Jim,
        The best rule to use is that it's never safe, unless you're
properly grounded. ESD charges can be transmitted to components whether
they are alone, in an PCB, in a ESD bag or in a finished chassis
assembly. Handle everything with this attitude, and you should have no
problems. Don't let anyone try to get away with the other attitude of
'It's a passive component (resistor/cap/etc), so I don't need to be
protected". This implements a dual standard, and allows for people to
forget when they are handling ESD sensitive devices. Implement a
consistent, across the floor, ESD policy from the receiving dock all the
way through to the shipping dock, and enforce it mercilessly.

Mike McMonagle
PCA Process Engineering Supervisor
K*Tec Electronics
1111 Gillingham Lane
Sugar Land, TX  77478
(281) 243-5639 Phone
(281) 243-5539 Fax
[log in to unmask]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: West, Jim [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: Thursday, April 22, 1999 10:28 AM
> To:   [log in to unmask]
> Subject:      [TN] Boards sensitive to ESD
>
> Hello all,
>
> It seems to me that everyone may have a different opinion concerning
> the
> handling of ESD sensitive boards.  The questions that I ask people and
> the
> question that I get asked often is, when is the sensitive part safe.
> 1.
> After you attach to the board, 2. After you attach to the board and
> apply
> it's power source, 3. or after it is enclosed in it's housing or case?
> I
> have seen different answers from everyone even the ESD specialist like
> 3M.
> If anyone could add any insight I would really appreciate it.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Jim West
> Manufacturing Engineer
> PROMARK ELECTRONICS
>
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