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Model GFC7000E Instruction Manual A Primer on Electro-Static Discharge
04584 Rev A1 216
• As long as my analyzer is properly installed it is safe from damage caused by
static discharges
: It is true that when properly installed the chassis ground of your
analyzer is tied to earth ground and its electronic components are prevented from building
static electric charges themselves. This does not, however, prevent discharges from static
fields built up on other things, like you and your clothing, from discharging through the
instrument and damaging it.
12.4. Basic Principles of Static Control
It is impossible to stop the creation of instantaneous static electric charges. It is not, however
difficult to prevent those charges from building to dangerous levels or prevent damage due to
electro-static discharge from occurring.
12.4.1. General Rules
Only handle or work on all electronic assemblies at a properly set up ESD station.
Setting up an ESD safe work station need not be complicated. A protective mat properly tied to
ground and a wrist strap are all that is needed to create a basic anti-ESD workstation (see figure
12-2).
Wrist Strap
Protective
Mat
Ground Point
Figure 12-2: Basic anti-ESD Work Station
For technicians that work in the field, special lightweight and portable anti-ESD kits are available
from most suppliers of ESD protection gear. These include everything needed to create a
temporary anti-ESD work area anywhere.
•
Always wear an Anti-ESD wrist strap when working on the electronic assemblies
of your analyzer
. An anti-ESD wrist strap keeps the person wearing it at or near the
same potential as other grounded objects in the work area and allows static charges to
dissipate before they can build to dangerous levels. Anti-ESD wrist straps terminated with