ESD Basics
What does ESD stand for?
Electrostatic Discharge
What’s Rule #1 of ESD control?
Handle ESDS items at an approved static-control workstation. (Ref: 7.5.2.1)
What type of packaging is required anytime an ESDS item is transported?
ESD protective packaging
Most important ESD control device?
Personnel wrist strap. (Ref: 7.5.5.5)
True or False: Wrist straps are one of the most effective methods to control ESD.
✅ True.
When properly grounded and tested, personnel wrist straps are the primary defense against ESD during handling of sensitive devices.
What is the purpose of T.O. 00-25-234 Ch. 7?
Establish control measures to prevent ESD damage to electronic parts.
Name the 3 main parts of a static workstation.
Work surface, wrist strap, common-point ground. (Ref: 7.5.5)
What’s a Faraday Cage?
Conductive enclosure providing electrostatic shielding. (Ref: 7.4.2)
When must wrist straps not be worn?
When working on energized parts. (Ref: 7.5.5.5 Note)
True or False: Higher humidity solves all ESD problems.
False. While humidity can help reduce static charge, it does not eliminate ESD risk — it only reduces its severity. Low humidity aggravates existing ESD issues but high humidity alone cannot prevent them.
What voltage can a person generate walking across carpet?
Up to 35,000 volts. (Ref: 7.3.2, Table 7-2)
What must be done before using an ESD mat?
Proper way to seal an ESD bag in-house?
Fold and tape with non-charge-generating tape. (Ref: 7.5.5.14.1 b)
Wrist strap resistance range?
1–10 MΩ. (Ref: 7.5.5.13.2)
True or False: If an assembly passes final test, it means the components were handled correctly.
False. ESD may cause latent damage that passes initial tests but fails later under stress, vibration, or normal operating voltages.
What’s the lowest voltage that can damage modern circuits?
25 volts. (Ref: 7.3.3.2)
Resistance range for static-dissipative materials?
1 × 10⁶ to 1 × 10⁹ ohms. (Ref: 7.5.3)
What material must NOT be used for cushioning?
Plastic or insulative materials. (Ref: 7.5.5.14.1 a)
Purpose of static shoes and floors?
Drain static when used together. (Ref: 7.5.5.9)
True or False: Using ESD mats automatically prevents all ESD events.
False. Mats must be properly grounded, cleaned, and verified. Without regular testing or correct use, they provide a false sense of safety.
Name three types of ESD failures.
Catastrophic, Intermittent, Latent. (Ref: 7.3.5)
Function of an ionizer?
Neutralizes static on non-conductive or ungrounded items. (Ref: 7.5.5.7)
Which MIL-STD governs shipment packaging?
MIL-STD-2073-1. (Ref: 7.5.5.14 d)
Why doesn’t humidity alone fix ESD issues?
It reduces but doesn’t eliminate charge. (Ref: 7.3.6)
True or False: Most ESD damage occurs at voltages too low for humans to feel.
✅ True.
Damage can occur around 25 V, but people usually don’t feel discharge until 3,500 V or higher — meaning ESD events often go unnoticed.