Path to ground
The path to ground is an electrical link between a static-dissipative and conductive material and the Earth.
Potential difference
Potential difference causes ESD when there is a static voltage difference between two items/objects: i.e. flooring, articles of clothing, shelving, conveyers, work surfaces, people.
Peak offset voltage
For pulsed ionisers, the maximum value of the peak offset voltage for each polarity, as the ioniser cycles between positive and negative ion outputs.
Offset voltage
Offset voltage refers to the observed voltage on the isolated conductive plate of a charged plate monitor that has been placed in an ionised environment.
Neutralise
The term “neutralise” refers to eliminating an electrostatic field by recombing positive and negative charges, either by conducting the charge to ground or by introducing an equal opposite charge.
Low charge generation
The term “low charge generation” replaces the older, less descriptive term “antistatic” (or anti-static). Low charge generation is a property that refers to the propensity of a material (or flooring material) to inhibit static charges.
Low charge generation should not be confused with conductivity or grounding. A low charge-generating floor may or may not be electrically groundable. Likewise, a grounded floor may generate enough static to cause a damaging ESD event.
This is why ESD floors should be evaluated for both conductivity (electrical resistance) and charge generation.
Latent failure
The term “latent failure” refers to a malfunction that occurs following a period of normal operation.
Latent failure, otherwise known as a latent defect, is much more difficult to identify. A device may be partially degraded yet continue to perform its intended function. However, the operating life of the device maybe reduced dramatically. This could cause premature systems failure which could prove extremely hazardous and very costly.
Insulator
An insulator is a material with high electrical resistance. It will not conduct a charge to ground. Examples of insulators are plastic, rubber, vinyl, glass and wood. A practical example of an insulator is the rubber or vinyl casings around common electrical wires.
Insulative material
The term “insulative material” refers to a material having a surface or volume resistivity ≥ 1 x 10E11 ohms.
Insulative
The property of “insulation” refers to a material’s ability to store as opposed to conduct electrical current.
An insulator is the opposite of a conductor. It does not allow the free flow of electrons, therefore it will more than likely cause problems to prevent a path to Earth, hold a ‘static’ field etc. Examples of insulative materials include: plastic, glass, wood and rubber.
