ESD computer parts storage? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: TheBorg
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 21, 2014, 02:44:58 am
content: I do a lot of iPhone/Mac repair and as such am starting to get a larger collection of pieces and parts of different machines (motherboards, RAM, et cetera). When I work on the machines I do it on an ESD mat with a wrist strap (though my chair is not grounded or ESD safe).I understand that motherboards and such need to be handled with ESD safe procedures, and if I have to remove them and store them for a while, I put them in a silver ESD bag. But for most other parts (CD drives and the like) I usually don't bag them and just store them (in plastic drawers... sigh).For storing such things as ram, etc, do I need to invest in some ESD safe storage system?Or is simply ESD bagging good enough? I have some painted metal drawers that could easily be used as storage and grounded, but from my ESD understanding that wouldn't make much difference. Any thoughts?

author: Fsck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 21, 2014, 03:01:02 am
content: esd bags are fine. they're not that sensitive.

author: JonnyBoats
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 21, 2014, 03:07:30 am
content: As with everything else in life there are tradeoffs, in this case between cost and reliability.If you you are building a satellite for NASA and there is a 1 in 10,000 chance that improper ESD procedures could cause the satellite to fail after 500 hours of service then the cost of repair is such (think the Hubble Telescope repair which cost millions) that you would want better procedures.On the other hand if you send Macs out the door and 1 in 10,000 comes back because of improper handling of a CD drive it is undoubtedly cheaper to just replace the CD drive rather than re-tool your shop to meed mill spec ESD handling.Assuming you are taking reasonable precautions, which it seems like you are, then problems caused by "tin whiskers" is probably a greater likelihood of occurring than latent problems related to ESD handling while in your shop.That having been said, the first step is to go after the low hanging fruit. For example if your shop ever has low humidity getting a humidifier will be much cheaper than putting in special ESD safe flooring. As you have probably noticed, walking across a carpet on a dry day is far more likely to cause a spark than on a damp day.Remember a little common sense goes a long way ;-)

author: TheBorg
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 21, 2014, 03:29:49 am
content: Quote from: JonnyBoats on June 21, 2014, 03:07:30 amAlas, Idaho weather is probably the worst for ESD then10%50% or less humidity nearly all year long!Edit: Don't know why I remembered 10%, thats wayyy off, but it sure is dry here!Thanks for the advice though, I think we have an extra humidifier so that is a possibility. More floor mats as well...

author: echen1024
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 21, 2014, 04:55:40 am
content: Quote from: TheBorg on June 21, 2014, 03:29:49 amSoutheast TX weather is ideal for ESD work. >50% humidity yearly, >90% in summer.

author: TheBorg
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 21, 2014, 05:20:42 am
content: Quote from: echen1024 on June 21, 2014, 04:55:40 amWell maybe our humidity meter is broken, because I just checked and the the state low is 19%, and the national lowest average is 30%lol... Sure is dry though. Visiting Florida is like living in a sauna.Back on track...I think a few ESD containers would be helpful though as well. Probably just the on-desk conductive bins for moving parts around, not much more than that.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 21, 2014, 05:46:26 am
content: I would recommend something like this:http://nz.rs-online.com/web/p/esd-safe-foam-film-wrap/0550066/I have a multi drawer unit that I keep static sensitive devices that are not in their original anti static packaging. Simply cut to fit.Great for the likes of a selection of 4000 series in DIP.Mine are neatly laid out in order.