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3.1 Static electricity (ESD)
Everyone will probably have encountered static electricity, or electrostatic charging. One touches a door handle or some other metal part and receives an electric shock. Electrostatic charging is created through friction of two objects isolated from each other. This can be, for example, running with shoes with a synthetic sole on a plastic flooring or the friction of synthetic clothes. The generated electrostatic charging can measure up to 10,000 V. Upon touching a grounded metal part, an electric discharge similar to lightning occurs.
Electronic components are very sensitive to high voltages. If the discharge of the electrostatic charge occurs via an electronic component the component may be damaged. For this reason, you should observe the following safety rules when handling PROFIBUS devices to prevent the electronics from being destroyed.
- •Before handling PROFIBUS components, touch a grounded metal part. This allows your body to be discharged.
- Do not touch the plug or screw contacts of the device.
- Touch connectors only at the housing when you connect them.
- Disconnect the PROFIBUS cable from all PROFIBUS stations before starting to work with the PROFIBUS cable. Assemble PROFIBUS cables with connectors at both ends before connecting it to a PROFIBUS station.
- In case of directly connected cables, touch the insulation and not the cores.
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