SkyDrill

Preventing ESD damage when handling components

Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice question 12 of 41 on Fundamentals of Electricity and Electronics. ACS element AM.I.A.K24 · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONBefore handling an ESD-sensitive circuit card, how does the handbook say a technician can avoid damaging it with static electricity from the body?

  1. ABy touching the mating pins of the card first to equalize the charge
  2. BBy placing the card on a carpeted toolbox top before handling it
  3. CBy wearing a grounding wrist strap
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. By wearing a grounding wrist strap

  • A — incorrect Touching the mating pins of a card or box is named as a way the damage occurs, not a way to prevent it.
  • B — incorrect A toolbox top covered with carpet is cited as a source of ESD; it would increase the risk of damage.
  • C — correct The handbook lists wearing a grounding wrist strap, along with touching the chassis of the removed box, as ways to discharge static electricity from the body.

BACKGROUND

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) from the human body is one of the most frequent causes of damage to solid-state components and integrated circuits. Careless handling of line replaceable units (LRUs), circuit cards, and discrete components can cause time-consuming and expensive repairs; the damage can occur if a technician touches the mating pins for a card or box, and a carpet-covered toolbox top is another source of ESD. Damage can be avoided by discharging static electricity from the body by touching the chassis of the removed box, by wearing a grounding wrist strap, and by good professional handling, including placing protective caps over open connectors. ESD-sensitive parts are shipped in bags designed to protect them from electrostatic damage.

STUDY TIP

Remember the prevention list (chassis touch, wrist strap, protective caps, proper bags) and the hazard list (pins, carpeted surfaces) as separate groups.

KEY POINTS

  • ESD from the body is a leading cause of damage to solid-state components.
  • Discharge the body by touching the chassis or wearing a grounding wrist strap.
  • Do not touch mating pins; keep protective caps on open connectors.

SOURCES

  • FAA-H-8083-30B ch12 "Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Considerations"
Practice the Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) test →Timed 60-question exam, by ACS area, or review your misses. Free.
MORE ON FUNDAMENTALS OF ELECTRICITY AND ELECTRONICS

SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on FAA-H-8083-30B Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – General, 14 CFR part 43 and part 65. Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.