What impact does electrostatic discharge have on electrical equipment?

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can have a significant and damaging impact on electrical equipment, particularly on sensitive electronic components. These components, such as integrated circuits and transistors, can be extremely vulnerable to the high-voltage spikes associated with ESD events. When static electricity discharges onto these components, it can disrupt their normal operation, cause immediate failure, or degrade their performance over time even if they continue to function initially. This degradation can lead to intermittent failures that are difficult to diagnose and can ultimately lead to complete failure of the equipment.

Understanding the risks of ESD is crucial for anyone working with electrical equipment, as it emphasizes the importance of implementing adequate grounding and shielding measures as well as using proper handling procedures for sensitive devices.