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Can storing "encased" computer hardware in plastic bags cause damage? (static)

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Turbonium

Turbonium

Platinum Member
Say you got some parts, such as external hard drives (inside enclosures) and external/USB optical drives, stored inside your typical "self locking" zipper style plastic bags. Can this cause static damage? Assume that as you are removing the bags from the cardboard packaging, they have a "static" feel to them, and do make some "static" sounds as you open them.

I'm going to guess that since the drive enclosures (if made of metal) spread out any charges (like an anti-static bag), the hardware inside is safe. And if the enclosures are plastic, it prevents any charge interaction in the first place.

I could be totally wrong though, so someone clarify.
 
I vote no, that there is no likely path for the static to cause damage. You'd need an exposed contact that wasn't ground(ed). Consider that products such as those often aren't even coming from the manufacturer in anti-static bags.
 
It would be good if you could squeeze or suck air out of the bag. Unless you live in a fairly dry climate, you can lock in moisture, which can condense and leave your components with moisture in the bag. A really good wrap would be an anti-static bag in a Zip Lock bag. I store spare HDDs in anti-static bags tucked in to old HDD foam shipping boxes.
 
corkyg said:
It would be good if you could squeeze or suck air out of the bag. Unless you live in a fairly dry climate, you can lock in moisture, which can condense and leave your components with moisture in the bag. A really good wrap would be an anti-static bag in a Zip Lock bag. I store spare HDDs in anti-static bags tucked in to old HDD foam shipping boxes.
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In terms of the question though, doesn't moisture (humid environments) prevent static charges from building up? Whereas a dry environment promotes it?

I realize that moisture can be bad for components as well, but I'm not expecting it to be an issue in my scenario. So based on that, I'd almost want a bit of moisture to be in the plastic bags.
 
Higher humidity can help greatly. All chips are built to withstand at least 1000-1500V static. They used to be designed for at least 2500-3000V.

Static voltages at 10-25% relative humidity versus 65-90%:

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