That shock you felt is an Electrostatic Discharge event. Lightning is an example of an Electrostatic Discharge event that occurs in nature.
What is real meaning of Electrostatic Discharge or ESD?
According to Electrostatic Discharge Association (ESDA, www.ESDA.org), Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) is the rapid, spontaneous transfer of electrostatic charge induced by a high electrostatic field. Usually, the charge flows through a spark between two bodies at different electrostatic potentials as they approach one another.
What causes ESD? And tips on how to avoid it.
The contact and separation between our shoes and the floor cause electrostatic charges to buildup on our bodies. This electrostatic charge buildup transfers very quickly to the doorknob when we touch it, because of the different electrostatic potential between us and the door knob. This transfer, or “spark” is ESD.
We are constantly creating electrostatic charges and discharges. We create electrostatic charges when we are walking, getting out of the car, pushing a grocery cart in the supermarket, etc. Then there are always discharges through objects we contact. The difference in electrostatic potentials creates discharges (ESD events) through very small air gaps between our bodies and those objects we contact.
Most of the time, we don’t a feel static shock because the electrostatic charge is too low. Most people can feel an electrostatic discharge (ESD) at about 2,000-3,000 Volts, depending on their sensitivity.
ESD can be a nuisance but is not generally health risk.
Attention!!! It can be an explosion risk if there is a spark near by flammable atmospheres. (While putting fuel into your car)
Here is a tip to try during the wintertime to avoid or reduce the severity of a static shock. Using a key or a coin, touch the doorknob or metal object before touching it with your hand.
Millions of Dollars loss cause of Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)!!!
Industry pays a price for ESD problem. There are thousands of cases of ESD damage to sensitive product such as semiconductor, hard disk, electronics and etc. Some cases pays millions of dollars without notice. Loose their customer because reliability issue in the field. Product doesn’t work went out the door.
So we have to know and learn more about Electrostatic Discharge (ESD), their cause of effect, prevention, control and finally ESD solutions to fix ESD issue.
