1-3. Static Electricity Precautions
• Some semiconductor (solid state) devices can be easily damaged by static electricity. Such components are commonly
called Electrostatically Sensitive Devices (ESD). Examples of typical ESD are integrated circuits and some field-effect
transistors. The following techniques will reduce the incidence of component damage caused by static electricity.
1. Immediately before handling any semiconductor components or assemblies, drain the electrostatic charge from your body
by touching a known earth ground. Alternatively, wear a discharging wrist-strap device. To avoid a shock hazard, be sure to
remove the wrist strap before applying power to the product.
2. After removing an ESD-equipped assembly, place it on a conductive surface such as aluminum foil to prevent accumulation
of an electrostatic charge.
3. Do not use freon-propelled chemicals. These can generate electrical charges sufficient to damage ESDs.
4. Use only a grounded-tip soldering iron to solder or desolder ESDs.
5. Use only an anti-static solder removal device. Some solder removal devices not classified as “anti-static” can generate
electrical charges sufficient to damage ESDs.
6. Do not remove a replacement ESD from its protective package until you are ready to install it.
Most replacement ESDs are packaged with leads that are electrically shorted together by conductive foam, aluminum foil or
other conductive materials.
7. Immediately before removing the protective material from the leads of a replacement ESD, touch the protective material to
the chassis or circuit assembly into which the device will be installed.
Caution
• Be sure no power is applied to the chassis or circuit and observe all other safety precautions.
8. Minimize body motions when handling unpackaged replacement ESDs. Motions such as brushing clothes together, or lifting
your foot from a carpeted floor can generate enough static electricity to damage an ESD.
1-4
Precautions
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