Tech Talk: Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) control in hazardous environments

February, 2025 01:00 PM Eastern Time (US)

This ESD Association Tech Talk examines Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) control in hazardous environments.

This dialog critically analyzes standards like ANSI S20.20, NFPA, DOE, DoD, etc. for protecting electrical components and equipment, including those at risk of triggering explosions.

The discussion explores historical examples, differentiates catastrophic vs. latent ESD damage, and delves into factors like relative humidity, oxygen levels, and grounding. Strategies for mitigating ESD hazards which differentiate from those in the S20.20 standard will be debated; including grounding techniques, wrist straps, ESD garments, footwear/flooring combinations, and ionizers.