systems should not be used as a primary means of charge
control on conductors or people. (Reference: IEC 61340-5-
2:1 paragraph 5.2.9).
The bench top ionizer is NIST calibrated and is available in
two models. Both models come equipped with universal IEC
cord connectors.
Model
Voltage / Hz
IEC Cord
19500
120 / 50-60
Yes
19520
220 / 50-60
No
IONIZER SELECTION
ANSI/ESD S20.20 paragraph 6.1.1.2. ESD Control Program
Plan Guidance states: "The Plan should include a listing of
the specific type of ESD protective materials and equipment
used in the Program." When selecting an ionizer life cycle
costs should be considered including: equipment cost;
installation cost; and operation and maintenance cost.
The unit is normally mounted at one end of a workbench or
area to be neutralized. It may also be wall mounted or
mounted on a shelf. The ionizer’s decay time (neutralization
efficiency) will be best from approximately 6" to 42" in front
of the unit, and will drop off as the distance from the unit
increases.
Figure 2. Area of optimum charge neutralization.
Installation
Remove the ionizer from the carton and inspect for shipping
damage. Included with the unit should be:
1 power cord, 6' IEC type (120V only)
1 cleaning brush
1 filter and guard assembly
Figure 1. Bench Top Ionizer
Description
This ionizing unit is a self-balancing bench top ionizer. The
ionizer’s patented* Faraday Balance System assures
perfect ion balance automatically. It offers greater efficiency
and easier cleaning than conventional ionizers. The Bench
Top Ionizer is designed to neutralize static electricity from
insulators in localized work areas in assembly rooms, wave
solder lines, laboratories, QC, test stations, packing and
shipping areas and clean rooms.
Ionizers are useful in preventing electrostatic charge
generation, ElectroStatic Discharge, ElectroStatic Attraction,
as well as preventing equipment latch-up and safety related
shock. ANSI/ESD S20.20 Paragraph 6.2.3.1 Protected
Areas Requirement states: "Ionization or other charge
mitigating techniques shall be used at the workstation to
neutralize electrostatic fields on all process essential
insulators if the electrostatic field is considered a threat."
Ionization is used to neutralize charges on process
necessary insulators and isolated semiconductors. Some
examples of process necessary insulators are: the PC
board itself, plastic test stands, plastic housing where a
PCB may be mounted, as well as computer monitor screens
and regular cleaning wipes. Examples of floating or
isolated conductors are: loaded PCB mounted in a stand
where the pins are not contacting the dissipative
workstation. Ionization is not effective on items that have
large capacitance, like people and carts; however, ionizers
should be considered as a method for charge neutralization
in cases where grounding cannot be achieved.
Air ionization can neutralize the static charge on insulated
and isolated objects by producing separate charges in the
molecules of the gases of the surrounding air. When an
electrostatic charge is present on objects in the work
environment, it will be neutralized by attracting opposite
polarity charges from the ionized air. Note that ionization
TB-2016
December 2008 Page 1 of 4
Bench Top Ionizer
Installation, Operation, and Maintenance
Made in America
*Manufactured under U.S. patent #5,008,594
© 2008 DESCO INDUSTRIES INC.
Employee Owned
TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-2016
