TP8251
PantherPro/46 Image Recorder
1-4
PrePRESS SOLUTIONS CONFIDENTIAL
October 1995
emissions standards.
1-4 Electrostatic Discharge - ESD
Static electricity is, simply, electricity that is not moving. It is harmless as long as it remains
static. Unfortunately, an electrical charge is unstable and is always looking for an opposite
charge to unite with. When a charge moves, it becomes a current, which is often greater than
a electronic circuit can handle.
The smallest static charge that can be felt is 3,000 volts; the smallest charge that can be seen
is 5,000 volts; and the smallest charge that can be heard is 10,000 volts. Some
semiconductor devices are susceptible to a static charge as little as 10 volts.
Electrostatic discharge has become more and more of a hazard as microcircuit components
have become smaller and more sensitive.
ESD Prevention Rules
These are the rules to be learned and followed in order to prevent ESD damage to electronic
printed circuit boards and assemblies.
1. Always use the antistatic portable field service kit when working near exposed electronic
parts or when handling printed circuit boards.
2. Make sure machine is plugged in a grounded outlet (and switched off) if using the
machine frame as a grounding point.
3. Make sure your wrist strap and antistatic service kit are connected together and
connected to ground.
4. When replacing printed circuit boards, remove the old board from the machine before
removing replacement board from the antistatic bag. Then install replacement board and
place old board in the antistatic bag.
5. Always transport and store electronic components in an antistatic bag.
6. Use the correct size bag, not too big or not too small.
7. Keep antistatic bags in good condition. Bags with pin holes, rips, tears, or crumpled bags
are less efficient and may provide little or no protection.
8. Do not remove components from bags just to look at them. You can usually see through
the bag to identify the part.
9. Keep spare bags on hand.
10. Always ship back field returns in an antistatic bag. Even defective components should be
stored and transported in antistatic bags so that they are not damaged further.
11. Keep static producing materials such as polyester, plastic, and Styrofoam away from
electronic parts.