Major Sources of Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) in the Electronics Industry

The electronics industry is a high-risk zone for electrostatic discharge (ESD), where sensitive components are vulnerable during manufacturing, assembly, and handling. Electrostatic charges can accumulate to dangerously high voltages (1.5–35 kV) during common processes such as:

• Testing, soldering, heating, drying

• Cleaning, inspection, handling

• Packaging, transportation, and storage

Human operators and electronic components themselves are primary ESD sources. Without proper anti-static measures, charged personnel or devices can cause catastrophic failure or latent defects in semiconductors, PCBs, and microelectronics. Additionally, environmental factors—such as work surfaces, flooring, clothing, and packaging materials—can generate harmful static electricity.

Common ESD Sources in Electronics Manufacturing (Based on U.S. Military Standards)

1. Work Surfaces & Materials

• Waxed, painted, or varnished surfaces

• Standard vinyl materials

• Plastics (unmodified for ESD control)

• Sealed concrete floors

2. Flooring

• Waxed or painted wood floors

• Standard vinyl tiles/sheets

3. Personnel & Clothing

• Standard cleanroom garments

• Synthetic fiber clothing (e.g., polyester, rayon)

• Non-ESD footwear

• Cotton clothing (below 30% RH – becomes highly triboelectric)

4. Seating & Furniture

• Painted wooden chairs

• Vinyl or fiberglass chairs

5. Packaging & Handling

• Non-ESD plastic bags, envelopes, bubble wrap

• Standard plastic trays, carriers, transport boxes

• Non-conductive IC storage tubes and component bins

6. Tools & Equipment

• Ungrounded soldering irons

• Synthetic bristle brushes

• Air compressors, spray cleaners

• Solder suckers (non-ESD safe)

7. Assembly & Testing Areas

• Solvent-based cleaning/drying systems

• Ovens, reflow soldering equipment

• Cryogenic sprays, hot air guns

• Sandblasting, photocopiers

8. Component Carriers & Logistics

• Non-ESD chip trays, tooling fixtures

• Conveyors, storage cabinets (non-grounded)

9. High-Voltage Equipment

• Ungrounded metal parts

• Devices inducing electrostatic induction