How to Build an Electrostatic Protective Area

Looking to create an electrostatic protective area at your workplace? Follow these tips on how to set up one up properly and successful static control tips.

In any workplace where electrical equipment is in use, there is a risk of static electricity being created.

There are a number of active and passive ways in which companies can implement static control within the electronics industry.

Popular methods to implement static control include removing or neutralizing static electricity via induction, as well as ensuring that all electrics and machinery in use are well grounded. This will help lessen the risk of high electrical charges taking place.

In order to successfully reduce the risk of electrostatic discharge in the workplace, it is extremely important to create a protective workstation, known as an Electrostatic Protective Area (EPA). This is the area where components that could be electrically charged with static energy should be handled.

Key Things to Consider for an Electrostatic Protective Area

An Electrostatic Protective Area should consist of a bench mat or static dissipative bench top and wrist strap ground cord. Any material used for bench matting must be incapable of tribo-electric charge generation and also able to drain safely to earth any static charge from conductive items placed on the surface.

As far as possible all items currently on the work bench which are made of insulative materials such as plastics and nylons, should be removed or redesigned in conductive materials.

All ground cords should be fully insulated along their entire length and incorporate a one megohm resistor in series for operator safety; this is especially important where surface conductive mats are used.

The wristband that a user of the workstation needs to wear will also need to contain conductive elements throughout the entire 360 degrees so that constant contact with the wearer is maintained. Additionally, the wrist strap ground cord should be fully insulated wire throughout its entire length and contain a one-megohm resistor in series. The strap should be capable of snap disconnection at wrist.

Challenger Components technical personnel can provide training, provide pre-audit assessment of your system, or help you set up a new program for your facility so you can safeguard your workplace from electrostatic discharge.

Visit: www.challengercomponents.com for more information and to discuss your requirements in more detail.