ESD precautions

I went in to my local computer shop the other day to ask if I could buy all the relavent anti-ESD stuff. They then told me that due to advances in chip design etc, the only ESD precautions I need and indeed they use are essentially not wearing too much wool. This can't be right can it?

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RussS

Load of BS

I regularly see RAM sticks toasted due to improper handling. While I do not always follow the rules and use an antistatic strap when working on PCs I always strip laptops on my special workbench and make sure with PCs that I balance the charge by shorting myself to the chassis prior to handling components.

I can tell you something for free - I would not buy anything from that computer store

Southgate

That's what I thought slightly worrying my parents bought a PC from there, wonder how long it'll last?!

Ricka182

Agreed. Though the technologies of today have made it less likely, it certainly still happens as Russ said. I use a 2 sq. ft pad for laptops and sensitive parts, but I'll admit I never use a grounding strap. They're usually too small for my gorilla wrists...........

Plantwiz

Yes ESD is still a problem.

Some computer shops (newer ones) tend to build their workspaces to minimize ESD and their young staff thinks nothing of it nor the damages that can creep up years down the road.

TheShadow

Just remember that the average person has 400 volts on them most of the time just from moving through the air. You don't become aware of static until it affects skin hair movement at about 2-3000 volts. Even with proper precautions ESD still costs the electronics industry over a billion dollars U.S. annually. Think what the untallied cost is from statements like the one that you were given. Damaged RAM chips may not show the effects for up to six months when metal migration around the damaged area takes its toll.

Here is an excellent set of electron microscope pictures.

http://www.static-sol.com/library/articles/ESD_damage.htm

DirtySouth

Wow...thats funny that they would tell you that. Does anyone know where a good place to buy a rubber mat for a workbench would be? I would assume Ebay possibly, but figured I'd ask.

BubbaJ

DirtySouth wrote:

Wow...thats funny that they would tell you that. Does anyone know where a good place to buy a rubber mat for a workbench would be? I would assume Ebay possibly, but figured I'd ask.

http://www.google.com/search?q=esd+supplies&start=0&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official

DirtySouth

BubbaJ wrote:

DirtySouth wrote:

Wow...thats funny that they would tell you that. Does anyone know where a good place to buy a rubber mat for a workbench would be? I would assume Ebay possibly, but figured I'd ask.

http://www.google.com/search?q=esd+supplies&start=0&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official

Wow...thanks for showing me how amazing Google is. Are there any sites in particular that you recommend?

TheShadow

Well I see that you made new member mistake number 2. One was forgetting that google is your friend and two is forgetting that techexams is an international site. We don't know where you are from. I like Boltron kits and they have two; one fits in your pocket at about six ounces and the other fits in a brief case. Stanley tools is a good distribtor in the U.S.

http://www.stanleysupplyservices.com/product-group.aspx?id=1438

If you prefer 3M then ...

http://www.stanleysupplyservices.com/product-group.aspx?id=1422

or

http://www.stanleysupplyservices.com/product-group.aspx?id=1423

If some idiot sends you something shipped in a box of foam peanuts then I recommend a bottle of lotion also as those things never come off with static cling. Lotion is cheaper than anti static gloves that always get lost.

http://www.stanleysupplyservices.com/product-group.aspx?id=1671

edit: forgot that you wanted work bench mats

http://www.stanleysupplyservices.com/product-group.aspx?id=9253

Cheers

Plantwiz

DirtySouth wrote:

BubbaJ wrote:

DirtySouth wrote:

Wow...thats funny that they would tell you that. Does anyone know where a good place to buy a rubber mat for a workbench would be? I would assume Ebay possibly, but figured I'd ask.

http://www.google.com/search?q=esd+supplies&start=0&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official

Wow...thanks for showing me how amazing Google is. Are there any sites in particular that you recommend?

Perhaps if you would have indicated what you have already looked at someone who bothers to help you will know where to start making recommendations.

As "TheShadow" kindly already mentioned, this is an international site. Please do not assume that all the members are from your home country. In which case, if a member makes a suggestion for a product you cannot import, you'll likely be PO'd about that.

Next time a simple 'Thank You" would be the more appropriate reply.

FWIW

DirtySouth

TheShadow wrote:

Well I see that you made new member mistake number 2. One was forgetting that google is your friend and two is forgetting that techexams is an international site. We don't know where you are from. I like Boltron kits and they have two; one fits in your pocket at about six ounces and the other fits in a brief case. Stanley tools is a good distribtor in the U.S.

Thanks allot for the helpful suggestions. I'll take a look.

BTW, I'm by no means "new" to forums at all. I just get a little irritated when I see people throw google at someone who asks a simple question. If we always do that then there really isn't any point in having discussion forum.

Thanks Again!

Southgate

Cheers for the advice guys. I'm slightly worried about the memory I installed that day now. I'll have to get the anti-static kit for next time.