Working Safely with ESD Products: Tips and Guidelines

As a mobile repair technician, it is important to use ESD products. Without these products, you run the risk of causing damage when repairing electronic components such as phones. To avoid this, we share several precautions in this blog, explaining in detail how to go about it, what steps you can take, and what products can help you do this.

ESD in a nutshell

ESD stands for Electro Static Discharge, which occurs when two surfaces, objects or bodies with different electrostatic charges come close together and make a connection through touch or proximity. When repairing a cell phone, for example, such an electronic discharge can be harmful to the device.

Electrical charges can build up on objects due to friction, when, for example, two materials rub against each other. When these charged objects come near another object with an opposite charge, a discharge can occur, which we call ESD. This can manifest as a spark, audible as a small bang, or even remain invisible but still harm the phone.

How to make your mobile repair workstation safe with ESD products

A combination of control products, electrostatic discharge prevention and approved techniques such as proper ESD grounding methods is the foundation for a safe workplace. See below the products that ensure you can work safely and how they are used.

A = ESD Antistatic mat

B = ESD Grounding Cable

C = ESD Grounding Plug

D = ESD Safety loop

E = ESD Wristband

A: ESD Anti-static Mat

Premium ESD rubber table mat with 4x10mm studs 600mm x 610mm Blue

Designed specifically to prevent static electricity, this table mat is ideal for use during a phone repair. The 4x10mm studs provide a firm grip on the table, keeping your tools and parts safely in place while working.

Measuring 600mm x 610mm and a striking blue color, this table mat not only provides a safe and anti-static workspace, but also looks stylish. 

Check out the product in our shop.

B: ESD Grounding cable

Premium cord 10mm Snap to jack-plug / crocodile clip. 1.8m long

An ESD grounding cable (Electrostatic Discharge Grounding Cable) is a specially designed cable used to safely dissipate static electricity. This reduces the risk of damage to electronic equipment.

This ESD grounding cable features a grounding tip and a clip, allowing the cable to be easily attached to both the device and the ESD anti-static mat. 

View product here. 

C: ESD grounding plug

EU Earth Bonding Plug with 3 x 10mm studs

In a phone repair, an ESD grounding plug can have several functions, depending on the situation and the specific needs of the repair. Some possible functions include:

1. Protection against static electricity

During the repair process, static charges can be generated by handling the phone and its internal components. An ESD grounding plug can be used to safely dissipate these static charges to ground, reducing the risk of damage to sensitive electronic components.

2. Safety for you as a repairer

By connecting the phone to an ESD grounding plug and in turn connecting it to a grounded work surface or antistatic mat, you can protect yourself from electric shock and static discharges during repairs.

3. Protection of the phone

An ESD grounding plug can help protect the phone from damage caused by static discharges during the repair process. By properly grounding the phone, it can prevent static electricity from causing damage to delicate internal components, such as the circuit board, microchips and other phone parts.

With this plug, you can ensure that the grounding of the device is optimal, resulting in a safe and reliable repair. The three 10mm studs provide a sturdy and stable connection, so you can be sure of proper grounding. 

View product here.

D: ESD safety loop

Premium coil cord Blue with 10mm Snap both ends. 1.8m long Blue

The ESD Safety Loop's function is to provide a safe grounding connection for the person repairing the phone. It is more commonly worn as a belt around the wrist for the repair person and is connected to an atistatic mat or other grounded work surface. THE ESD loop provides a path to ground, safely dissipating any built-up static electricity. In addition, the loop protects the repairer from electric shock and static discharge during repair. This reduces the risk of personal injury and provides a safer work environment. 

View safety loop here.

E: ESD Wrist Strap

Adjustable Stainless Steel Wrist-strap with 10mm stud

The sturdy and adjustable ESD wrist strap allows you to move your hands freely during your repairs. The wrist strap is worn around your wrist and connected to a grounded point such as an antistatic mat. The function of an ESD Wrist Strap:

1. Protection against static discharges

While repairing a phone, static electricity can build up on the repairer's body. Failure to dissipate this static charge can result in damage to the phone's sensitive electronic components. The ESD wrist strap provides a path to ground, safely dissipating any built-up static electricity.

2. Protection of the phone

Wearing the ESD wristband and connecting it to a grounded point reduces the risk of static discharges that can harm the phone's electronics. This helps maintain the integrity of the phone components during repair.

3. Safety for the repairer

By wearing the ESD wristband, the repairman protects himself from electric shock and static discharge during repair. This reduces the risk of personal injury and provides a safer work environment.

View ESD wristband product here.

EU Earth Bonding (4 Pieces)

With this Earth Bonding Set, you have all the necessary products for a safe working environment in one package. This is perfect if you still need all the necessary items.

Other tips to prevent Electrostatic Charge

1. Wear ESD protective clothing: Wearing ESD Gloves and proper work jackets greatly reduces the chance of ESD.

2. Maintain good humidity: Electrostatic discharge is more common in dry environments. Maintaining good humidity in the workspace helps reduce the likelihood of ESD.

Conclusion

The use of ESD products helps promote a safe work environment and prevent damage during phone repairs. Without these products, the risk of damage to electronic components such as phones could increase. By taking appropriate precautions and using various ESD products, such as anti-static mats, grounding cables, grounding plugs, safety loops and wrist straps, repairmen can maintain phone integrity and protect themselves from electric shock and static discharges. For a comprehensive selection of available ESD products, click here: ESD Products

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