You may have heard of it, but what is the meaning of ESD? Find out all about it and the damage it can cause to electronics.

Electricity is everywhere in the modern world. It surrounds you at home, at work, and when you are out and about, and many of the devices you use each day rely on electricity to work. Of course, though, this form of energy can also damage your electronics (and even you) if issues like electrostatic discharge (ESD) are ignored. But what is ESD and how does it work?

What Is ESD (Electrostatic Discharge)?

Electrostatic discharge occurs when two electrically charged objects come into contact with one another. The electricity flows between the objects to balance the charge between them, often with enough power to create visible arcs.

For example, jumping on a trampoline while wearing socks causes a build-up of static electricity in your body, thanks to the friction between your socks and the trampoline. If you touch someone who hasn’t been jumping on the trampoline, the difference in electrical charge between your bodies will cause an electrostatic discharge. This is harmless and will only cause a minor shock, but ESD can be more powerful depending on the circumstances.

Can ESD Damage Electronics?

Electrostatic discharge is known for causing damage to sensitive electronics. This damage can occur in a number of different ways depending on the potency of the ESD and the type of electronics you are working with.

• Shorting: ESD can cause shorting by connecting two parts of a circuit that shouldn’t be connected. This will usually only occur if the electronics are powered up when the ESD hits them, and it may not cause permanent damage.
• Over-Powered Components: Many small electrical components have specific power ratings. Potentially coming in at thousands of volts, ESD can over-power the components inside your electronics and damage them from the inside out.
• Heat Damage: ESD can create a significant amount of heat very rapidly, and this has the potential to cause physical damage to the components inside your electronics.