How to prevent static electricity in your workspace

If you are working with electronics at home or at your job, having a static free workspace is essential.

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is an electrical phenomenon that occurs when a build up of particles transfers between two objects. This static shock can sometimes damage your products or put yourself in harms way if you're working in an industrial setting. Knowing how to properly protect yourself and disperse this build up can give you some peace of mind and security.

Let's start with your environment. If you have the option, make sure the area around you is well humidified. Dry conditions increase the likelihood of static discharges. This is because air moisture content is a natural conductor, usually earthing any static build ups. Dry air however keeps static charges where they are.

If you're working on a surface where you'll be handling sensitive electronic equipment, you'll want to clean it first with some static neutralizing options found here. Want to put a layer of protective material between your electronics and the table ? Our wide selection of workstation mats come in a variety of sizes and colors.

Now for the electronics. If you are working with medium to small electrical components you can properly protect them from ESD damage in these assortment of shielding bags when storing or moving them. You can also keep your equipment dust free with some anti-static brushes.

These are all small steps you can take to prevent and mitigate electrostatic discharge. However, the most important thing you can do is to keep yourself and your station grounded. Grounding is a process by which you create a safe path for excess electricity (ESD) to travel along. Usually the path you create leads to the ground and is effective and safe. Before you work on your components and/or electronics, make sure to ground yourself by touching another object that leads to the earth (table, wall, pipe) to remove static. Alternatives to this can be wearing an anti-static wristband, anti-static straps or some heel grounders.

Below are some products to help you control static in your workspace. For more Static Control Products visit our selection here