industrial environments, there are many situations in which static electricity must be avoided and this makes ESD test equipment very important. Any company dealing with explosive or flammable materials must be aware of the possibilities of static discharge. It only takes a small spark to trigger an explosion or fire.
Today’s semi conductors and computer components are very sensitive to static electricity, and components could easily be ruined if just one incident of static discharge occurs.
Spacecraft can encounter problems associated with static electricity. As an item travels in space it may come in contact with many different things and this can result in energized particles being transferred.
Preventing ESD
One of the most effective ways to prevent the buildup of static electricity involves grounding. For example, lighting is an example of electrostatic discharge, and this is why lightning rods are attached to structure roofs with strong conductors leading to the ground.
Why Use ESD Test Equipment?
Testing equipment simulates an electrostatic event and it may be a human body model or machine model test. By testing for ESD, it can help you avoid many of the most common problems associated with static electricity.