Selection, Use, Care, and Maintenance of Equipment and Materials for ESD Control

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) control equipment can form a considerable part of the investment cost of an ESD control program. The first task in selecting ESD control equipment is to identify its intended functions. The second step is to decide how selected items may be qualified to confirm that they will fulfill their intended function for their intended life. When selecting ESD control equipment, it is important to consider whether it may need specific cleaning, care, and maintenance procedures and materials. An ESD control floor, if required, can represent a large investment. It can also give significant benefit and convenience in ESD control. Earth bonding (grounding) points provide a way of connecting ESD control equipment to ESD protected area via earth bonding cords. Ionizers are commonly used for reducing charge levels, voltages, and electrostatic fields on essential insulators in use near ESD‐sensitive devices.