Instruction Manual

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718 Static Sensor

Safety InformationIntended UseThe 3M™ 718 Static Sensor is a portable,handheld instrument designed for measuringvoltages associated with electrostatic charge.Its intended use is for measuring the amountof voltage, in a range from 0-20 kilovolts,associated with an electrostatic chargebuildup on a surface. Any deviation fromthis intended use could impair theinstrument’s effectiveness and possibly leadto an unsafe operating condition.

The 3M™ 718A Air Ionizer Test Kit is a set of accessories for use in conjunction with the 3M 718 Static Sensor. Theirintended use is for verifying the operation ofair ionizers by measuring the neutralization time for a static charge placed on astationary metal plate. Any deviation from this intended use could impair theinstrument’s effectiveness and possibly leadto an unsafe operating condition.

Caution Statements• The 718 Static Sensor and 718A Charger

use DC 9V power supplied by a 9Valkaline battery. Usage of any otherpower source may cause damage to theinstruments.

• The 718 Static Sensor and 718A AirIonizer Test Kit have no user-serviceableparts. Do not disassemble the products forany reason. UNAUTHORIZED SERVICE WILL VOID THE WARRANTY.

• The 718 and 718A are NOT designed for usage in hazardous environments where thepossibility of explosion or fire exists.

Read and understand all safety information before installing and operating this equipment.

1.0 Description

The 3M™ 718 Static Sensor is a portablehandheld instrument used for locating andmeasuring electrostatic charges. It can beused to locate ESD trouble-areas, and is avaluable tool for the ESD-controlengineer. Used in conjunction with the3M™ 718A Air Ionizer Test Kit (availableseparately), it can be used for verificationand auditing of air ionizers.The 718 Static Sensor is battery-poweredand has several measurement features:Range: measurements can be taken in a 0-2 kV or 0-20 kV range.Automatic Zero: pushbutton featureallows easy adjustment to zero. No screwsor dials to turn.HOLD function: allows the User to"freeze" a displayed measurement, forlater evaluation.Automatic shutoff: conserves batterypower by shutting off the instrument after20 minutes of inactivity.

2.0 Power Requirements andBattery Installation

2.1 Both the 718 and 718A Charger usDC 9V power supplied by a 9Valkaline battery.

2.2 To install the battery on either unit:

2.2.1 Remove the battery cover, located inthe lower back of the unit. To dothis, press down on the cover andslide it downward.

2.2.2 Pull the battery connector out of thehousing, and align the male/femaleends of the connector with theproper terminals on the battery.

2.2.3 Connect the two, and place theconnected battery into the housingby inserting the connector end first,then following up with the other endof the battery.

2.2.4 Replace the cover.

2.3 The 718 Static Sensor has a LowBattery indicator. Once the battery isdepleted to approximately 6.5 volts,the instrument will show BAT in thedisplay. At this time, the 718 will notproduce accurate results and thebattery should be replaced. A freshalkaline battery should last greaterthan 50 hours, when the instrument isin continuous usage.

2.4 The 718A Charger also has a low-battery indicator. This is an LEDlocated at the left-hand side of theunit. When the battery voltage dropsbelow operating level, the LED willlight up. At this time, the user should

replace the battery. Usage of the3M™ 718A Charger under low-battery conditions would lead to insufficient voltage levels being generated.

3.0 Operation of the 718 StaticSensor

Supplemental notes:For accurate measurements during usage,it is recommended that the outside housingof the 3M™ 718 Static Sensor beconnected to an electrical ground. Thiscan be accomplished by having the userholding the instrument connected toground through either a static control wriststrap, or while wearing static controlfootwear. The enclosure of the 718 ismade of conductive plastic and is,therefore, electrically connected towhomever is holding the instrument. Inaddition, ground for the instrument can beprovided through the Voltage MonitorOutput on the front of the case.

The 718 Static Sensor is a precisionelectronic instrument. Improper use orrough treatment can damage the unit, andrender it incapable of providing accuratemeasurements.

3.1 Turning the unit ON and OFF: Toturn on the 718 Static Sensor,momentarily press down on themembrane switch labeled POWER.Determining that the power is on canbe verified by seeing that the liquid-crystal display (LCD) is on, and thatthe red light-emitting diodes in thefront of the sensor are lit. To shut offthe 718 Static Sensor, momentarilypress down on the membrane switch

labeled POWER. Determining thatthe power is off can be verified byseeing that the liquid-crystal display(LCD) is off.

3.2 Making Electrostatic VoltageMeasurements: hold the instrument 1-inch (2.54 cm) away from the objectbeing measured. The display willupdate with the voltage measurementin kilovolts. If the measured voltageis greater than the measurement rangeof the instrument, a –1. will bedisplayed. At this time, switch toa greater range. If over-rangingoccurs even with the 20 kV rangeactivated, the static charge on theobject cannot be measured with the718 Static Sensor.

3.3 Measurement Range: all measurementsare in kilovolts (kV) as stated on thefront label of the unit. The 718 hastwo measurement ranges: 0-2 kV and0-20 kV. The unit’s currentmeasurement range mode can beverified by checking the display. Three digits following the decimalpoint indicate that the unit is in 0-2 kVrange. Two digits following thedecimal point indicate that the sensoris in 0-20 kV range. To changebetween measurement ranges, press the RANGE/HOLD button once,momentarily.

3.4 HOLD Function: in the event that theuser wishes to freeze the currentmeasurement, the HOLD function ofthe 718 Static Sensor may be used.Simply press the HOLD switchmomentarily and the currentlydisplayed voltage will be frozen.

A HOLD notice will also bedisplayed to alert the user that theinstrument is currently in HOLDstatus. To unfreeze the display andreturn to floating measurement,momentarily press the HOLD switchonce again. Please note that duringHOLD condition the distance-indicating LED’s are turned off.

3.5 Zero adjustment: the 3M™ 718 StaticSensor has a zero adjustmentfunction, which sets a zero referencepoint for all subsequentmeasurements. This zero referencecan be set by pointing the instrumentat a known zero-voltage surface, andholding down the RANGE/ZERObutton for longer than 3 seconds.After 3 seconds, the display will flashand adjust to zero. Repeat this stepfor both the 2 kV and the 20 kVranges. The zero adjustment shouldbe performed every time the unit isturned on.

3.6 Measurement Accuracy:

3.6.1 Distance Indicator: the 718 StaticSensor is factory calibrated to giveaccurate measurements when it isplaced one inch (2.54 cm) awayfrom the object to be measured. Toassist the user in gauging thisdistance, two light-emitting diodes(LED’s) are present on the front faceof the instrument. These LED’semit two red, bullseye targets on thesurface of the object being measured.As the instrument gets closer to theone inch measurement distance, thebullseyes begin to converge. Whenthey converge and become one, theinstrument is approximately oneinch away, and the measurement canbe made. For more accurate measurements, it is recommended that the usermanually measure the distancebetween the front housing of theinstrument and the object being measured.

3.6.2 Accuracy and Size of Object to beMeasured: the minimum surfacearea on an electrostatically chargedobject which can be accuratelymeasured is a 5 square inch (32.3 cm2) area.

3.6.3 Measurements from Greater thanOne Inch (2.54 cm) Away: in theevent that a one inch separationbetween object-to-be measured andthe 718 cannot be achieved, it ispossible to get approximatereadings. This can be accomplishedby holding the instrument atmultiples of one inch (two inches,three inches, etc.) away from theobject. The measurement reading isthen adjusted according to thefollowing equation:

Measurement distance (in inches) x displayed voltage (in kilovolts) = approximate voltage in kilovolts

3.7 Continuous Output: an output jack isprovided on the front of the 3M™718 Static Sensor. This output can be used to feed a continuous signalinto a data storage device forcontinuous monitoring of measuredvoltages. Please use a 3/32 inch (2.5mm) mono-phone plug to connectinto the output jack. The output isdesigned to drive a digital voltmeterwith an input impedance of greaterthan 50 kΩ. The output signal isdependent on the measurement rangecurrently selected. For the low (2kV) range, the output signal is 1/1000of the measured electrostatic voltage.For the high (20 kV) range, theoutput signal is 1/10,000 of themeasured voltage.

3.8 Automatic Shut-Off: the 718 StaticSensor will automatically shut-off 20minutes after the last switch activity.This is done in order to conservebattery power. In the event that theuser needs to have the unit stay ONcontinuously, when turning the uniton depress the POWER ANDRANGE switches simultaneously.This deactivates the Automatic Shut-Off feature. The BAT indicator willthen flash three times to indicate thatthe automatic shut-off features hasbeen disabled. The Automatic Shut-Off feature will reset itself the nexttime the instrument is turned on.

4.0 Operation and Use of the718A Air Ionizer Test Kit

It is recommended that the user be familiarwith ionizer test standards ANSI/ESD S3.1and draft standard ESD DSP3.3 if the3M™ 718A Air Ionizer Test Kit is used toperform verification testing on ionizerperformance.

4.1 Assembly: slide the charge plate overthe 718 Static sensor until it stops.The charge plate slides onto the lowergroove, on the sides of the 718.

4.2 Charging the plate: holding the 718Static Sensor (with charge plateattached) in one hand, use the otherhand to touch the probe of the 718ACharger to the charge plate. Presseither the + button (for a positivevoltage) or the – button (for a negativevoltage), then remove the probe fromthe charge plate. Be sure to keep thebutton pressed while removing theprobe from the charge plate. Thedisplay on the 3M™ 718 Static Sensorwill indicate a positive or negativecharging voltage (1.1kV minimum).If a voltage of less than ±1.1kV isdisplayed, check to see if the lowbattery indicator on the 718A Chargeris illuminated. If illuminated, replacethe battery in the charger. If the unitcontinues to supply an incorrectvoltage to the charge plate, pleasecontact 3M for additional instructions.

4.3 Testing ionizer discharge time: aftercharging the plate, hold the 718approximately one foot (30.5 cm)away from the ionizer. Monitor thedisplay to see how quickly the 1.1 kVcharge is dissipated to 0.1 kV. Thespeed at which this occurs (thedischarge time) indicates how wellthe ionizer is operating. Please referto the specific ionizer’s operatingmanual or consult with the ionizermanufacturer to determine what thisdischarge time should be. Repeat thisprocedure for both a positively and anegatively charged plate.

4.4 Testing ionizer offset balance: zerothe charge plate by touching it with agrounded object. This can either bethe finger of a grounded person orsome other item which is connectedto electrical ground. In either case,zeroing the charge plate should makethe display on the 718 read zero.Hold the 718 approximately one foot(30.5 cm) in front of the ionizer.

Monitor the display. The valuedisplayed is the offset balance of theionizer, which is the differencebetween the number of positive andnegative ions being emitted. Pleaserefer to the specific ionizer’soperating manual or consult with theionizer manufacturer to determinewhat this offset balance should be.

5.0 Service/Calibration

5.1 Service and Repair: in the event thatyou believe the 718 Static Sensor orthe 3M™ 718A Air Ionizer Test Kitis in need of repair, please contactyour local 3M representative fortroubleshooting help, and, as needed,repair information. There are nouser-serviceable parts on eitherproduct.

5.2 Calibration: the 718 and 718Aproducts are supplied by the factorypre-calibrated. 3M does not specify aminimum calibration cycle for the718 or 718A products. The user,usually according to internal Qualityprocedures, determines calibrationcycles. 3M does offer calibrationservices on these instruments. Pleasecontact your local 3M representativefor information on this service. In theevent that the user wishes to performa self-calibration, the following stepsshould be followed for the 718 StaticSensor (user-calibration not possibleon the 718A Air Ionizer Test kit).

5.3 Equipment Needed:Test fixtureHigh-Voltage Power Supply,capable of supplying voltages up to 10,000 VVoltmeter, with > 50 kΩ inputimpedance, capable of measuringvoltages down to the µV range.Cable with a 3/32 inch (2.5mm)mono plug and secondary connectorto interface with voltmeter

5.4 Test fixture:Metal plate of at least 5 squareinches area (38.7 cm2) area.Metal stand capable of supporting718, and holding it one inch (2.54cm) away from the metal plate,centered.Connectors on the plate with whichit can interface with the high voltagepower supply.Connections on the metal stand withwhich it can be connected toelectrical ground.

5.5 Procedure:5.5.1 Place the 3M™ 718 Static Sensor on

the metal stand. Verify that it isexactly one inch (2.54 cm) away fromthe metal plate, and that its position iscentered relative to the plate.

5.5.2 Connect the stand to ground.5.5.3 Turn on the 718 Static Sensor and

set it to the 2 kV range.5.5.4 Ground the plate. Zero the display.5.5.5 Remove the ground from the plate,

and connect it to the high voltagepower supply. Apply a 1 kV chargeto the plate.

5.5.6 The instrument should now bereading 1.000. If it is not, removethe battery door and use ascrewdriver to turn the small screwlocated inside the batterycompartment. Use a smallscrewdriver to turn the small screw,located on the front right side of theinstrument. This screw shouldadjust the reading on the display.Once the display has been adjustedto read 1.000, the low range of the718 is now calibrated.

5.5.7 Repeat procedures 5.5.2 - 5.5.6 forthe 20 kV range of the meter, usinga test voltage of 5,000 volts.

6.0 Physical Characteristics (All values typical)(at 1 inch (2.54 cm) distance from sensor to target)

3M™ 718 Static SensorDimensions 0.85" (H) x 2.4" (W) x 4.15" (L)

2.2 cm (H) x 6.1 cm (W) x 10.5 cm (L)Weight 4.5 oz. (128 g) with batteryOperating Conditions 41º F - 95º F (5º C - 35º C)

up to 80% RH, non-condensingIndoor use onlyFor use at altitudes below 42, 300 ft. (2000 m)Pollution Degree IIClass III

Enclosure Conductive PolycarbonatePower Requirements One 9-volt alkaline batteryMeasurement Ranges 0 – 2 kV

0 – 20 kVVoltage Display 3 1/2 digit liquid crystal displayDisplay Resolution 1 V/inch (0.39 V/cm) @ low range

10 V/inch (3.9 V/cm) @ high range+/- 10 counts

Display Update Rate 3 HzVoltage Output Jack 3/32 in. (2.5 mm) monophone

Tip: signalSleeve: ground

Voltage Output 1/1000 of measured voltage @ low range1/10,000 of measured voltage @ high range

Automatic Shut-off 20 minutes after last switch activityOperating Time for Battery Greater than 50 hours, with new battery, @ 21º C

Continuous usageDistance Indicator LED targets. Aligned targets indicate 1 in.

(2.54 cm) measurement distanceMeasurement Accuracy within 5% of measured voltageMeasurement Stability ± 10 countsCertifications UL, C-UL, CE, CB-scheme, NOM

3M™ 718A Air Ionizer Test KitCharge Plate Assembly Per ESD Association Draft Standard D3.3

Aluminum bracketBare stainless steel plateTeflon spacers isolate plate from bracket

Charge Plate Bracket Dimensions 1" (H) x 3.1" (W) x 4.25" (L)2.5 cm (H) x 7.9 cm (W) x 10.8 cm (L)

Charge Plate Area 3.25" (W) x 1.25" (L)8.3 cm (W) x 3.2 cm (L)

Charge Plate Assembly Weight 2.5 oz (70 g)Charger Dimensions 0.85" (H) x 2.4" (W) x 5.0" (L)

2.2 cm (H) x 6.1 cm (W) x 12.7 cm (L)Charger Weight 6 oz. (170 g) with batteryCharger Power Requirements One 9 volt alkaline batteryCharger Output 1.1kV minimum for positive or negative voltage(using 718 with charge plate)Certifications UL, C-UL, CE, CB-scheme, NOM

7.0 Parts Listing

3M™ 718 Static Sensor1 ea. 718 Static Sensor1 ea. 718/718A Operator’s Manual1 ea. Certificate of Conformance

3M™ 718A Air Ionizer Test Kit1 ea. 718A Charge Plate Assembly1 ea. 718A Charger1 ea. 718/718A Operator’s Manual 1 ea. Certificate of Conformance

8.0 Contact Information:Customer and Technical Service

Within the U.S. : Customer service andtechnical support can be obtained bycalling the 3M Electronic Handling &Protection Division

Customer Service: (800) 328-1368Technical Support: (512) 984-3200

Outside of the U.S.: For customer serviceand technical support, please contact yourlocal representative of the 3M ElectronicHandling & Protection Division.

Electronic and Interconnect Solutions Division 6801 River Place Blvd.Austin, TX 78726-9000www.3m.com/eisd

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Important Notice:All statements, technical information, and recommendations related to 3M’sproducts are based on information believed to be reliable, but the accuracy or completeness is not guaranteed. Beforeusing this product, you must evaluate it anddetermine if it is suitable for your intendedapplication.You assume all risks andliability associated with such use. Anystatements related to the product which isnot contained in 3M’s current publications,or any contrary statements contained onyour purchase order shall have no force or effect unless expressly agreed upon, in writing, by an authorized officer of 3M.

Warranty; Limited Remedy; LimitedLiability.This product will be free from defects in material and manufacture for a period of one year from the time of purchase. 3M MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTIESINCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO,ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OFMERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

If this product is defective within thewarranty period stated above, yourexclusive remedy shall be, at 3M’s option,to replace or repair the 3M product orrefund the purchase price of the 3Mproduct. Except where prohibited by law, 3M will not be liable for any indirect,special, incidental or consequential lossor damage arising from this 3M product,regardless of the legal theory asserted.

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