FIELD SERVICE KITS
Why use a field service kit instead of just a wrist strap?

A wrist strap is your first line of defense for ESD control; it directly grounds your body. When handling conductive, static dissipative or insulative objects, (i.e., circuit boards), static charges can easily be built-up from triboelectric generation (any handling involving contact or movement). If these objects are conductive or static dissipative, then proper grounding techniques will continually remove charge from these objects before it can build-up above dangerous levels ( >10 Volts). The use of a properly grounded static-dissipative work surface (i.e., a field service kit mat) allows for these peripheral objects to be grounded when resting or touching the this surface. A field service kit provides the user with a portable ESD SAFE WORK AREA.

An ESD SAFE WORK AREA includes a working common point ground, ESD wrist strap and coil cord with a 1 megohm current limiting resistor, and a groundable static-dissipative work surface. The work surface, when properly connected provides the user with a controlled area that will minimize triboelectric generation, drain any accumulated charges to ground and greatly reduce the possibility of an ESD event from occurring. The operator, when setting-up or approaching an ESD SAFE AREA must immediately connect themselves to the common point ground, easily accomplished with a grounded wrist strap.

All electronic components should be transported in an ESD shielded container, i.e., metallized anti-static shielding bag or rigid conductive container. All containers, before opening should be placed on the grounded ESD work surface to remove charges from the transport process. Our field service kits have pockets to hold/store these types of containers during transport for added ESD security.

Refer to our 2 page Introduction To The Control Of Electrostatic Discharge for your additional ESD reading pleasure.