Desco 60473 Installation Manual

TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-3031

Chargebuster® Overhead Ionizer
Operation, Installation, and Maintenance

distance of 30 cm (12 inches); or B) Use ionization or other
charge mitigating techniques to neutralize the charge.”
(ANSI/ESD S20.20-2007 section 8.3)

“The primary method of static charge control is direct
connection to ground for conductors, static dissipative
materials, and personnel. A complete static control
program must also deal with isolated conductors that cannot
be grounded, insulating materials (e.g., most common
plastics), and moving personnel who cannot use wrist or

Figure 1. Desco 60473 Chargebuster Overhead Ionizer

Figure 2. Desco 60640 Chargebuster Overhead Ionizer

Description

The Chargebuster® overhead ionizers are steady state DC
ionizers designed to cover 2 foot by 5 foot (60473) or 2
foot by 4 foot (60640) for use in ESD sensitive work areas:
calibration, test, final assembly, or repair procedures. The
specially designed 3-speed fan modules create better
coverage, consistent offset voltage (±10 Volts), and superior
discharge times(<3 seconds) tested per ANSI/ESD STM

3.1. The Chargebuster® overhead ionizers are equipped
with a Auto-Feedback system, that continually optimizes the
performance and will automatically shut down the and alarm
if/when supply voltage drops to the ionizer. The ionizers
can be used with 110V or 220V power sources.

“Necessary non-conductors in the environment cannot
lose their electrostatic charge by attachment to ground.
Ionization systems provide neutralization of charges on
these necessary non-conductive items (circuit board
materials and some device packages are examples of
necessary non-conductors). Assessment of the ESD
hazard created by electrostatic charges on the necessary
nonconductors in the work place is required to ensure
that appropriate actions are implemented, commensurate
with risk to ESDS [ESD sensitive] items”. (ANSI/ESD
S20.20-2007 Foreword)

“In order to mitigate field-induced CDM [Charged Device
Model] damage, the ESD program shall include a plan for
the handling of process-required insulators. If the field
exceeds 2,000 volts/inch, steps shall be taken to either: A)
Separate the insulator from the ESD-sensitive device by a

heel straps or ESD control flooring and footwear.
Air ionization is not a replacement for grounding methods.

It is one component of a complete static control program.
Ionizers are used when it is not possible to properly
ground everything and as backup to other static control
methods. In clean rooms, air ionization may be one of the
few methods of static control available.” (ESD Handbook
ESD TR20.20 Ionization, section 5.3.6.1)

“All ionization devices will require periodic maintenance for
proper operation. Maintenance intervals for ionizers vary
widely depending on the type of ionization equipment and
use environment. Critical clean room uses will generally
require more frequent attention. It is important to set-up
a routine schedule for ionizer service. Routine service is
typically required to meet quality audit requirements.” (ESD
Handbook ESD TR20.20 section 5.3.6.7 Maintenance /
Cleaning)

Packaging

1 Chargebuster Overhead Ionizer
1 Hanging Kit
1 Power Cord
3 Emitter Point Cleaners
1 Certificate of Calibration

Installation

Input voltage is selected with the two internal jumpers on
JH1. For 110 volt jumper setting, a jumper must be in place
shorting pin 1 to 2 and another shorting pin 3 to 4 (see
Figure 3). For 220 volt jumper setting, a single jumper must
be in place shorting pin 2 to 3 only (see figure 4). Make
sure setting is correct before applying power.

Note: Unit shipped set at 110V
Before installing the unit, verify that the AC outlet is properly

connected to ground. The unit must have a good ground
to maintain proper offset voltage balance. Install the unit in
the desired location, making sure that the airflow will not be
restricted. Be sure the “OFF / ON” switch located on the
rear of the unit is in the OFF position. Plug the power cord
into the unit and then into the appropriate AC power source.

Made in America

DESCO EAST - One Colgate Way, Canton, MA 02021-1407 • [phone] • Fax [phone] • Web Site: Desco.com

TB-3031 May 2010 Page 1 of 4

DESCO WEST - 3651 Walnut Avenue, Chino, CA 91710 • [phone] • Fax [phone]

© 2010 DESCO INDUSTRIES INC.

Employee Owned

Figure 3. 110 volt jumper setting

Figure 4. 220 volt jumper setting

Under normal conditions the ionizer will attract dirt and dust
(especially on the emitter electrodes). To maintain optimum
neutralization efficiency and operation, cleaning should be
performed on a regular basis.

When the unit enters shutdown mode, ionization will be
stopped, the LED on the front of the unit will change to a
steady RED, and the audible alarm will sound continuously.
If the ionizer enters shutdown mode, it must be turned OFF
and then back ON to reset the unit.

NOTE: The AC power cord MUST be disconnected
before the unit is disassembled for maintenance. The

emitter electrodes should be cleaned using the included
cleaners or a swab damp with isopropyl alcohol. First,
turn the unit OFF and unplug the power cord. Then
remove each fan grill located on the top-side of the ionizer
by disengaging all 4 screws per grill. Clean all emitter
electrodes. After cleaning the emitter electrodes, re-attach
all the removed grills. Plug in the power cord and turn the
unit back ON.

The emitter electrodes should not require replacement
during the life of the unit with normal handling.
Replacement emitter electrodes can be ordered if
necessary.

The best practice would be to verify the balance (offset
voltage) of the unit with a charged plate monitor after
cleaning.

Operation

Set the fan speed switch on the rear of the unit to the LOW,
MED, or HIGH position. Higher airflow will result in faster
discharge times. Position the unit so that the maximum
airflow is directed at the items or area to be neutralized.
Turn the unit ON.

When the unit is first turned on, it will conduct a self-test.
The audible alarm will sound and then the LED will cycle
through RED, YELLOW, and GREEN. The LED will remain
GREEN during normal operation.

BALANCE (OFFSET VOLTAGE) ADJUSTMENT

The Chargebuster Overhead Ionizer is an auto-balancing
unit. However, tuning or manual adjustment can be
accomplished by inserting a small screwdriver or trimmer
adjustment tool into the balance (offset voltage) adjustment
hole located on the front of the unit. To increase the output
in a positive direction, turn the potentiometer in a clockwise
direction. Conversely, to increase the output in a negative
direction, turn the potentiometer in a counter-clockwise
direction. Once the desired balance point has been
achieved, the alarm reset button must be pressed to set the
balance point.

MAINTENANCE / ALARMS

If the supply voltage drops from 120 Volts to below 85 Volts,
the unit will shut down, the audible alarm will beep, and the
LED will blink RED. The unit will automatically reset when
the minimum voltage is restored.

NEUTRALIZATION (DISCHARGE) TIMES

The comparative efficiency of overhead ionizers is
determined by a standard test published by ANSI/ESD
S3.1. Typical positive and negative discharge times (in
seconds from 1000 volts to 100 volts and from -1000 volts
to -100 volts) measured using this standard are shown
below. The performance of the ionizer was measured with
the unit positioned as shown, with the fan speed on high,
and without a filter.

The typical discharge times measured using this standard
for the ionizer are shown in the following diagram. They are
not guaranteed maximum discharge times.

Figure 5. Neutralization (discharge) times - 2 fan ionizer

TB-3031 Page 2 of 4

DESCO EAST - One Colgate Way, Canton, MA 02021-1407 • [phone] • Fax [phone] • Web Site: Desco.com

DESCO WEST - 3651 Walnut Avenue, Chino, CA 91710 • [phone] • Fax [phone]

© 2010 DESCO INDUSTRIES INC.

Employee Owned