A discharge of static electricity may cause a running data logger to stop recording. Precautions should be taken to prevent this while handling the data logger.

Discharges may occur when there is a charge difference between the data logger and a cable being connected to it or when a person touches an exposed jack.

Precautions to take include:

  • Equalize the charge between yourself and the data logger before contact. Charge buildup often occurs from walking across a carpet, especially when the humidity is low. Wool, nylon, or polyester clothing increases the charge buildup. Touching a grounded metal object such as a water pipe will dissipate the charge and prevent sparking. When plugging in a cable, handle the plug by the insulated part to reduce charge transfer to the data logger. Do not touch the exposed metal connector shell of the data logger. When using external voltage or current cables, connect the cable to the sensor circuit first before plugging into the data logger.
  • On outdoor/industrial data loggers, minimize contact with the board when installing cables. (When outdoors, shoe charge buildup is probably less of a problem, but touching the ground first is a good idea.)
  • When changing the battery, ground yourself before opening the data logger and maintain contact with the board during the whole process.
  • Keep in mind that static discharge may not appear right away; it could affect the data logger anytime during deployment.
  • Be careful when transporting data loggers. When data loggers are launched and transported in bags (especially plastic and nylon), a static electrical charge can be generated and discharged to a data logger. To avoid this, use anti-static bags to transport the data loggers and prevent the introduction of static to the data loggers.

Categories

Tech Note
Troubleshooting & Maintenance