ESD (electrostatic discharge) and grounding

[kilawea]

Hello,

I am interested in understanding electrostatic discharges a little bit better. If I have a device over a metallic table, what will be the effect of having that table connected to ground or floating? Which of the two scenarios will reduce the risk of ESD damage the most? Is there actually a difference?

 

[D.A.(Tony)Stewart]

the metal table must be connect to 1~10 MOhm to ground.

Watch out for capacitance discharge. Discharge method can affect local effects. User needs to be wearing shoe straps on ESD flooring to also prevent charge buildup.

some devices such as GaAlAs and LEDs are rated for -5V reverse voltage breakdown. So ESD potential of 10 kV without protection must be attenuated to < 5V requires due diligence.