Controlling Static in Data Centers

Controlling static in data centers is crucial for maintaining the reliability and longevity of critical electronic equipment. ESD damage is responsible for up to 35% of all electronic component failures — and in data center environments where uptime is measured in dollars per minute, the stakes are especially high. Let's examine the reasons why static poses a problem in data centers and explore effective solutions.

The Impact of Static in Data Centers

Hardware Damage due to ESD

Static electricity can destroy sensitive electronic components via Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) — when a person or object with an electrostatic charge touches a computer component, resulting in a spark that can burn a hole or destroy a component. Even a discharge as low as 10 volts — far below the human perception threshold of ~3,000 volts — can damage integrated circuits, memory modules, and other hardware. ESD can cause immediate failure or create latent defects that weaken components over time, leading to unpredictable field failures.

Contamination & Dust Attraction

Electrostatic Attraction (ESA) is when static charges attract dust particles. A charged surface acts as a magnet for airborne contamination. Dust buildup on components obstructs airflow, increases operating temperatures, and reduces system efficiency — over time leading to thermal failures and reduced hardware lifespan.

Solutions for Controlling Static in Data Centers

Personnel Grounding

People are the greatest source of static generation and damage. Voltage builds on the body as personnel move, making grounding essential for anyone working with data center hardware.

• Wrist straps are the most common method — connecting to a common ground via a coiled cord to prevent static buildup on the body during seated work.
• Heel grounders serve a similar purpose for mobile operators, grounding personnel through their shoes when standing on an ESD control floor.
• Browse all personnel grounding products.

ESD Gloves

Technicians should wear ESD assembly gloves when handling components. ESD gloves are made from conductive materials that prevent both ESD and contamination from hand oils. Cut-resistant ESD gloves provide the same ESD benefits with additional protection against cuts when handling sharp objects. ESD hot gloves are worn when handling items at high temperatures.

• Shop all ESD Gloves

ESD Flooring

Data centers should invest in static control flooring. Specialized ESD floors have conductive properties that prevent static buildup on personnel and provide a safe dissipation path for charges. ESD flooring also reduces personnel-generated static when walking or moving equipment. Some facilities cover all floors with ESD tiles or anti-static floor paint; others use ESD mats in specific work areas, which can also provide anti-fatigue benefits.

• FM7 ESD Floor Runners and Chair Mats
• FM8 ESD Tiles
• FM9 Anti-Fatigue Runners

ESD Table Mats

Workstations where equipment is handled or repaired should be equipped with ESD table mats — providing a grounded surface for assembling and servicing hardware. Technicians can place components directly on these mats to prevent ESD during handling.

• MT4500 Table Mats – General Use Soldering Mats
• VMB VinylSTAT Cushioning ESD Mats

Ionizing Blowers & Ionizing Guns

Ionizers emit air filled with ions that neutralize static charges on surfaces. Ionizing benchtop or overhead blowers can protect a 4–6 foot workstation area from static when working with hardware.

• BFN801 – Benchtop Blower
• BFN802 – 2-Fan Overhead Blower
• BFN803 – 3-Fan Overhead Blower

Ionizing guns work twofold: as a forceful blow-off gun that removes particulate from surfaces, and as a neutralizer to remove the charges responsible for attracting contaminants to product surfaces.

• IN6430 – Ionizing Gun
• IN6200 – Ionizing Gun with Filter
• BFNG10 – AC Ionizing Gun

ESD Wipers

ESD wipers are specialized wipers that do not generate significant static charge when cleaning equipment. Regular cleaning with standard wipers can induce a charge through friction that attracts dust. ESD wipers remove dust and prevent static buildup simultaneously.

• Shop all ESD Wipers

Elimination of Non-Essential Plastics

A core rule in ESD prevention is to eliminate all non-essential sources of static — with plastic being the biggest culprit. Replace common items like trash cans, trash liners, computer peripherals (mouse and keyboard), pens, and sheet protectors with ESD-safe versions made from antistatic materials that do not generate significant static buildup.

• ESD Workstation Accessories

Summary: Controlling Static in Data Centers

By implementing a layered static control program, data centers can significantly reduce the impact of ESD, enhance equipment reliability, and minimize costly downtime from hardware failures. Create ESD-safe work areas, ground all personnel, and treat static control as an ongoing program — not a one-time purchase.

Remember: prevention is key when it comes to static control.

Compliments of Transforming Technologies