Teledyne API T803 CO2/O2 Analyzer Operation Manual A Primer on Electro-Static Discharge
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Always store sensitive components and assemblies in anti-ESD storage bags
or bins: Even when you are not working on them, store all devices and
assemblies in a closed anti-Static bag or bin. This will prevent induced charges
from building up on the device or assembly and nearby static fields from
discharging through it.
Use metallic anti-ESD bags for storing and shipping ESD sensitive
components and assemblies rather than pink-poly bags. The famous, pink-
poly bags are made of a plastic that is impregnated with a liquid (similar to liquid
laundry detergent) which very slowly sweats onto the surface of the plastic
creating a slightly conductive layer over the surface of the bag.
While this layer may equalizes any charges that occur across the whole bag, it
does not prevent the build up of static charges. If laying on a conductive,
grounded surface, these bags will allow charges to bleed away but the very
charges that build up on the surface of the bag itself can be transferred through
the bag by induction onto the circuits of your ESD sensitive device. Also, the
liquid impregnating the plastic is eventually used up after which the bag is as
useless for preventing damage from ESD as any ordinary plastic bag.
Anti-Static bags made of plastic impregnated with metal (usually silvery in color)
provide all of the charge equalizing abilities of the pink-poly bags but also, when
properly sealed, create a Faraday cage that completely isolates the contents from
discharges and the inductive transfer of static charges.
Storage bins made of plastic impregnated with carbon (usually black in color) are
also excellent at dissipating static charges and isolating their contents from field
effects and discharges.
Never use ordinary plastic adhesive tape near an ESD sensitive device or to
close an anti-ESD bag. The act of pulling a piece of standard plastic adhesive
tape, such as Scotch® tape, from its roll will generate a static charge of several
thousand or even tens of thousands of volts on the tape itself and an associated
field effect that can discharge through or be induced upon items up to a foot
away.

13.4.2. BASIC ANTI-ESD PROCEDURES FOR ANALYZER REPAIR AND

MAINTENANCE

13.4.2.1. WORKING AT THE INSTRUMENT RACK
When working on the analyzer while it is in the instrument rack and plugged into
a properly grounded power supply
1. Attach you anti-ESD wrist strap to ground before doing anything else.
Use a wrist strap terminated with an alligator clip and attach it to a bare metal
portion of the instrument chassis.
This will safely connect you to the same ground level to which the instrument
and all of its components are connected.
2. Pause for a second or two to allow any static charges to bleed away.
07276B DCN6418