Question 1

What is E.S.D?

Chloe Warlow · Accepted Answer

E.S.D stands for 'Electro Static Discharge'. An uncontrolled surge of 'static' between objects with different voltage potentials.

Question 2

What is 'Static'?

Chloe Warlow · Accepted Answer

An electrical charge/field that isn't moving.

Question 3

What is 'Antistatic'?

Chloe Warlow · Accepted Answer

Minimal generation or retention of a 'static' charge.

Question 4

What is does 'Conductive' mean?

Chloe Warlow · Accepted Answer

Conductive means low resistance (i.e. less than 1 meg-ohm (10^6) - the closer to 1 meg-ohm (10^6), the slower the discharge.)

Question 5

What does 'Static Dissipative' mean?

Chloe Warlow · Accepted Answer

Increased resistance, which protects better against an E.S.D (i.e. between 1 meg-ohm (10^6) and 1000 meg-ohm (10^9).

Question 6

What does 'Insulative' mean?

Chloe Warlow · Accepted Answer

Does not allow the free flow of electrons, therefore, it will more than likely cause problems e.g. prevent a path to earth, hold a 'static' field, etc.

Question 7

What is a 'Faraday Cage'?

Chloe Warlow · Accepted Answer

A conductive barrier against E.S.D (e.g. Metallised Shielding Bag, Conductive Box etc.)

Question 8

What is 'Tribocharge'?

Chloe Warlow · Accepted Answer

To generate 'static' by the rubbing or separating of surfaces.

Question 9

What is 'Potential Difference'?

Chloe Warlow · Accepted Answer

A static voltage difference between two items.

Question 10

What does 'Earthing' myself actually do?

Chloe Warlow · Accepted Answer

It puts you at the same voltage potential as your E.P.A

Question 11

What happens if I don't 'Earth' myself?

Chloe Warlow · Accepted Answer

You may cause an E.S.D onto a component/PCB.

Question 12

Is a damaged component scrap?

Chloe Warlow · Accepted Answer

If a component has 'catastrophic' damage it will show up in a test. However, 'latent' damage may not appear as a failure until later; i.e. tomorrow, next week, next month or even next year.

Question 13

Why do I need to use the correct packaging?

Chloe Warlow · Accepted Answer

Using the correct packaging and materials not only protects your static sensitive components, but it can save you money too. If you use incorrect packaging then you could potentially cause damage to your device/component.

See our ESD bag range here.

Question 14

Why do I need a 'Metalised Shielding Bag'?

Chloe Warlow · Accepted Answer

If bags, holding static sensitive components, are to be handled outside of an EPA, they should be metalised shielding bags – a faraday cage. Metalised shielding bags can be an effective faraday cage, subject to the quality of material and physical condition.

See our metalised shielding bag range here.

Metalised Shielding Bag

Question 15

How should I use a 'Metalised Shielding Bag'?

Chloe Warlow · Accepted Answer

Do not crease the bag as this can breakdown the integrity of the metalised shield. You should not use any bags damaged with tears and / or punctures as these can destroy the function of the faraday cage. Metalised Shielding Bags can deteriorate with use, monitoring them for effectiveness is crucial.

See our metalised shielding bag range here.

Metalised Shielding Bag

Question 16

Why do I need an 'Antistatic Bag'?

Chloe Warlow · Accepted Answer

They should only be used for non-static sensitive components, e.g. Nuts, bolts, paper. These are the only acceptable ‘plastic’ bags in an EPA. They offer no effective protection against a contact ESD. Antistatic bags deteriorate with wear and time, monitoring them is very important.

Note: Ordinary plastic bags can generate and hold static charges in excess of 10,000v!

See our antistatic bag range here.

Antistatic Bag

Question 17

Why do I need a 'Moisture Barrier Bag'?

Chloe Warlow · Accepted Answer

Moisture barrier bags are designed for the packaging of SMD’s protecting them from moisture and static damage. Dry devices are placed inside the moisture barrier bag and the moisture-laden is evacuated.

See our moisture barrier bag range here.

Moisture Barrier Bag

Question 18

Do I need a 'Bench Top Ioniser'?

Chloe Warlow · Accepted Answer

Bench top ionisers are used to ensure a static free work area by neutralising static charge on insulated objects by producing a balanced source of positively and negatively charged ions. Its smaller size and lighter weight have made it more convenient to use which is great for workstations. See our bench top ioniser range here.

Question 19

Do I need an 'Overhead Ioniser'?

Chloe Warlow · Accepted Answer

Overhead ionisers ensure a static-free work area by neutralising static charge on insulated objects by producing a balanced source of positively and negatively charged ions. They are light-weight, quiet and are high-performing. The fans are independent of each other with individual controls and circuitry. These units have a built-in auto-balance feature with an out-of-balance alarm. See our overhead ionisers here.

Question 20

What's the difference between rubber and vinyl matting?

Chloe Warlow · Accepted Answer

Rubber matting should be used when you are working with chemicals and/or where high resistance to heat is required. It's very durable and can be easily cleaned. Vinyl matting provides excellent static dissipation and it's much more cost-effective opposed to rubber. It's great for table-top work surfaces and can be easily cut into shape. To view our ESD Matting range, please click here.

Question 21

How are electrostatic charges generated?

Chloe Warlow · Accepted Answer

Electrostatic charges are generated when two surfaces come into contact with each-other then separate apart.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-10453 size-full" src="https://www.bondline.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Electronic-Charge-Generation-1.jpg" alt="" width="763" height="189" />

Question 22

What is the ESD standard?

Chloe Warlow · Accepted Answer

BS EN 61340-5-1:2016

Question 23

Do I need to wear heel grounders on both feet?

Chloe Warlow · Accepted Answer

Yes, in accordance with IEWC 61340-5-1 ESD footwear must be worn on both feet. View our range of foot grounding products here. Or, see our bestselling foot grounding product below.

Question 24

Can we bring water bottles in an EPA?

Chloe Warlow · Accepted Answer

This is a tricky one and 2 points need to be considered.

1) If the water bottle is conductive and grounded then there is no issue.

2) If the water bottle is not conductive it may produce an electrostatic field. If this is the case then they need to be kept a safe distance from any electrostatic discharge sensitive device.

Question 25

What do we do if we cannot comply with IEC 61340 5-1 (ie floor resistance too high, manufacture a product with insulators)

Chloe Warlow · Accepted Answer

If the limits in IEC 61340 -5-1 are exceeded, the ESD control program shall include a tailoring. Tailoring is accomplished by evaluating the applicability of each requirement for the specific application. Upon completion of the evaluation, requirements may be added, modified or deleted. Tailoring decisions, including rationale and technical justification, shall be documented. (IEC 61340-5-1 5.1.3 Tailoring). An example of this may be that the resistance of a floor exceeds the parameters of the IEC 61340 standard (ie greater that Rg < 1,0 × 109) If you can show that your controls are fit for purpose and keep the electro static discharge sensitive device safe by not exceeding the HBV of 100V.

Question 26

What can we do if some of the tools within our production are insulators and create an electrostatic field that could be harmful to our components?

Chloe Warlow · Accepted Answer

There are 3 possible solutions:

1) If the electrostatic potential measured at the surface of the process required insulator exceeds 2,000 V, the item shall be kept a minimum of 30 cm from the ESDS; and 2) If the electrostatic potential measured at the surface of the process required insulator exceeds 125 V, the item shall be kept a minimum of 2,5 cm from the ESDS. 3) If the measured electrostatic field or surface potential exceeds the stated limits, ionization or other charge mitigating techniques shall be used.

Question 27

How can I find out how sensitive a component is?

Chloe Warlow · Accepted Answer

This is usually in the datasheets of the individual components. It is often referred to as human body voltage (HBV).

Question 28

Do we need to wear ESD footwear on an ESD floor?

Chloe Warlow · Accepted Answer

Yes – an ESD floor is part of a system for personal grounding. “For standing operations, personnel can be grounded via a wrist strap system or by a footwear-flooring system. When a footwear-flooring system is used, personnel shall wear ESD footwear on both feet and the two following conditions shall be met: • The total resistance of the system (from the person, through the footwear and flooring to ground) shall be less than 1,0 × 109 Ω; • The maximum body voltage generation shall be less than 100 V.” (IEC 61340-5-1 5.3.3) View our range of ESD shoes here.

Question 29

Can I use ESD signs within my EPA?

Chloe Warlow · Accepted Answer

No, these signs are made from an insulative material which can generate a static charge. This could potentially harm nearby static-sensitive objects and cause significant damage to them. It is recommended to use ‘ESD signs’ outside of an EPA environment- this could be near your EPA’s entrance. View our ‘ESD signs’ range here. ESD protection sign

Question 30

Is a constant monitor necessary to use?

Chloe Warlow · Accepted Answer

A constant monitor is highly recommended; however, it isn’t imperative to use one. When grounding yourself to Earth through the use of a wrist-strap, coil-cord and bonding plug, there’s a chance that you could become disconnected either from Earth, your wrist-strap, bench-mat or even the earth-to-ground system may be functioning incorrectly. This situation could happen at any stage whilst you are working. If you have no way of checking this, then you could be generating static charges and transferring them to static-sensitive devices which can cause damage. A constant monitor continuously monitors and identifies any problems with your wrist-strap, bench mat or the Earth whilst simultaneously checking the earth-to-ground system is working correctly. View our range of constant monitors here. ESD constant monitors

Question 31

Do I need to clean my bench mat?

Chloe Warlow · Accepted Answer

Yes, it is imperative to clean your bench mat regularly with an ESD bench mat cleaner. If your bench mat is dirty, your bench mat will become insulative which will generate static charges and transfer these charges to any static-sensitive device it comes into contact with. To check if your bench mat is dirty, we recommend using a Surface Resistivity Meter before using your mat to check its functionality. View our range of cleaning products by clicking here.

Question 32

Why do I need a surface resistivity meter?

Chloe Warlow · Accepted Answer

Surface resistivity meters are essential because they can check whether a surface is insulative, conductive or static-dissipative. They are used to measure surface resistivity and point-to-point resistance. It is vital that you regularly check your bench mat / floor mat with a surface resistivity meter to ensure it’s functioning correctly; if your matting is dirty, a surface resistivity meter can detect whether the surface has changed (usually from static-dissipative to insulative when the matting is dirty). Sometimes a dirty mat may not be clearly visible, so it’s best to check its surface before using it. View our surface resistivity meter here. Surface Resistance Meter (Half Decade)

Question 33

When wearing a heel strap, does the strap need to make direct contact with the skin?

Chloe · Accepted Answer

When wearing heel straps/foot grounders in an ESD Protected Area, it is recommended that the conductive ribbon should make direct contact with the skin for maximum effectiveness. However, a conductive ribbon may be placed inside a wearer's shoe underneath their sock to make electrical contact with the skin through perspiration. If the wearer chooses to place the ribbon underneath their sock, there are a few key factors you should consider. Socks can have varying material composition and thickness. Despite this, as long as the wearer's feet are producing a sufficient sweat layer, it will make their socks conduct providing a conductive layer between each foot (skin) and grounding ribbon. Before handling electronic static-sensitive devices, ensure you allow enough time to develop a good layer of sweat in order to make the sock conductive enough to effectively bond the skin to the ribbon. You can check the continuity of the foot grounder via a footwear tester. If you would prefer to wear ESD shoes then please view our range here.

Question 34

How do I apply a disposable heel strap?

Chloe · Accepted Answer

When applying a disposable heel strap, you should apply the strap within a static-controlled environment.

Step 1) Align the pressure-sensitive end of products with the front edge and centre of shoe heel.

Step 2) Peel the protective liner and mount the device. Press it firmly to the bottom of the heel.

Step 3) Wrap the contact ribbon of the heel grounder up the back of the shoe and lay it inside.

Step 4) Step into the shoe.

Step 5) Repeat steps one to four on the other shoe.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-8880 size-medium" src="https://www.bondline.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/HS4VS_24-300x300.jpg" alt="disposable heel strap" width="300" height="300" />

Question 35

How Do I Care For An ESD Floor?

Chloe Warlow · Accepted Answer

An ESD floor requires specialised care when it comes to cleaning. If you do not clean or maintain your antistatic floor, you could compromise the ESD properties of the floor. This could lead to expensive replacement costs of the damaged electronics and the floor itself. In order for your floor to perform its best long-term, cleaning it regularly with an ESD floor cleaner is essential. Our ESD floor cleaner is an excellent choice for removing contaminations of ESD flooring and eliminating static. Before using a floor cleaner, we recommend to brush/sweep your ESD floor with an ESD dustpan and broom to clear it of all sand, grit, debris, or dirt. ESD dustpans and brushes are usually made from static-safe materials such as ESD Polypropylene. The Black PP is formulated from anti-static raw material with no additional coating, making it permanently ESD safe. Most dustpan and brooms are made from high static materials – these should not be used in an electrostatic protected area. To protect your EPA from ESD damage, use our anti-static dustpan and broom. For ESD floor mats, we recommend using our KILLSTAT Floor Cleaner for optimum results. This cleaner is suitable for cleaning vinyl and rubber flooring materials. To remove water-based floor finishes, we recommend using our KILLSTAT Restorer/Cleaner. This is a non-toxic, bio-degradable solution which has been developed for cleaning ESD floors without affecting the ESD properties. Effective for cleaning any sealed or hard floor finish, lower the resistivity and return the floor to safe and proper specifications. View our full range of ESD floor treatment products by clicking here.

Killstat Restorer and Cleaner 1 Gallon | Bondline Electronics Ltd

Question 36

How Do I Care For An ESD Mat?

Chloe Warlow · Accepted Answer

Since dirt can behave as an insulator, it is important to regularly clean ESD mats before testing / monitoring the resistivity. Accumulated flux and residue creates a barrier on an ESD table mat, which inhibits the mat's ESD properties. This barrier, in effect, restricts the mat from being able to quickly dissipate the charge of the component or product being worked on. Cleaning will also ensure optimum electrical performance and, by regularly cleaning, you will maintain the original resistivity of the anti-static mat whilst extending its shelf-life. For ESD mats, we recommend using our Staticide Mat and Table Top Cleaner for optimum results. This non-abrasive formula is safe to use on workstations, table tops and anti-static mats, including rubber and vinyl. It is the ideal cleaner for areas in which static-sensitive devices are assembled, tested, and handled, but can also be used in areas that require a mild but effective cleaner. Mat & Table Top Cleaner is a non-flammable cleaner that leaves no film or streaks. It effectively removes flux residues, oily finger-marks, grease, nicotine, dirt, grime and inorganic contaminants. It also removes dirt on chair mats and other antistatic mats without degrading the surface’s antistatic properties. How To Use Staticide Mat and Table Top Cleaner: 1) Apply liberally to the areas to be cleaned. 2) Wait 2-3 minutes to allow emulsifiers to penetrate. 3) Then wipe it off. NEVER use alcohol or silicone-based products to clean an ESD mat. Alcohol will dry out the mat, while silicone will create an insulating barrier. Ultimately, both alcohol and silicone will corrode the mat's ESD properties. View our full range of ESD cleaning products by clicking here.

Question 37

How Do I Care For My ESD Lab Coat and Lab Jacket?

Chloe Warlow · Accepted Answer

To correctly maintain and clean your ESD smocks, you should wash the garment in warm or cool water, tumble dry with low heat (up to 60°C) or hang dry. We recommend to only use non-ionic softeners and detergents when laundering; do not use bleach to clean your clothes as this can erode the carbon threading. The ESD lab coat's and ESD lab jacket's fabric is constructed using 65% polyester, 32% cotton and 3% conductive yarn. The recommended washing guidance is a minimum of 60 industrial washes for an ESD lab coat and 50 industrial washes for an ESD lab jacket at a medium temperature. Size tolerance applies before washing. Washing can cause approximately 5% shrinkage for each garment, although this shouldn’t be noticeable or affect the static dissipative properties. Please note that the washing guidance can vary between each manufacturer. Reference washing ways GB12014-1989. In addition, lab coats and jackets should not be altered in any way. The lab coats’ and jackets’ effectiveness is in fully covering the human body– particularly at the wrists and front of the body. Altering the lab coat or jacket in any way will reduce its effectiveness. To discover why ESD Lab Coats and Jackets are essential for EPAs, click here. To view our full range of ESD clothes, click here. Bondline ESD Lab Jackets

Question 38

What Is An Electrostatic Protected Area (EPA)?

Chloe Warlow · Accepted Answer

An Electrostatic Protected Area, also known as an EPA, is a designated area where static is controlled under strict regulations. A static safe handling area could be a bench, a room or any other designated area and should not have any ‘static field’ greater than 100v maximum. Within this designated area, all surfaces, objects, people and ESD Sensitive Devices (ESDs) are kept at the same electrical potential. All surfaces, products and people are bonded to Ground. Bonding means linking, usually through a resistance of between 1 and 10 meg ohms. An EPA can be a small workstation or a large manufacturing area. These areas enable a safe environment for both operators and static-sensitive devices or components such as PCB boards that are prone to ESD damage. Equipment or products used within an EPA should qualify and comply to the IEC-61340-1-5 International Standard to ensure a safe, static-controlled environment. Everything that does not readily dissipate charge must be excluded from the EPA. Essential EPA Equipment When setting up your EPA consider using the following products: Bench Top Ionizer, Continuous Monitor, Surface Resistivity Meter, ESD Tape, Worksurface Mats, Ground Cords, Overhead Ionizers, Shielding Bags, ESD Signs and Labels, Aisle Marking Tapes, ESD Floor Mats, Anti-Static Wrist Straps, ESD Foot Grounders, ESD Smocks, ESD Floor Maintenance and Anti-Static Binders and Sheet Protectors.

Typical ESD Workstation Set Up

At Bondline Electronics, we are a leading manufacturer and supplier of Static Control products within the ESD Industry. Bondline offers an extensive range of ESD products to help you set-up your Electrostatic Protected Area (EPA). Discover our range of anti static products by clicking here.

Question 39

When Should I Consider Using ESD Flooring?

Chloe Warlow · Accepted Answer

ESD flooring is an essential grounding solution that many businesses’ use to prevent electrostatic discharge in their static safe environments. It is widely used for industrial static control since many items in these areas are sensitive to static therefore prevention methods are required. By grounding the charge, anti-static flooring prevents the ESD from building up and discharging into the environment; where it could be destructive to goods or dangerous to people. To dissipate static, or draw static charges away from people or objects, the floor in any static-sensitive environment must be grounded. For electronics manufacturing applications that require the use of ESD footwear it's fine to use charge-generating flooring materials like conductive vinyl. If you intend to carry electrostatic sensitive devices around with you within the EPA, you should consider using ESD flooring in conjunction with the appropriate ESD footwear or ESD heel grounders to ground any static charge. Antistatic flooring should be installed in high-traffic/high-use networked environments to minimise static charge and to provide additional protection against static damage. ESD flooring should be installed anywhere the threat of uncontrolled static electricity buildup and discharge is a concern and could jeopardise the performance and operation of electronics systems or the handling, assembly and repair of electronics. Click here to view our full range of ESD flooring.

Heavy Duty ESD Conductive Black Rubber Mat | Bondline Electronics Ltd

Question 40

What Are The Benefits Of Using ESD Flooring?

Chloe Warlow · Accepted Answer

Selecting a flooring for your business can be overwhelming with many to choose from; especially when you need to consider the materials, industry standards and requirements. Anti static flooring is often a beneficial choice for industries such as healthcare, electronics and military locations. Controls static discharge The main purpose of ESD flooring is to help reduce possible electrostatic discharge (ESD). ESD flooring is especially important within industries where static can cause interference or damage to employees and/or equipment. These can include: electronic and high tech areas, cleanrooms, operating theatres, classrooms and industrial areas. Excellent for high-traffic/high-use networked environments ESD flooring minimises static charge and provides additional protection against static damage. Grounds people and products ESD flooring ensures people and products are grounded in the static sensitive environment. Durable The majority of anti static floors are manufactured from hard-wearing and long-lasting materials such as rubber, tiles and vinyl. Low maintenance Both installation and care of ESD floors are generally extremely simple. Most ESD floors can often be placed over existing floors, interlock, and can be sealed easily with floor finish products. At Bondline, we offer the very best in pre-sales and after-sales service including a free floor audit, expert advice, full preparation and installation service, annual testing and calibration and a full cleaning and after-care service. Easy to clean An ESD floor requires specialised care when it comes to cleaning. If you do not clean or maintain your antistatic floor, you could compromise the ESD properties of the floor. This could lead to expensive replacement costs of the damaged electronics and the floor itself. In order for your floor to perform its best long-term you should use the appropriate floor treatments such as our ESD floor cleaner. Click here to view our full range of ESD flooring materials.

Question 41

What Is The Difference Between ESD and Anti Static Flooring?

Chloe Warlow · Accepted Answer

If you are looking for a flooring solution for your workplace that controls static charge, you may be wondering what the difference is between ESD and anti static flooring and which one to purchase. Ultimately, each type of flooring prevents a person from building up a charge as they walk across the floor so they do not get a shock when they touch something that conducts electricity. However, the top layer of an anti-static floor has a coating that dissipates static across its surface so you never build up enough charge to get a shock, whereas ESD is a much more robust solution because it is actually earthed. ESD flooring gives a much higher level of protection than anti-static matting. This is because it is actually grounded. The term anti-static refers to a very specific electrical resistance range of between 10⁹ and 10 to the 11 and only means that the floor itself will not generate static. It does not mean that the floor will eliminate static build up or dissipate static that may have already been built up in the body. This can only be achieved with a conductive (resistance range of between 10⁴ x 10⁶) or a dissipative (10⁷ to 10⁹) floor covering. In general, you will need an ESD floor if you are manufacturing, repairing, servicing, handling or using equipment that is susceptible to damage from electro-static discharge, typical sectors would include the manufacture of components for the electronics industry, aviation, automotive, IT, medical, oil and gas, telecoms and IT for example. For electronics manufacturing applications that require the use of ESD footwear it’s fine to use charge-generating flooring materials like conductive vinyl. Click here to view our full range of ESD Flooring.

Question 42

Can I Install Over An Existing Floor?

Chloe Warlow · Accepted Answer

In many cases it is possible depending on your current flooring. We recommend a site survey to establish whether this is possible or if your existing floor needs to be removed before the new ESD floor can be laid. If you would like to discuss this further with our team, please contact us and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Question 43

How Should I Set Up An ESD Workstation?

Chloe Warlow · Accepted Answer

Before setting up your ESD workstation, you will firstly need to refer to the most up to date IEC61340-5 standard which will give you all of the information you will need to set up an ESD workstation safely and within the current specification.

What do you need to set up your ESD workstation?

A Work Station. There are ESD protective workbenches, and selecting one would be the best practice. However, most companies use regular workbench. Materials used can vary, but it is best to use a workbench that is constructed of metal and wood, and not one containing large portions of high charging insulative plastic. A Working Surface Mat. Most workstations will use pliable ESD matting to cover the bench and be the ESD work-surface on which to handle ESD sensitive (ESDS) items. The mat needs to be grounded and the best practice is to use metal grounding hardware snaps and ground cords connecting the work-surface mat to the common point ground. The entire bench-top should be covered by the ESD mat. Matting can be conductive or dissipative. Per ANSI/ESD S20.20 the required limit is less than 1 x 10E9 ohms and ANSI/ESD S4.1, the work-surface standard, recommends a low limit of 1 x 10E6 ohms. Per S4.1 A Working Surface Mat Grounding Cord and/or a Floor Mat Grounding Cord. A basic ESD control rule is to ground all conductors including people at the ESD workstation. Grounding works great and will reliably remove ElectroStatic Charges to ground. A Common Ground Point - An Earth Bonding Point (EBP) Plug or Bracket. The first step in ensuring that everything in an EPA (ESD Protected Area) is at the same electrical potential is to ground all conductive components of the work area (work-surfaces, people, equipment, etc.) to the same electrical ground point. This point is called the common point ground. The next step in completing the ground circuit is to connect the common point ground to the equipment ground (third wire, green). Most locate the common point ground at the side edge of the workbench or towards the back of the bench-top. An ESD Wrist Strap. Most workers, required for sitting workers, will be grounded via a wrist strap. The wrist strap needs to be selected and there needs to be an adequate number of ground points available. Even if typically the workstation is for only one worker, more than one ground point should be available to ground an additional worker, supervisor, or other ESD control element. ESD Floor Matting. It is not required to have ESD flooring, but it could be selected to be low charging and/or a means to ground mobile equipment. Per S20.20, the required limit for Flooring is less than 1 x 10E9 ohms. For a standalone ESD workstation, a floor mat can be used with a ground cord connected to the workstation’s common point ground. We recommend conductive floor matting less than 1 x 10E6 ohms to be able to meet the Flooring/Footwear required limit of less than 3.5 x 10E7 ohms. Foot Grounders (or ESD Shoes) Instead of a wrist strap, a standing or mobile worker can be grounded using a Flooring/Footwear System. So ESD shoes or foot grounders can be selected. This means of personnel grounding requires both ESD flooring and ESD footwear. The ESD footwear is to be on both feet. Unless body voltage testing has been completed, the required limit per Compliance Verification ESD TR53 is of less than 3.5 x 10E7 ohms. The best practice is to use sole grounders or full coverage grounders and not heel grounders. Ionizers A bench-top ionizer or overhead ionizer can be selected to neutralize ElectroStatic charges at the workstation. This is the only ESD control method available to neutralize ElectroStatic charges on essential insulators or isolated conductors that may be at the workstation. The required limit per S20.20 is less than +/- 50 volts offset voltage (balance). In addition, the Discharge Times should be measured, both the time necessary to reduce +1,000 volts to +100 volts and the time necessary to reduce -1,000 volts to -100 volts. ESD Bags, ESD Packaging, and ESD Storage. Packaging and material handling containers at the ESD workstation should be low charging and have resistance (conductive or dissipative) so ElectroStatic charges can be removed to the ground. Shielding bags are also used additionally having the ESD control property of discharge shielding.

A Set-Up Of An ESD Workstation

Question 44

What Is Static Electricity?

Chloe Warlow · Accepted Answer

All items are made from small atoms. These atoms are made up of even smaller items called protons, neutrons and electrons. The protons are charged positive, the neutrons have no charge and the electrons are charged negative. Under normal conditions there are the same amount of protons and electrons giving atoms no charge. However, these electrons can move. When separating or rubbing together of materials, electrons can move from atom to atom or from one material to another (triboelectric charging). This can mean that atoms can hold a positive or negative charge, (dependent on movement and direction of electrons). If the material in question is an insulator, this charge can be held and not move. This is called static electricity. The rapid movement or decay of these charges can cause expensive problems, whether it is huge and dangerous charges such as lightening or simply an annoying (and sometimes painful) "electric shock" when touching a filing cabinet or when getting out of a car. (The charges are normally on you!). These charges can be a huge problem for small sensitive electronic devices. Some devices can be damaged or destroyed by as little as 10 volts. Charges on your body, simply by walking or even sitting at your chair, can be in excess of 5000 volts, (human body model). This can be caused by items of clothing rubbing together or by shoes separating from insulating flooring such as carpets. Imagine the damage this could cause. This is why it is important that insulators should be avoided and all possible static electricity generators (such as you) should (must) be grounded to eliminate any build up of charges.

Question 45

Are Wrist Straps Necessary If All Other ESD Precautions Are Taken?

Chloe Warlow · Accepted Answer

Wrist straps are not necessary if an operator is wearing two-foot grounders on a conductive grounded floor and doesn’t lift both heels/toes at the same time; like some people do when sitting down. If an operator is also wearing an ESD jacket but is not electrically connecting the jacket to either their body’s skin or ground, then the jacket is providing only partial protection. Charges on the jacket may have nowhere to go or discharge to if the jacket is not grounded. A popular way to ground the jacket is with a coil cord either attached to a snap on the waist area of the jacket or via a wrist strap snapped to the inside cuff of an ESD jacket. Click here to view our full range of ESD wrist straps.

Question 46

How Well Does Relative Humidity Of The Surrounding Atmosphere Control The ESD?

Chloe Warlow · Accepted Answer

The relative humidity (RH) directly affects the ability of a surface to store surface charges. The higher the RH, the less time an item will hold a charge. The method of surface charge reduction (due to increased RH) can be attributed to recombination and or conduction. As the RH increases, so does the natural conductivity of the air, but even at 100% RH the increase in the natural discharge rate cannot be substituted for proper ESD control practices.

Question 47

How Do ESD Wristbands Work?

Chloe Warlow · Accepted Answer

ESD wrist straps come in a variety of materials, but the general concept for each is the same; to provide a path for electrostatic ground. For an ESD control wrist strap to work, it is either connected to earth bonding points fitted into workstations, typically via 10 mm press studs, or come with a removable coiled cord and crocodile clip for mobile applications. The strap is fastened around your wrist using an adjustable band. The wristband should be worn snug to the skin with its coil cord connected to a common point ground which is connected to ground, preferably equipment ground. Typically, the alligator clip is attached to the computer or sensitive electronic device being worked on. An anti static strap must be connected to a grounding source like a bonding plug in conjunction with a ground lead in order for them to be effective. Once an ESD wrist strap has been secured to the wrist and connected to the earth bonding point or sensitive piece of equipment, you are safe to work without fear of ESD occurring. This allows you and your workforce to go about your daily tasks freely and drastically reduces the chances of static electricity building up. Working on PCB Bondline

Vinyl Bench Matting Workstation | Bondline Electronics Ltd

Question 48

Why Use An Anti Static Wristband?

Chloe Warlow · Accepted Answer

The goal of using ESD wrist straps is to safely provide a way for static electricity to dissipate without causing electrostatic damage. The less ESD events that occur the better. An ESD protected work environment will enhance safety which helps to increase efficiency and production. While ESD wrist straps are highly effective pieces of equipment, it’s always best to support safety initiatives with the addition of ESD mats and other essential supplies. Short-term investments in high-quality ESD gear will pay off in the long-term.

Operators should use an anti static wristband to ensure any static discharge has a way to go from themselves to the ground safely. Without wearing a wristband whilst working on a static sensitive device/component you could effectively transfer static discharge onto the item and cause significant damage. This can be very costly to replace and time-consuming.

By wearing a wrist strap, you are not only taking an important step to prevent ESD from inflicting damage but you are also setting an example to your peers and managers.

Question 49

How Often Should An Anti Static Wrist Strap Be Replaced?

Chloe Warlow · Accepted Answer

There is no specific rule on a lifespan of a wrist strap. Any company policies should be followed on replacements but a good general rule of thumb is to look at the overall use, possible wear and cleanliness of your individual wrist strap.

Often companies determine a guideline on replacing them annually, semi-annually or quarterly.

This small change can often feel good for those that use a wrist strap daily and especially those who share a wrist strap at a common workbench or workstation.

It can be a small investment in employee satisfaction to have an upgrade to the tools and equipment on a regular basis. Replacing a wrist strap can be a small but strong signal from management that the company cares about proper ESD procedures.

Question 50

Which Arm Should Wristbands Be Worn On?

Chloe Warlow · Accepted Answer

Which wrist you decide to wear your anti static wrist strap on is often a matter of personal preference.

If you have the grounding point for the wrist strap cord on your left you may find wearing the wrist strap on your left makes the most sense. That way the cord isn’t dragging across your work.

However, you may find that it is better for you to move the grounding point to your right and then wear the wrist strap on your right hand.

Question 51

How has Brexit impacted Bondline?

Chloe Warlow · Accepted Answer

Please read our blog post 'Brexit and Bondline' to see how Brexit has impacted Bondline in terms of costs, delays, time and more. Brexit

Question 52

What is Bondline's delivery information?

Chloe Warlow · Accepted Answer

To find out all of our delivery information, click here. Forklift Process In Bondline Warehouse

Question 53

What is Bondline's returns policy?

Chloe Warlow · Accepted Answer

To find all of our information about our returns policy, please click here.

Question 54

What is Bondline's privacy policy?

Chloe Warlow · Accepted Answer

To read about our privacy policy, please click here.

Question 55

Do you offer price matching?

Chloé Warlow · Accepted Answer

Our quality focus is also at affordable and competitive prices, due to our extensive range of products, if you find a product cheaper elsewhere, please ask about our price matching. It could also be the product is not of the same quality. We can offer discounts on volume orders. Please get in touch to discuss.

Question 56

Where can I find your terms and conditions?

Chloé Warlow · Accepted Answer

Our terms and conditions can be found here.

Question 57

Do you provide discounts?

Chloé Warlow · Accepted Answer

At Bondline, we strive to offer affordable and competitive prices across our extensive product range for our customers. Throughout the year, we offer many types of discounts for our products. Additionally, all Bondline email subscribers will receive exclusive offers in our monthly newsletters before anyone else. To keep updated on our special discounts, sign up to our email newsletter today. You can also find discounted products on our Special Offers and Clearance page where we have a wide range of products on offer.

Question 58

How do ionizers work?

Chloé Warlow · Accepted Answer

Air Ionization systems work by flooding the atmosphere with positive and negative ions. When the ionized air comes in contact with a charged surface, the surface attracts ions of the opposite polarity. As a result the static electricity that has built up on products and equipment is neutralised. Ions do remove small particles or smoke and pollens from the air, and subjective research suggest that people working in ionized area are happier. Bondline’s ionizers eliminate the build-up of static charges on non-conductors, ensuring a static-free work area. Ionizers generate positive and negative ions which neutralise any static charges on insulating materials which cannot be grounded in the normal way. They are ideal for electronics industries which work with static-sensitive electrical components or devices. We offer a range of ionizers to suit your requirements including:

Bench Top Ionizers.
Horizontal Ionizers.
Overhead Ionizers 3-Fan and 4-Fan.
Premium Ion Gun and Controller.
Ionising Air Snake.
Zero Stat Gun.

Click here to view our full range of Ionizers.

ESD Ionisers - 4 Fan Ioniser, Ionising Gun, Bench Top Ioniser

Question 59

Why are ionizers important to use?

Chloé Warlow · Accepted Answer

The most significant environmental factor in ESD Control is the relative humidity (Rh). When humidity in the working environment decreases, the human body and other insulators can easily charge with static electricity due to friction. The air itself, being dry, becomes a part of the electrostatic build-up mechanism, every time an air flow (wind, air conditioning, blower) come over an insulated surface. Relative Humidity shall be maintained over 30%. Below that value it is recommended the use of ionization. Conductors: Materials that easily transfer electrons (or charge) are called conductors and are said to have “free” electrons. Some examples of conductors are metals, carbon and the human body’s sweat layer. Grounding works effectively to remove electrostatic charges from conductors to ground. However, the item grounded must be conductive. Insulators: Materials that do not easily transfer electrons are called insulators and are by definition non-conductors. Some well known insulators are common plastics and glass. An insulator will hold the charge and cannot be grounded and “conduct” the charge away. Both conductors and insulators may become charged with static electricity and discharge. Grounding is a very effective ESD control tool; however, only conductors (conductive or dissipative) can be grounded. Insulators, by definition, are non-conductors and therefore cannot be grounded. Insulators can be controlled by doing the following within an EPA:

Keep insulators a minimum of 31cm from ESD items at all times or
Replace regular insulative items with an ESD protective version or
Periodically apply a coat of topical antistat

When none of the above is possible, the insulator is termed “process essential” and therefore neutralisation using an ioniser should become a necessary part of the ESD control programme. An ioniser creates great numbers of positively and negatively charged ions. Fans help the ions flow over the work area. Ionisation can neutralise static charges on an insulator in a matter of seconds, thereby reducing their potential to cause ESD damage. Note: Ionisers require periodic cleaning of emitter pins and the offset voltage must be kept in balance. Otherwise, instead of neutralising charges, if it is producing primarily positive or negative ions, the ioniser will place an electrostatic charge on items that are not grounded. Click here to view our full range of ESD Ionizers.

Question 60

When do you need ionisation?

Chloé Warlow · Accepted Answer

The primary function of an ioniser is to neutralise electrostatic charges on insulators and isolated (non-grounded) conductors to reduce the magnitude of electrostatic discharges in the ESD protected area. A common example of insulators and isolated conductors is a populated circuit board where the board is a process essential insulator and often components on the board are isolated (non-grounded) conductors. Most companies handling electronics have such sub-assemblies in their products. Also as electronic components become more ESD sensitive, many companies will want to add ionisers to improve their previously acceptable ESD control program. If the ESD control program has not used ionization then that should be considered. If the ESD sensitive items becomes charged, ionization will help neutralize the charge. The primary function of ionizers with regard to ESD sensitive items include:

To remove / neutralize charges from process necessary insulators, which can charge ESD sensitive items, thus creating the potential for a damaging Charged Device Model event.
Remember that the PCB substrate is a process necessary insulator and can become charged during automated handling processes.
To remove / neutralize charges from a charged, isolated/floating conductor, which, when grounded can result in a potentially damaging CDM event.
Remember that during automated handling processes, the ESD sensitive devices on the PCB are isolated or floating conductors.

Bondline provide a full range of ESD Ionizers to help to eliminate the build-up of static charges on non-conductors, ensuring a static-free work area. Click here to browse the range.

Question 61

How much will delivery cost?

Chloé Warlow · Accepted Answer

There are many factors that can affect the total delivery cost, including the weight of the item(s), the location the product will be delivered to, etc. Generally, our delivery pricing is as follows:

Orders under £100 net - £7.00 shipping to UK mainland EX VAT (Subject to products available to order and heavy shipments.)
Orders over £100 net - Free shipping to UK mainland EX VAT (Subject to products available to order and heavy shipments.)
We can also offer free delivery based on large volume orders. If you wish to discuss this with us, please contact sales@bondline.co.uk.

To discuss overseas delivery cost or if you require more information, please contact us on tel: 01793 511000 or email: sales@bondline.co.uk. Read More

Question 62

Can I cancel a delivery?

Chloé Warlow · Accepted Answer

If your order has been processed it may be too late to cancel your delivery, please contact us as soon as possible. If the order has been dispatched, you can return it at your cost for a refund / credit note. If you have a specific day request for delivery we will endeavour to deliver on your requested day. Read More

Question 63

Can I request a delivery date?

Chloé Warlow · Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, this is not a service that we are able to offer at present. But if you make a request in order notes we will endeavour to deliver on this date. Read More

Question 64

Do I have to be there to sign for my delivery?

Chloé Warlow · Accepted Answer

Deliveries made by courier will always require a signature. Read More

3 Spot	4 Spot	6 Spot
The indicator spots on the HICs change colour from blue to pink as humidity increases and from pink to blue as humidity decreases.	The indicator spots on the HICs change colour from blue to pink as humidity increases and from pink to blue as humidity decreases.	The indicator spots on the HICs change colour from blue to pink as humidity increases and from pink to blue as humidity decreases.

Free Technical Advice

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A

Air conductivity

Air ions

Air ioniser

Antistatic

Auxiliary ground

B

Bonding

Breakaway force

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Why do I need to use the correct packaging?

Why do I need a ‘Metalised Shielding Bag’?

How should I use a ‘Metalised Shielding Bag’?

Why do I need an ‘Antistatic Bag’?

Why do I need a ‘Moisture Barrier Bag’?

How do Humidity Indicator Cards work?

How Do Humidity Indicator Cards Work?

C

Catastrophic failure

Charge decay

Charge induction

Charged plate monitor (CPM)

Common connection point

Common ground point

Compliance verification (periodic)

Compliance verification equipment (periodic testing)

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Component failure

Conductive flooring material

Conductive material

Conductive

Conductor

Conductivity

Corriplast

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