ESD precautions

SouthgateSouthgate Member Posts: 5 ■□□□□□□□□□
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?

Comments

  • RussSRussS Member Posts: 2,068 ■■■□□□□□□□
    Load of BS icon_wink.gif

    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 icon_wink.gif
    www.supercross.com
    FIM website of the year 2007
  • SouthgateSouthgate Member Posts: 5 ■□□□□□□□□□
    That's what I thought slightly worrying my parents bought a PC from there, wonder how long it'll last?!
  • Ricka182Ricka182 Member Posts: 3,359
    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...........
    i remain, he who remains to be....
  • PlantwizPlantwiz Mod Posts: 5,057 Mod
    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.
    Plantwiz
    _____
    "Grammar and spelling aren't everything, but this is a forum, not a chat room. You have plenty of time to spell out the word "you", and look just a little bit smarter." by Phaideaux

    ***I'll add you can Capitalize the word 'I' to show a little respect for yourself too.

    'i' before 'e' except after 'c'.... weird?
  • TheShadowTheShadow Member Posts: 1,057 ■■■■■■□□□□
    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
    Who knows what evil lurks in the heart of technology?... The Shadow DO
  • DirtySouthDirtySouth Member Posts: 314 ■□□□□□□□□□
    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.
  • BubbaJBubbaJ Member Posts: 323
    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
  • DirtySouthDirtySouth Member Posts: 314 ■□□□□□□□□□
    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?
  • TheShadowTheShadow Member Posts: 1,057 ■■■■■■□□□□
    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
    Who knows what evil lurks in the heart of technology?... The Shadow DO
  • PlantwizPlantwiz Mod Posts: 5,057 Mod
    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
    Plantwiz
    _____
    "Grammar and spelling aren't everything, but this is a forum, not a chat room. You have plenty of time to spell out the word "you", and look just a little bit smarter." by Phaideaux

    ***I'll add you can Capitalize the word 'I' to show a little respect for yourself too.

    'i' before 'e' except after 'c'.... weird?
  • DirtySouthDirtySouth Member Posts: 314 ■□□□□□□□□□
    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!
  • SouthgateSouthgate Member Posts: 5 ■□□□□□□□□□
    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.
Sign In or Register to comment.