You have probably heard of ESD safe lighting before but may not know what it means or fully understand the impact ESD can have on you or your work process. This blog explains exactly what ESD is and why it is important.
What is ESD?
ESD is short for electrostatic discharge. Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) is the release of static electricity caused by the build-up of charge between two objects. This release of electricity can include different types of electric discharges from static electricity shocks to lightning bolts.
What are the effects of ESD?
ESD can disrupt the normal functioning of electronic devices. It reduces the reliability and life of electronics. ESD causes small electronic shocks that are barely noticeable to humans, similar to static electricity shocks; however, they have the potential to destroy electronic devices or electronic parts within products.
Why is ESD protection important?
There are two types of damage that can be caused as a result of ESD. The first is when the product fails immediately, and the damage is permanent. The second is when the product continues to function after the ESD related incident, but the product's efficiency deteriorates over time. It can often not be easy to detect this kind of damage as the product continues to perform for a certain period of time; however, ultimately its operating life is cut short.
What are ESD precautions?
There are a number of different measures that can be taken to prevent ESD, including wearing a grounded wrist strap, using ESD safe mats and the use of anti-static or ESD safe tools and equipment.
Giving extra attention to ESD safety is extremely important for industries that deal with sensitive electronic equipment. In these types of industries, ESD protected areas should be set up to identify items that are vulnerable, including workbenches, tools, and equipment. This type of process includes setting up a workspace with adequate protection from ESD.
How does ESD protection work in lighting?
Designed and engineered for working in electrostatic safe areas, Daylight Company ESD magnifiers and lamps use carbon fibre and special conductive coatings to guarantee 100% ESD compliance. The lenses used in the Daylight ESD magnifier range are made from optical quality, low iron glass and are fully ESD safe. Daylight use the best materials that are specially selected for their strength, performance, and reliability in demanding environments.
