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ESD Protection

Electronics today are more susceptible to electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage than older equipment. Damage to equipment can occur by ESD fields that are smaller than you can feel. Implementing the information in this section will help you protect the investment that you have made in purchasing Grass Valley equipment. This section contains Grass Valley’s recommended ESD guidelines that should be followed when handling electrostatic discharge sensitive (ESDS) items. These minimal recommendations are based on the information in the Sources of ESD and Risks area. The information in Grounding Requirements for Personnel is provided to assist you in selecting an appropriate grounding method.

Recommended ESD Guidelines

Follow these guidelines when handling Grass Valley equipment:

  • Only trained personnel that are connected to a grounding system should handle ESDS items.
  • Do not open any protective bag, box, or special shipping packaging until you have been grounded.
    Note: When a Personal Grounding strap is unavailable, as an absolute minimum, touch a metal object that is touching the floor (for example, a table, frame, or rack) to discharge any static energy before touching an ESDS item.
  • Open the anti-static packaging by slitting any existing adhesive tapes. Do not tear the tapes off.
  • Remove the ESDS item by holding it by its edges or by a metal panel.
  • Do not touch the components of an ESDS item unless it is absolutely necessary to configure or repair the item.
  • Keep the ESDS work area clear of all nonessential items such as coffee cups, pens, wrappers and personal items as these items can discharge static. If you need to set an ESDS item down, place it on an anti-static mat or on the anti-static packaging.

Sources of ESD and Risks

The following information identifies possible sources of electrostatic discharge and can be used to help establish an ESD policy.

Personnel

One of the largest sources of static is personnel. The static can be released from a person’s clothing and shoes.

Environment

The environment includes the humidity and floors in a work area. The humidity level must be controlled and should not be allowed to fluctuate over a broad range. Relative humidity (RH) is a major part in determining the level of static that is being generated. For example, at 10% - 20% RH a person walking across a carpeted floor can develop 35kV; yet when the relative humidity is increased to 70% - 80%, the person can only generate 1.5kV.

Static is generated as personnel move (or as equipment is moved) across a floor’s surface. Carpeted and waxed vinyl floors contribute to static build up.

Work Surfaces

Painted or vinyl-covered tables, chairs, conveyor belts, racks, carts, anodized surfaces, plexiglass covers, and shelving are all static generators.

Equipment

Any equipment commonly found in an ESD work area, such as solder guns, heat guns, blowers, etc., should be grounded.

Materials

Plastic work holders, foam, plastic tote boxes, pens, packaging containers and other items commonly found at workstations can generate static electricity.

Grounding Requirements for Personnel

The information in this section is provided to assist you in selecting a grounding method. This information is taken from ANSI/ESD S20.20-2007 (Revision of ANSI/ESD S20.20-1999).

Product Qualification

Personnel Grounding Technical Requirement Test Method Required Limits
Wrist Strap System* ANSI/ESD S1.1 (Section 5.11) < 3.5 x 107 ohm
Flooring / Footwear System – Method 1 ANSI/ESD STM97.1 < 3.5 x 107 ohm
Flooring / Footwear System – Method 2 (both required) ANSI/ESD STM97. 1ANSI/ESD STM97.2 < 109 ohm
ANSI/ESD STM97.2 < 100 V

Product qualification is normally conducted during the initial selection of ESD control products and materials. Any of the following methods can be used: product specification review, independent laboratory evaluation, or internal laboratory evaluation.

Compliance Verification

Personnel Grounding Technical Requirement Test Method Required Limits
Wrist Strap System* ESD TR53 Wrist Strap Section < 3.5 x 107 ohm
Flooring / Footwear System – Method 1 ESD TR53 Flooring Section and ESD TR53 Footwear Section < 3.5 x 107 ohm
Flooring / Footwear System – Method 2 (both required) ESD TR53 Flooring Section and ESD TR53 Footwear Section < 1.0 x 109 ohm

* For situations where an ESD garment is used as part of the wrist strap grounding path, the total system resistance, including the person, garment, and grounding cord, must be less than 3.5 x 107 ohm.


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