Storing Electronic Components In Plastic Trays

[phaeton]

Is there any danger of excessive static buildup if I keep all my parts
in the plastic fishing tackle trays (3700-series, made by Plano)?

For ESD-sensitive ICs I have squares of conductive foam in the trays
that I stick them into, but should I also worry about JFETs and
MOSFETs? Normal everyday capacitors and non-CMOS semiconductors are
pretty robust, right?

My other problem is that I'm allergic to just about every fabric
softener on the market, so in the winter months when the air dries out
I turn into the Human Dynamo. A humidifier will help, but I suppose I
should get a groundstrap for my wrist too, huh?

thanks for any and all...

 

[Dan Hollands]

I would take care with any semiconductor. I believe that FETs can be
especially sensitive to ESD.

capacitors, resistors are not a problem

Dan

--
Dan Hollands
1120 S Creek Dr
Webster NY 14580
585-872-2606
[email protected]
www.QuickScoreRace.com

 

[Mark Fergerson]

Is there any danger of excessive static buildup if I keep all my parts
in the plastic fishing tackle trays (3700-series, made by Plano)?

Maybe. Will it hold a static charge? Load one up with some
styrofoam beads (or crumbled/shredded styrofoam packing) and see how
hard it is to get it off _with a dry cloth_. If the styrofoam comes
off easily, good. If all you can do is move it around, bad.

For ESD-sensitive ICs I have squares of conductive foam in the trays
that I stick them into,

Me too...

but should I also worry about JFETs and MOSFETs?

If you want to, but I've never blown one by using other storage
methods despite the fact that most MOSFETs only need 20 (twenty, not
two hundred or even two thousand) volts on the gate to kill them
permanently. OTOH two things to consider; I don't have your "human
Dynamo" problem, and dumb luck has counted for a lot in my life...

Normal everyday capacitors and non-CMOS semiconductors are
pretty robust, right?
Right.

My other problem is that I'm allergic to just about every fabric
softener on the market, so in the winter months when the air dries out
I turn into the Human Dynamo. A humidifier will help, but I suppose I
should get a groundstrap for my wrist too, huh?

Groundstrap + resistive-pad-type work surface for you HD types
are Very Good Ideas. BTW I'd avoid actually grounding the strap when
working on live circuits...

Also, dry skin is _not_ due to a hand cream deficiency, no matter
what the manufacturers tell you; actually it's because your skin is
somewhat dehydrated _from the inside_. Drink more water and lay off
the diuretics like coffee, tea, sodas, and alcohol.


Mark L. Fergerson

 

[phaeton]

Thanks for the replies everyone. But now I've gotta ask:

So what do you guys store your parts in then?

:-D

 

[Bob Monsen]

Thanks for the replies everyone. But now I've gotta ask:

So what do you guys store your parts in then?

:-D

I stick leaded ICs into conductive foam. I keep smt components in carriers or envelopes.

---
Regards,
Bob Monsen

Cantorism (set theory) is a disease from which mathematics will have to
recover.
- Henri Poincare