The Importance of an ESD Monitor
An ESD Monitor is a simple, portable tool used to check for the presence of electrostatic discharge. It can detect a buildup of electrostatic energy between a worker and the equipment in their workspace. The monitor plugs into a worker's ESD wrist strap or workbench and is grounded using an AC adapter. It measures the level of electrostatic energy and emits a visual alarm when conditions are out of range. Several ESD monitors are available. Some are continuous, while others are one-shot. The continuous monitors save on setup time by ensuring that the whole ground loop is grounded. They also eliminate static electricity and balance ions. Some ESD monitors are compatible with wrist straps, while others plug into a work surface. These monitors vary in supply voltage and terminal types, and some also include charge detection and EOS detection. An ESD monitor can protect sensitive electronics from ESD damage. It is essential to have a well-maintained ESD program. The program must...