User Manual Part 1

Chapter 1: Safety and Certification Draft: 8/13 3
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Warnings
What is ESD?
ESD can be generated and stored in a person’s body through
routine activity, forming a charge. If this static electric charge
does not dissipate before the person handles electronic
equipment, it can be discharged into equipment and cause
damage to electrostatic-sensitive components. ESD damage
can be catastrophic; more often it subtly degrades the
performance of equipment over time.
The following symbol in Figure 1 indicates that the unit is
sensitive to electrostatic discharge.
Figure 1
Figure 1ESD Symbol
Prevention
Observe the following precautions to prevent damage from ESD
while handling electrostatic-static devices.
• When handling electrostatic-sensitive devices, use a
standard wrist strap and grounding wire. Connect the
grounding wire securely to the equipment chassis, frame or
ground.
• When an electrostatic-sensitive device is not mounted, it
must be stored in a sealed protective package approved for
that purpose. The package should be clearly marked with an
ESD warning and symbol.
• When working on an electrostatic device work bench, a
grounded dissipative workmat must be used on all work
surfaces and the technician must wear the grounded
wrist strap.