Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) is an exchange of charge when two oppositely charged surfaces come into contact with each other. Depending on the amount of charge, it can be heard, seen, or even felt.
ESD is quite normal. We are constantly exchanging electrons when our clothes rub against us. This charge is either grounded or is being discharged when we come into contact with likely objects. Sometimes we feel it in the form of a mild shock… most of the times, though, it’s too mild to be felt.
Here’s the science-y bit
Everything with a physical presence is made up of molecules and all molecules are made up of atoms, which in turn are made of electrons, protons, and neutrons.
The protons and neutrons are part of the nucleus, which only reacts in case of nuclear reactions. The electrons float around the nucleus.
The number of electrons (negatively-charged particles) in an atom is always equal to the number of protons (positively-charged particles). This means that in its natural state, an atom is neutral, or has no charge.
However, since electrons are simply floating around the nucleus, they are free to move around.
Electrons move around the nucleus in orbits. The first orbit contains 2 electrons. The subsequent orbits have 8 electrons. Depending on the number of electrons in the outer-most orbit, the atom is more likely to give away or accept electrons.
For example, if there are 6 electrons in the outer shell, it easier for the atom to take 2 electrons to complete the number. However, if there are only 2 electrons in the outer orbit, it takes less energy to just give them up.
If an atom accepts electrons, it acquires a negative charge. Conversely, if it gives them up, it becomes positively charged.
All systems want to achieve a state of equilibrium. Therefore, whenever two surfaces with opposite charges come in contact, the charge ‘flows’ from the negatively charged to the positively charged.
That is ESD!
How is ESD Generated?
We are constantly exchanging electrons with our environment. Remember ever getting a mild shock when you touched a metal doorknob after stroking a cat?
The rubbing motion between your hand and the cat’s fur caused a transfer of electrons from the fur to your skin. If you were barefoot on the ground, this charge would have safely travelled through your body into the earth.
However, if you were wearing shoes with rubber soles, the charge would have nowhere to go… until the time you touched the doorknob. Hence the spark that shocked you.
How is ESD Dangerous?
ESD is not dangerous to us or to most large objects, but small electronic components can be damaged by ESD.
Unfortunately, as computing becomes more and more sophisticated, the components are becoming smaller and more susceptible to ESD damage.
To put things into perspective:
A lightning bolt can carry a charge of around a billion volts. That would severely damage a human being. (!)
However, if you are walking on a carpet in a room with a relative humidity of about 10%-20%, you could generate a static discharge of 35,000 volts. That sounds like a high number until you realise you’d just experience a slightly painful jolt at this level.
With a discharge of 5,000 volts or higher, you’d see a spark, but 2,000 to 3,000 volts is only audible. It won’t even give you a shock.
But to a modern Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS), found in a range of electronic devices ranging from digital cameras to sophisticated satellites, a discharge of 1000 volts can be lethal. In fact, even 5 volts can be enough to damage them!
Electrostatic Discharge Sensitive devices (ESDS) include a range of electronic components, including printed circuit boards (PCB) and CMOSs.
Considering how expensive these micro-components can be, ESD is a real risk in the technology and manufacturing industry.
How Can You Prevent ESD Damage?
Components damaged by ESD cannot be repaired, which is why preventing ESD damage is the only way to minimise wastage.
But herein lies the problem!
We are constantly generating static, with our clothes rubbing against our body and our body’s interaction with the floor and furniture around us. If not earthed properly, this static will damage these delicate components.
This is why you need ESD-safe clothing and equipment. At VODEX, we offer a wide selection of electrostatic discharge protection solutions. This includes anti-static workwear, ESD wrist straps, and shoes.
We also offer ESD-safe equipment, like chairs, workbenches, tables, and more.
To complete our ESD offerings, we also have a range of ESD-safe flooring items.
If you want to get the complete ESD solution for your business, get in touch with us. Call us on +44 (0) 1489 899 070 to discuss your needs or send us an email. We will help you make your workspace free from ESD!
