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How To Properly Handle PCBs

Some printed circuit boards may not seem like they are very fragile, but even the most ruggedly built PCB is susceptible to certain types of damage that you may not even know about. Here are 2 of the most threatening:

- Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
ESD is the discharge of static electricity that built up between two objects or in many cases two people or an object and a person. There are electronic components that could potentially be damaged by ESD. A PCB could be damaged if a person who has built up some static electricity touches the board in just the right place.

- Electrical Overstress (EOS)
EOS occurs when there is excess of energy generated by soldering irons, solder extractors, test instruments, and other electrically powered devices. It is necessary to use equipment that has been designed to avoid EOS.

Learn more about protecting printed circuit boards.

There are measures that must be taken so that your PCBs, especially pcb prototypes, are not exposed to these issues.

Process For Proper Handling
When preventing ESD and EOS, it is critical that you have a proper work space, and follow these safety precautions:

- PCBs should only be worked on in a proper work space that has sufficient grounding and static dissipation of the work surface and the floor.
- Be sure there are no unnecessary static producing materials like vinyl, plastic, rubber, Styrofoam and various fabric in the work space
- You shouldn’t drink eat or smoke in or around your work area. Even the slightest contamination or mess could really put your circuit board in bad shape.
- You need to be grounded properly any time you are dealing with PCB assemblies. Typically, people will use two heel grounders that contact the static dissipative floor as well as a wrist strap that connects to an earth ground.
- Always handle PCBs by their edges and try to avoid making contact with any components or circuits.
- Electrical components should also be held by their edges and you should avoid contacting any leads
- Avoid using hand creams, soaps, and lotions that contain silicone. It can cause solder and epoxy adhesion issues
- Don’t pile up PCBs on top of one another. It might result in damaged PCBs

Finally, when you are not working on your prototype boards, they should be stored in shield containers. Here are 3 ESD protective containers:

- Static Shield. These prevent any static charge from passing through the packaging
- Antistatic. These offer antistatic protection for electronics
- Static dissipative. This is a exterior layer that prevents static build up in the electronics

Get some quick tips for handling prototype boards.

You should be able to find these containers and various ESD and EOS protective gear online or at an electronics supply store.
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