SIWAREX WT241 
Manual, 05/2015, A5E36046748A  183 
B.1  ESD Guidelines 
Definition of ESD  
All electronic modules are equipped with large-scale integrated ICs or components. Due to 
their design, these electronic elements are highly sensitive to overvoltage, and thus to any 
electrostatic discharge. 
The electrostatic sensitive components/modules are commonly referred to as ESD devices. 
This is also the international abbreviation for such devices. 
ESD modules are identified by the following symbol: 
 
ESD devices can be destroyed by voltages well below the threshold of human perception. 
These static voltages develop when you touch a component or electrical connection of a 
device without having drained the static charges present on your body. The electrostatic 
discharge current may lead to latent failure of a module, that is, this damage may not be 
significant immediately, but in operation may cause malfunction. 
Electrostatic charging 
Anyone who is not connected to the electrical potential of their surroundings can be 
electrostatically charged. 
The figure below shows the maximum electrostatic voltage which may build up on a person 
coming into contact with the materials indicated. These values correspond to IEC 801-2 
specifications.