Most of our kits contain parts which are easiliy damaged by ESD discharge. You can damage a part and not even feel the arc between you and the part. Here are a few hints to help save your parts:
- Get a static mat to work on. They can be purchased for less than $20 from places like Jameco. Be sure to connect the lead to a good ground source. However - DON'T stick the banana plug into an unused outlet ground. Use the alligator clip to grab ground off the metal case of equipment on your bench or something.
- Buy a good wrist strap. These run around $20 and are well worth the investment. You can buy disposable strips for about $1, but they wear out quickly and are intended for field repairs and for one-time use by technicians that forget theirs on site.
- Buy a soldering iron with ESD protection. Some irons don't ground their tips so charges can build up in the tip, damaging the part during soldering.
- Ensure the humidity in your work area is between 35% and 45% If your HVAC system has a humidifier, try turning it up while you work on your project. Not for normal living, 35% is considered a good level to prevent moisture damage to absorbant things in your home.
These tips can go a long way to preventing damage to your kit before it is even built.
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Home Automation FAQ : 
Is there an easier way to clean flux off a board?