What Parts Are Damaged by Electronic Power?

(Specifically Static Electricity and Electrical Surges)

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) and power surges can cause significant damage to delicate electronic components. This is especially critical in environments like electronics manufacturing, repair labs, and even everyday consumer electronics use. Below is a comprehensive guide to understanding what components are most vulnerable, how damage occurs, and how to prevent it.

1. What Is “Electronic Power” Damage?

“Electronic power” damage typically refers to failures or degradation caused by electrical anomalies such as:

• Electrostatic Discharge (ESD): A sudden flow of electricity between two electrically charged objects.

• Over-voltage: From power supply surges, lightning strikes, or poor grounding.

• Electrical Overstress (EOS): Exposure to voltage or current beyond a component’s rated limits.

These events can lead to immediate destruction, degraded performance, or latent (delayed) failures that are difficult to diagnose.

2. Key Electronic Components Vulnerable to Damage

1. Integrated Circuits (ICs)

• Use: CPUs, GPUs, memory chips, microcontrollers.

• Vulnerability: ESD can destroy internal transistor gates and insulation.

• Common Damage: Logic errors, failure to boot, total non-functionality.

2. Transistors (BJTs, MOSFETs)

• Use: Power switching, signal amplification.

• Vulnerability: Gate oxide in MOSFETs is extremely thin and sensitive.

• Common Damage: Short circuits, performance degradation, excessive heat.

3. Capacitors (Ceramic and Electrolytic)

• Use: Energy storage, filtering.

• Vulnerability: Overvoltage can cause rupture or leakage.

• Common Damage: Loss of capacitance, bulging, open or short circuits.

4. Diodes (LEDs, Zener, TVS)

• Use: Rectification, voltage clamping, lighting.

• Vulnerability: Exceeding reverse voltage ratings breaks down junctions.

• Common Damage: No light in LEDs, loss of protection, open/short failure.

5. Resistors (Especially Thin-Film Types)

• Use: Current limiting, voltage division.

• Vulnerability: High voltage or power causes burn-out.

• Common Damage: Drift in resistance value, open circuit.

6. Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs)

• Use: Mechanical support and electrical connectivity.

• Vulnerability: ESD can arc between traces or carbonize insulation.

• Common Damage: Burnt traces, cracked vias, intermittent faults.

7. Connectors and I/O Ports (USB, HDMI, Ethernet)

• Use: Data and power interface points.

• Vulnerability: Frequent exposure to human touch and ESD.

• Common Damage: Port not recognized, intermittent connections.

8. Power Supply Units (PSUs)

• Use: Convert and regulate electrical power.

• Vulnerability: Surge or load stress causes component failure.

• Common Damage: No power output, unstable voltage, burnt smell.

9. Oscillators / Crystal Timers

• Use: Timing signals in processors, communications.

• Vulnerability: ESD can shift the frequency or stop oscillation.

• Common Damage: Clock errors, boot failures, system instability.

10. Sensors (Temperature, Pressure, Touch, etc.)

• Use: Data acquisition in embedded systems.

• Vulnerability: MEMS or analog circuits can be destroyed by ESD.

• Common Damage: Inaccurate readings, no signal, device crash.

3. Symptoms of Electrical Damage

• Device fails to power on

• Random resets, blue screens, or system hangs

• Incorrect sensor data

• Non-functional ports or peripherals

• Audible popping sounds or burning smell

• Visibly burned or deformed components

4. How Does Damage Occur?

5. Prevention Methods

• Wear ESD wrist or heel straps to ground your body.

• Use antistatic mats and grounding wires on benches.

• Store components in antistatic bags, trays, or bins.

• Handle PCBs by the edges, avoiding contact with pins or traces.

• Install surge protectors and voltage regulators on power lines.

• Use ionizers in dry environments to neutralize static.

• Ensure proper grounding of workstations and equipment.

6. Summary Table: ESD Sensitivity by Component

Final Thoughts

Even static voltages as low as 30 volts—far below the level humans can feel—can damage or destroy sensitive electronic components. Therefore, proper ESD control isn’t optional—it’s mandatory for electronics design, testing, repair, and manufacturing.

Would you like help setting up an ESD-safe workstation or selecting the right protective tools and materials? Let me know your environment and budget—I’d be glad to recommend a tailored setup.