Electrostatic Solutions Ltd
Tel: +44 (0)23 8090 5600

Home
Site map
The ESD Guide What is ESD Why worry about ESD? Overview of 61340-5-1 & 2 DefinitionsKey elements of an ESD programEPA designResponsibilities of personnel EPA equipment ESD packaging TrainingAuditField work ESD sensitivity
Hazards & nuisance
Electrostatic Technologies
R&D services
Test and Measurements
Contact us
About us

Why worry about ESD?

Updated December 2023

ESD can cause unseen damage to electronic components during manufacture of electronic assemblies and equipment. If the damaged component fails immediately, the result can be a board that fail tests and requires rework. This represents lost production and additional manufacturing costs.

Worse than this, a component may be partially damaged and weakened. It may suffer a change or drift in characteristics. It may remain within specification, but fail later when in use by a customer. It has been estimated that 90% of damaged devices may be discovered in this way. This is the most expensive type of failure, as it represents:

  • Customer dissatisfaction, and the possibility of loss of product reputation and future sales

  • Customer service personnel and facility cost

  • Engineers time, possibly for on-site repair with travel, and parts replacement

Analysis of non-conforming or defective devices showed that 60-75% were damaged by EOS (electrical overstress) or ESD. This rises to 90% for newer technologies. About 70% of these failures were attributed to damage from incorrectly grounded people.

Toshikazu Namaguchi, Hideka Uchida.
EOS/ESD Symposium EOS-20 1998 pp 245-251

In manual assembly most ESD arises from charged personnel, if they are not grounded.

Most people do not feel an ESD shock unless they are charged to over about 2000 V (the sensitivity threshold varies between people, and even over parts of the body!). This voltage is quite common in the uncontrolled environment - how many of us have not felt the occasional electrostatic shock in everyday life?

Terms and conditons

Terms and conditions of use of the ESD Guide

Reality of ESD Seminar

A great introduction to ESD for all personnel.

Achieving a highly effective ESD program

"From nil knowledge to budding expert in two days" as one delegate put it! An excellent seminar for anyone who is implementing or maintaining an ESD Program.

Site ESD Healthcheck

When you want an independent opinion on the state of your facility, or want to make improvements. Our expert spends a day with you on your site and sends you a comprehensive report.

How we can help

Just a few of the ways we can help you get the best from your ESD program.

Where to get standards

Where you can get the 61340-5-1 and other standards.