ESD shelving, trolleys and bins: how do you store and transport assemblies safely?
ESD shelving, trolleys and bins keep assemblies charge-controlled during storage and transport. Inside the EPA, dissipative grounded equipment is enough. On the way out, only shielding packaging protects. Keep insulators well away.
View ESD shelving & trolleysWhy do storage and transport need ESD protection?
Because assemblies can charge up even while resting or moving. Within and between EPAs the charge must stay controlled: shelves, trolleys and bins are dissipative or conductive and bonded to the EPA ground. Once goods leave the EPA, only shielding packaging protects.
Which ESD equipment exists for storage and transport?
Three groups cover the need: ESD shelving for storage, ESD trolleys for moving, and ESD bins (boxes, trays, shielding boxes) to hold the components. All are dissipative or conductive and are grounded.
| Equipment | Function | Design |
|---|---|---|
| ESD shelf | Charge-controlled storage in the EPA | dissipative shelves, grounded |
| ESD trolley | Moving within and between EPAs | dissipative, drag chain / castor |
| ESD bin / tray | Holding and protecting components | conductive or dissipative |
| Shielding box | Transport outside the EPA | Faraday effect, shielding |
How do you ground trolleys and shelves, and what to avoid?
Shelves and trolleys are bonded to the ground point via the ESD floor, a conductive castor or a drag chain. Only then does charge drain in a controlled way. Insulators such as standard film, plastic or paper must be kept out of the control area.
Bond trolleys via a drag chain or castor, shelves via the floor or a ground point.
For routes between buildings or for shipping, use shielding packaging.
No standard packaging, coffee cups or plastic parts in an EPA shelf or trolley.
For transport outside the EPA the rule is: the assembly belongs in shielding packaging that acts like a Faraday cage against external discharges.
Frequently asked questions
Must an ESD trolley be grounded?
Yes. The trolley must be bonded to ground via a conductive castor, a drag chain or the ESD floor so that charge drains in a controlled way.
Is an ESD shelf enough for transport outside?
No. Shelves and trolleys only protect inside the EPA. Once the assembly leaves the EPA, shielding packaging is also required.
Can insulators go on an ESD shelf?
No. Standard film, plastic and paper charge up and cannot be drained. They do not belong in ESD shelves, trolleys or bins.
ESD shelving, trolleys and bins for every EPA
Dissipative shelving, grounded trolleys and conductive bins - compliant with IEC 61340-5-1.
Standard-compliant
Storage and transport gear to IEC 61340-5-1.
Reviewed
Content reviewed by ESD specialists.
Full range
Shelves, trolleys, bins and shielding boxes.
Expert advice
Personal advice on storage and transport.