Humidity, Temperature & Static: How Environment Impacts ESD Risk and Cleanroom Performance

Humidity, Temperature & Static: How Environment Impacts ESD Risk and Cleanroom Performance

In cleanrooms and electronics manufacturing, small environmental changes can make a big difference. Humidity and temperature directly influence electrostatic discharge (ESD) risk, contamination levels, and operator comfort. Keeping these in balance helps protect sensitive components, improve yields, and maintain compliance.

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Why Humidity & Temperature Matter

• Dry air (<30% RH) increases static generation and slows dissipation.
• High humidity (>70% RH) can promote condensation and corrosion on sensitive surfaces.
• Target 45–55% RH and stable temperatures (about 68–75°F) for most ESD-sensitive processes.

Monitor What Matters

Measuring and documenting humidity, temperature, and surface resistance is core to any ESD control program. Routine checks help catch drift before it impacts yield.

ACL Staticide ACL 800 Digital Megohmmeter

Verify resistance of mats, flooring, and wrist straps at the point of use—and log results alongside ambient conditions to strengthen your ESD records.

Simple, Visual Humidity Checks

Humidity can swing with seasons, HVAC settings, and process heat. A fast, low-cost way to confirm conditions (especially inside packages and storage) is to use humidity indicator cards.

Humidity Indicator Cards – Collection

Each dot changes color at a specific RH level, giving technicians an instant visual readout for sealed packaging, storage cabinets, or incoming inspection.

Humidity Indicator Card – 3-Spot (125/Can)

A compact variation for sealed packaging or storage containers—simple, cost-effective, and perfect for verifying humidity in ESD-sensitive environments.

Create a Balanced Environment

• Integrate monitoring: Check RH and temperature during regular ESD audits.
• Correlate data: Review environment logs with ESD test results to spot trends.
• Prevent drift: Add humidification/dehumidification where seasonal swings are large.
• Train teams: Include environment awareness in ESD training and daily walkdowns.

Maintain your program with MTE’s full line of Static Control Products. Need help matching tools to your requirements? Contact us.