For anyone serious about their electronics-based project, it's important to have the right safeguards in place to avoid disaster. A constant and considerable threat to all your efforts, electrostatic damage is among the leading causes for both short-term and long-term electrical component failure. While engineers in static-free environments can work without threat of potential ESD damage, most of us do not have the luxury of working in said conditions. Fortunately there are still means by which you can protect your sensitive electronics.

Engineers concerned with reducing the potential for ESD damage should always keep a field meter handy whenever dealing with electronic components. Capable of locating and measuring electrostatic fields, these meters provide an excellent way for engineers to work confidently in spite of being within proximity of materials with potential static buildup.

Field meters are built with ESD detection as their core purpose and as such are incredibly accurate in testing and measuring most materials for electrostatic charge. Even if your workplace environment has been tested for static buildup in the past, it is always a good idea to double and even triple-check any and all components involved in the project prior to assembly.

In addition to using a field meter, it is always a good idea to include anti-static materials in any projects you may be working on. Simple materials such as anti-static mats or wristbands will help reduce any potential ESD damage sensitive components may take during handling. An ounce of caution will pay off in spades when you are certain that your completed efforts will work properly. Confidence is no replacement for taking the right steps to ensuring your project's safety and success.

When starting any electronics-based project, it's always important to take the necessary precautionary measures. Unless you are working in a totally static free environment, there is always going to be a chance that you may be exposing your sensitive electronics to electrostatic-related damage. Although this risk is always going to be present when handling electronics, by using ESD test equipment and following a few guidelines your project will be safe from potential disaster.

Tip #1: Clear the work area of static-producing items.

The first thing you want to do when working with electronics is to remove any potential static-producing items from the environment. While we doubt that any of you are going to be wearing your favorite holiday sweater before installing that new power supply into your PC, there are still many people who do not consider that nearby objects may already contain significant static charge.

Tip #2: Test any remaining electronic components or materials for electrostatic buildup.

The old adage "better safe than sorry" is a good one to live by when dealing with electrostatic discharge. By testing all nearby materials or electronics with ESD test equipment, you can make sure to avoid potential discharge from occurring. Some home computer owners make the mistake of simply assuming their components are static-free and end up exposing their PC internal parts to dangerous elements. You'll want to use an electrostatic meter or other ESD testing tool before moving forward with your project.

Tip #3: Protect electronics with anti-static wear or anti-static equipment.

Doing something as simple as wearing an anti-static wristband or using an anti-static mat will go a long ways towards protecting the electronic components. Using anti-static materials will help negate any static you may be building up during the course of the project. You should always rely on using ESD test equipment for measurements should you begin to second guess the static buildup of important materials.

By following these tips, you will be able to work with sensitive electronics without being in constant fear of electrostatic discharge. Always be sure of your work. By handling your electronics in an anti-static environment and always double and triple-checking for static buildup, you'll do well in any situation.