Optimal humidity protects against static electricity

DRAABE NanoFog In-Room High Pressure Humidifiier

In-room humidity

Controlling humidity reduces static electricity

Maintaining a constant, optimal level of humidity is an effective way of preventing the build-up of static electricity in production environments. At an optimal relative humidity of 50%–55%, the conductivity of the air and material surfaces is increased to such an extent that electrical charges can be safely dissipated.

Static charges can lead to serious damage, poor product quality and high costs in various manufacturing and production areas. Problems with electrostatic discharge occur particularly frequently in the electronics industry. However, electrostatic discharge also significantly hinders production in the processing of paper, plastics, textiles, packaging and pharmaceutical products.

Protect against static electricity

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Humidity increases the conductivity of the air

The lower the relative humidity in a room, the greater the build-up of static electricity. The commonly held belief that humid air conducts electricity better than dry air is incorrect. In fact, humid air causes ions to accumulate more readily, making them heavier and less mobile within an electric field. At an optimal relative humidity of 50%–55%, the conductivity of the air and material surfaces is increased to such an extent that electrical charges can be dissipated without any problems.

The rapid discharge process at high humidity is explained by the fact that a thin film of moisture forms on the materials, making the surface sufficiently conductive to prevent a dangerous build-up of charges. Electronic components and assemblies are protected against semiconductor failures and long-term consequences. Materials such as paper, films and textile fibres no longer stick together and hinder machine throughput. As electrostatically charged surfaces also have an increased ability to attract dust, maintaining a constant, optimal level of humidity also significantly reduces particle deposition.

Table: Sufficient humidity reduces electrostatic charges

Preventing static electricity: Optimal humidity for ESD protection

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The importance of humidity and temperature

Find out how optimal humidity and temperature levels can protect against static electricity and material degradation, and help reduce costly production downtime and high levels of sick leave.

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ESD protection in the electronics industry

Triboelectric charging is the process by which an electric charge is generated through the contact and subsequent separation of two surfaces. In many production areas of the electronics industry, uncontrolled electrostatic discharges (ESD) pose a major threat to the quality and reliability of end products.

During the manufacture of electronic assemblies or their assembly into modules and systems, damage that is not visible from the outside can occur as a result of electrostatic discharge. These undetectable faults, which lead to consequential damage and a shortened service life of the end products despite quality assurance, can be more serious than the costs of recognisable total failures of semiconductors.

Uncontrolled discharges are caused by both humans and equipment and machinery, such as soldering tips, placement machines or packaging. Components that are becoming ever smaller and more powerful can be damaged even by low voltages.

ESD protection in PCB assembly

For example, 100 volts is sufficient to erase data from a magnetic storage medium, 30 volts to damage electronic components, or less than 5 volts to damage sensitive components, whereby it is not the build-up of charge but the uncontrolled discharge process that causes the damage. Consequently high demands are placed on ESD protection, for example, in PCB assembly (SMT and THT manufacturing). However, ESD protection measures are also essential during the transport and storage of components, meaning that all storage areas must be designed to meet ESD requirements and transport packaging must also provide appropriate protection for the sensitive components.

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In-room humidifiers are used specifically where humidity is required. Suitable for every application and room size, ideal for retrofitting, energy-efficient and easy to maintain.

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These ESD protection standards ensure safety in the electronics industry

Globally recognised industry standards and specifications are essential for quality management. The faster technological progress and global competition advance, the more valuable practical standards become in achieving optimal quality as quickly as possible and at the lowest possible cost. Recommendations regarding controlled humidity are included in many relevant standards.

IEC

All key standards are coordinated and communicated globally. Today, the content of international standards is mostly provided by the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission), based in Geneva. IEC standards are generally translated into national standards and guidelines with identical content.

IPC

The global trade association IPC (Association Connecting Electronics Industries) is the most important submitter of standards to the IEC and is the only institution to provide a complete set of guidelines for the entire process chain for the manufacture of printed circuit board assemblies. The standards are developed in collaboration with national and international companies and institutions.

JEDEC

The JEDEC Solid State Technology Association is a US organisation that develops guidelines for the microelectronics industry and for the standardisation of semiconductors.

“If the relative humidity falls to 30% or below, the manufacturer must demonstrate that electrostatic discharges are adequately controlled and that the humidity levels in the assembly area are sufficient to ensure the proper functioning of the soldering and assembly materials. This is based on the suppliers’ recommendations or documented evidence of process performance."

from: IPC J-STD-001F

"Relative humidity influences the build-up of electrostatic charges and can support an existing ESD protection programme."

from: JEDEC JESD625B

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