7.6. Ionization & Insulator Control
Grounding only works for conductors. Insulators (plastic housings, connector bodies, circuit board fiberglass) cannot be grounded; charge stays on them until it naturally decays (hours/days) or discharges into a sensitive component.
Active Neutralization (Ionization)
- Requirement: Ionizers (overhead fans or point-of-use snakes) are mandatory at stations where essential insulators are handled (e.g., final assembly into plastic cases).
- Performance Limits:
- Decay Time: 1000V to 100V in < 2 seconds.
- Offset Voltage (Balance): The ionizer must produce a balanced stream (± 35V). If the ionizer becomes unbalanced, it charges the product.
Packaging & Handling
- Shielding: ESDS (Electrostatic Discharge Sensitive) items must be transported in Metal-In Shielding Bags (Silver). Pink Poly (Dissipative) bags are only for non-sensitive items; they do not shield against external fields.
- Carts: Transport carts must have drag chains or conductive casters to maintain electrical contact with the ESD floor.