Electrostatic discharging is a well-known feature of daily life. The drier the air, the greater the electrostatic charging. It is encountered everywhere in production companies where friction occurs between different materials.

Continuous advances in the miniaturisation of electronic elements has made uncompromising ESD (electrostatic discharge) protection indispensable. Electronic devices, PCB components and data react extremely sensitively to electrostatic discharging. Electronic components can be damaged by an electrostatic discharge as low as 100 Volt.

The lower the room air humidity, the greater the level of electrostatic charging. The popular opinion that moist air is a better electrical conductor than dry air is incorrect. Moist air tends in fact to deposit itself on ions, making them heavier and less mobile in an electrical field. An air humidity of 55% increases the conductivity of air and material surfaces to such a degree that electrical charges are diverted.

Rapidity of electrostatic discharging where there is high air humidity is explained by the fact that a thin humidity film forms on materials. The surface becomes conductive to an extent that avoids gathering of charges. As electrostatic-charged surfaces also attract dust more readily, consistent, optimised air humidity reduces gatherings of particles considerably.

Recommended air humidity values in the electronics industry