Should we really invest in ESD Jackets? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: japasetelagoas
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2018, 04:36:07 pm
content: Hey everyone, I work at a small electronics devices company, obviously there's a lot of components handling and oppotunities to fry them out.Our employees use the wristband connected to a ground spot, anti static flooring and some of the warehouse guys use the ankle strap.Now our supervisor suggested using ESD Jackets, mainly because he went to a supplier and saw everyone using it, thought that we should do the same. In an electrical point of view, considering everything that I've mentioned above, is there really a point to use the jackets?Thanks.

author: slurry
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2018, 08:13:52 pm
content: Yes.Being serious about ESD and working in a EPA calls for no shortcuts.Either everyone wears dissipative clothing (expensive) or they wear disipative coats/jackets and hair net.No jewellery, bracelets, watches, unshaved pets or fleece sweaters should be allowed

author: TechieTX
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 15, 2018, 02:39:35 am
content: Unneeded expense, in my view. Your mileage may vary.I worked at a place with sensitive parts: unprotected MOSFETs. Breathing on them wrong could blow them. We didn't have jackets, but we DID have conductive flooring, wrist and heel straps, as well as thoroughly grounded benches and conductive tooling (virtually no essential non-conductors). That was sufficient for replacing unprotected parts killed before or during reflow.If you still have issues, something like the Dr Schneider PC SL-001 Ionizer will eliminate the rest of the charge at your workbench better than a jacket will. I've had good results with them over a meter away. They're around $60-90USD on Alibaba, $118USD on eBay or AliExpress. As long as it's clean and working, you won't have a charge in the airflow. We have around 40 or 50 of 'em at work and haven't had any die, although I *did* measure two last year that weren't reducing the charge 'cos the operators forgot to twist the wiper weekly. Everyone got a demonstration when I found the second one, and no problems since then.

author: radar_macgyver
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 15, 2018, 04:31:00 am
content: Do those ionizers produce ozone? I was considering one, since it gets really dry where I live in the winter, but could live without the smell of ozone.

author: tpowell1830
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 15, 2018, 05:27:08 am
content: Quote from: japasetelagoas on April 14, 2018, 04:36:07 pmFrom your OP, it sounds like you are taking adequate measures during assembly, etc. After your devices are assembled, is there a risk of danger? It depends entirely on your product. If you have static sensitive components exposed to the possibility of static damage, then yes, otherwise not really.Your EEs should be able to assess this risk on your final product, unless your management is using the bags as a mitigator to keep the customer happy or simply marketing wank.

author: BillB
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 15, 2018, 05:06:18 pm
content: Quote from: slurry on April 14, 2018, 08:13:52 pmFor shaved pets, would they require a tiny, pet-sized ESD jacket as well?

author: TheUnnamedNewbie
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 16, 2018, 06:59:25 am
content: Keep in mind that ESD effects are not necessarily destructive. Your device could still test fine, and appear to still work, but say the gate oxide of some MOSFETs has been damaged, significantly reducing life expectancy. And then suddenly, in a year you get a bunch of products back because there was damage that showed up over time. This is why a lot of people don't "believe" ESD is a thing.As with any purchase, just consider the cost, versus the cost if you do suddenly get damaged products. I have no idea about your volume or what it is you are producing (and depending on that, there can be a large difference in risk). Fully assembled products are far less sensitive (as demonstrated by the amount of teenagers that assemble their computers with bare CPUs and GPUs on carpet and then go "see I proved ESD doesn't exist"). I'm not going to say yes or no - but if the cost is not too high I don't see why it wouldn't be worth looking that. (though, teaching good practices regarding ESD will save you far more products than just putting on a conductive coat).