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.

7.6.1 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.

7.6.2 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.

Final Checklist

Control	Limit	Maintenance Interval
Ionizer Decay	< 2.0 Seconds	Quarterly Calibration
Ionizer Balance	± 35 Volts	Quarterly Calibration
Shielding Bags	Metal-In Required	Visual Check
Cart Grounding	< $1.0 \times 10^9$ Ohms	Monthly Probe