Because some electronic components are so sensitive, you may destroy them with static electricity and not even know it. For this reason, you should always be aware of static electricity (electrostatic discharge) when you're working with electrical or electronic components. Even though you may not see the static electricity, it can cause irreparable damage to components.

Modern components of circuitry like semiconductors, chips, and piezoelectric crystals may be destroyed by ESD levels of only a few hundred volts. Since humans are unaware of ESD below approximately 3,500 volts, we can accidentally "zap" parts without even knowing it. A common amount of static discharge is in excess of 30,000 volts. Zapping just one tiny component on a card can render the whole part inoperable.

The easiest way to prevent static discharge is to always ground yourself when working with electronics, and work only on electronics approved workbenches. Never work on electronics while sitting/standing on your home carpet. A carpet is a very good source to charge you up. If the part you are working on has a metal frame, always touch the metal frame first, to send the static current into the frame instead of the components.

Also, one last factor in static discharges is your climate. Dryer conditions will generate higher levels of static electricity in the human body, so if your working in dry conditions, take extra precautions. Static discharge is a very real threat to electronics, but with the proper knowledge, you can safely work without further damaging you components.   

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