How To Protect Esd Sensitive Components From Moisture?

While there is no direct relationship between ESD protection and moisture protection, many components and devices require protection against both. ESD sensitive devices can be protected from moisture damage by moisture barrier bags. For proper moisture protection, you will need desiccant packs and humidity indicator cards.

What is a humidity indicator card?

Humidity indicator cards can be used to quickly check the relative humidity of the surrounding area. These cards are printed with humidity-sensitive dots that respond to humidity levels and change color from blue to pink.

They are an inexpensive way to test the effectiveness of moisture resistant packaging. Moisture resistant bags can cause moisture problems in your application. Your goal is to keep it as low as possible. If the relative humidity indicator card on the MBB reads 60%, it is likely that your bag is damp.

How do I purchase a humidity indicator card?

There are several types of humidity indicator cards. Some cards show a relative humidity between 10% and 60%, while others show a range of 5% to 15%. The type of card you choose should depend on the humidity sensitivity of the application.

Reversibility is not an option for all humidity indicator cards. Some cards measure relative humidity only once, and then stop measuring after that point. These cards cannot be reused. This is important information, so be sure to check before you buy!

Protecting sensitive ESD equipment from moisture is a unique and critical function performed by humidity indicator cards, desiccants and moisture barriers. To ensure maximum protection, they should be used together. All three tools must be used correctly, or your efforts will be in vain. To eliminate moisture, your moisture barrier bags should be heat sealed using a vacuum sealer.