What is Static Electricity?

Lightning and sparks from a metallic doorknob during a dry month are examples of static electricity. The magnitude
of static charge is dependent on many variables, among them the size, shape, material composition, surface characteristics and humidity.

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is the sudden flow of electricity between two electrically charged objects caused by contact, an electrical short, or dielectric breakdown.

ESD has several causes, but static electricity and electrostatic induction are the most common. Static electricity is often produced through tribocharging, while electrostatic induction results from the rearrangement of electrical charges as an object. Generally, tribocharging results when the surface of an object gains negative electrons as another object loses electrons and becomes positively charged. When opposite charged objects come into contact with each other, electrons transfer energy and then separate, creating a type of contact electrification of electrical charges.

ESD causes two types of electrical equipment damage, as follows:

•  Catastrophic: Creates permanent damage
•  Upset failure: Nearly undetectable. Damages components, but there may be a degree of continued equipment performance.

To avoid ESD, we at CelMetro follow procedures to reduce or eliminate electrical current. We do not use any materials in our repair centers that has a potential high ESD buildup. Additionally, we have installed special anti-static mat which is grounded and helps in blocking ESD.

We also use additional tools and equipments which are ESD compliant that protects electronic components in your device:

•  Ground bracelets or anti-static wrist strap: Worn on the wrist and attached to a ground conductor, such as a ground mat or ESD table. Safely directs static electricity to the ground.
•  Ground or anti-static mat: Plugs into an outlet to provide a grounding surface used to absorb static electricity.
•  Static shielding bag: Protects electronic components from static buildup via an anti-static agent or material.