Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is the transfer of energy between two different charge objects. Most people experience ESD in the form of electrostatic shocks. In addition to surprises, ESD can also cause serious damage to electronic products, so many manufacturers will install protective measures to prevent ESD. Consumers should take some measures to avoid ESD, especially around motor vehicles.
When two objects with different numbers of electrons, which cause energy differences, meet each other, ESD occurs. A typical example occurs when someone walks over the floor, picks up the electrons and charges them, and then touches objects in the room, causing additional electrical discharges that cause electric shocks. This also leads to ESD when two objects close to each other form a large electrostatic field. Moving humans can produce surprisingly high electrostatic charges.
Because this is an electrical phenomenon, ESD may damage electrical components. Although humans generally do not feel ESD, they are accompanied by intense heat. However, these heat can cause serious damage to small electronic components when ESD is concentrated on them. Electrical pulses that form the ESD core also act like surges on electronic devices and can cause short circuits or permanent damage to the system.