Circuit protection devices with communication and metering function 
System Manual, 06/2021, L1V30827018B-01 
103 
 
A.1  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. 
ESD Guidelines 
 
Electrostatic sensitive devices 
Electronic modules contain components that can be damaged by electrostatic discharge as a 
result of improper handling. 
•  You must discharge your body electrostatically immediately before touching an 
electronic module. 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. metalized 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 
The diagrams below illustrate the required ESD protective measures for electrostatic sensitive 
devices.