3VA27 molded case circuit breakers & 3WL10 air circuit breakers 
Manual, 10/2018, L1V30499596002-01 
277 
 
Electrostatic sensitive devices (ESD) 
ESD components are destroyed by voltage and energy far below the limits of human 
perception. Voltages of this kind occur as soon as a device or an assembly is touched by a 
person who is not electrostatically discharged. ESD components which have been subject to 
such voltage are usually not recognized immediately as being defective, because the 
malfunction does not occur until after a longer period of operation.   
 
Electrostatic sensitive devices 
Electronic modules contain components that can be destroyed by electrostatic discharge. 
These modules can be easily destroyed or damaged by improper handling. 
•  You must discharge your body electrostatically immediately before touching an 
electronic component. To do this, touch a conductive, grounded object, e.g., a bare 
metal part of a switch cabinet or the water pipe.  
•  Always hold the component by the plastic enclosure. 
•  Electronic modules should not be brought into contact with electrically insulating 
materials such as plastic film, plastic parts, insulating table supports or clothing made of 
synthetic fibers. 
•  Always place electrostatic sensitive devices on conductive bases. 
•  Always store and transport electronic modules or components in ESD-safe conductive 
packaging, e.g. metallized plastic or metal containers. Leave the component in its 
packaging until installation. 
 
If you have to store or transport the component in non-conductive packaging, you must first 
pack the component in ESD-safe, conductive material, e.g., conductive foam rubber, ESD 
bag. 
The diagrams below illustrate the required ESD protective measures for electrostatic 
sensitive devices.