Electrostatic Discharge

Electrostatic Discharge Damage
Automotive computers and related component operate at very low voltages--3 to 5 Volts--and are extremely susceptible to damage from static electrical discharge.
- Voltages as low as 12 volts can damage electronic circuits--for a person to feel a static discharge "ZAP", it takes up to 4,000 volts.
- There is no way to know whether the charge is positive or negative.

Common Methods Of Static Charging
Friction
Friction between organic materials (such as cotton or leather) and synthetics (such as plastic, vinyl, or glass) will generate static charges as great as 25,000 volts. This can happen by simply sliding across a car seat or by wearing a cotton shirt under a coat made of synthetic materials.

Induction
Charging by induction occurs when a person standing near a highly charged object (strong magnetic field such as a transformer) momentarily touches ground. Like charges are displaced to ground, leaving the person highly charged with opposite polarity.

Static Precautions
Static charges are gradually equalized by moisture in the air, but are retained much longer when humidity is low. Use care when handling and testing electronic components.