Desco 60500 Installation Manual

TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-2095

Chargebuster Jr. H/O with Emitter Cassette
Installation, Operation and Maintenance

that have large capacitance, like people and carts; however,
ionizers should be considered as a method for charge
neutralization in cases where grounding cannot be achieved.

Air ionization can neutralize the static charge on insulated
and isolated objects by producing separate charges in

Removable
Cassette

Accessory
Ground
Jack

Power
Switch
On/Off

Heater
Switch
On/Off

Figure 1. Desco Chargebuster Jr. H/O (High Output) Ionizer

Description

The Desco Chargebuster Jr. H/O ionizer is a compact
and lightweight auto-balancing bench top ionizer with our
patented* emitter cassette that slides out for easy cleaning and
replacement. The Chargebuster Jr.’s unique active feedback
balancing circuit automatically ensures and maintains the
unit’s ion balance despite variations in line voltage, air speed,
or emitter electrode condition. The unit’s compact, efficient
design minimizes bench top space requirements and need for
maintenance, while maximizing neutralization efficiency and
overall performance.

Ionizers are useful in preventing electrostatic charge
generation, ElectroStatic Discharge, ElectroStatic Attraction,
as well as preventing equipment latch-up and safety related
shock. ANSI/ESD S20.20 Paragraph 6.2.3.1 Protected Areas
Requirement states: “Ionization or other charge mitigating
techniques shall be used at the workstation to neutralize
electrostatic fields on all process essential insulators if
the electrostatic field is considered a threat.” Ionization is
used to neutralize charges on process necessary insulators
and isolated semiconductors. Some examples of process
necessary insulators are: the PC board itself, plastic test
stands, plastic housing where a PCB may be mounted, as
well as computer monitor screens and regular cleaning wipes.
Examples of floating or isolated conductors are: loaded PCB
mounted in a stand where the pins are not contacting the
dissipative workstation. Ionization is not effective on items

the molecules of the gases of the surrounding air. When
an electrostatic charge is present on objects in the work
environment, it will be neutralized by attracting opposite polarity
charges from the ionized air. Note that ionization systems
should not be used as a primary means of charge control on
conductors or people. (Reference: IEC 61340-5-2:1 paragraph

5.2.9).

The Chargebuster Jr. H/O is available in 2 models:

Item # Voltage Heater NIST

60500 120 Volt No Yes

60501 120 Volt Yes Yes

All models come equipped with a universal IEC cord connector
and a removable emitter cassette. Models 60500 and 60501
include a standard IEC cord set. All models are calibrated and
traceable to NIST.

IONIZER SELECTION

ANSI/ESD S20.20 paragraph 6.1.1.2. ESD Control Program
Plan Guidance states: “The Plan should include a listing of the
specific type of ESD protective materials and equipment used
in the Program.” When selecting an ionizer life cycle costs
should be considered including: equipment cost; installation
cost; and operation and maintenance cost.

The unit is normally placed at one end of a workbench or area
to be neutralized. It may also be wall mounted or mounted on a
shelf. The ionizer’s decay time (neutralization efficiency) will be
best from approximately 6” to 42” in front of the unit, and will
drop off as the distance from the unit increases.

TOP VIEW

SIDE VIEW

6”

42”

Figure 2. Area of optimum charge neutralization

* US Patent #6,137,670

Made in America

18”

1’

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

TB-2095 August 2009 Page 1 of 5

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

© 2009 DESCO INDUSTRIES, INC.

Employee Owned

Installation

Remove the ionizer from the carton and inspect for damage.
Included with the unit should be:

1 Air Filter
1 Stand Assembly with Hardware
1 Power Cord

Mount the unit in the desired position. Set the front panel
rocker switch to the “off” or mid position.

Install the power cord into an appropriate power source.
Chargebuster Jr. models 60500 and 60501 operate on 120
VAC 50/60 Hz. The ionizer must be connected to a properly
grounded receptacle for operation.

NOTE: We recommend not using on the same circuit as
motors or equipment drawing heavy current as false alarms
may occur.

Installing Stand Assembly

To install the stand assembly follow the instructions shown in
Figure 3. You can mount the unit on a bench top or remove
the rubber feet and bolt the stand to a wall or under a shelf as
desired. Be sure to use appropriate fasteners. For best results,
mount the unit so that no obstructions exist either on the intake
or the outlet side.

Ionizer
Housing

Stand

Flat Washer

Knob

Figure 3. Installing stand assembly

Alternative Mounting

The optional 60460 Ionizer Mounting Arm is designed as a
mounting alternative for the 60501 Chargebuster Jr. Ionizer.
The 60460 allows a Jr. Ionizer to be mounted off the bench
top, saving valuable work bench space. The articulated
movement of the arm assembly allows the user to precisely
focus the ionizer’s output directly onto the desired areas or
across the entire work area.

The Ionizer Mounting Arm includes a C-clamp style mounting
system for ease of installation. Figure 4 shows proper
mounting of the arm on a workbench. The arm also includes an
installed three prong power cord with an IEC termination.

Figure 4. Installing mounting arm on workbench.

The arm’s custom neck piece allows for easy mounting of a
standard Jr. Ionizer via the stand assembly. The ionizer should
be mounted to the arm by tightening the bolt onto the neck
piece as shown in Figure 5.

Figure 5. Installing Chargebuster Jr. to Ionizer Mounting Arm

The 60460 is sold separately. For detailed information on the
installation and operation of the 60460 Ionizer Mounting Arm,
ask for Technical Bulletin TB-2056.

Operation

For item 60500 set the front panel rocker fan switch to either
“HIGH” or “LOW” fan speed. Higher air flow will result in a
faster neutralization rate. Safety interlock switches are provided
internally on the emitter cassette. This insures that power is
cut off in the event that the cassette is removed or not fully
installed.

Aim the unit so that the maximum airflow is directed at the
items or area to be neutralized.

The bottom rocker switch on the 60501 turns on a heater which
will raise the temperature of the output air to about 10°F above
ambient. The heater is only to offset the chill factor of the
moving air. It is not intended to warm the workstation.

If the ionizer is used in a manner not specified by the
manufacturer, the protection provided by the ionizer may
be impaired.

TB-2095 Page 2 of 5

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

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

© 2009 DESCO INDUSTRIES, INC.

Employee Owned

Maintenance

“As with all ionizers, periodic maintenance will be needed to
provide optimum performance.” (Reference: IEC 61340-5­2:1paragraph 5.2.9).

The frequency of monitoring ionizers really depends on how
and where they are used. Since the majority of them use a fan
to transport the ions to the working area, the cleanliness of the
air directly affects their performance over time and how often
the emitters should be cleaned.

EIA-625 recommends checking ionizers every 6 months, but
this may not be suitable for many programs particularly since
an out-of-balance may exist for months before it is checked
again. ANSI/ESD S20.20 paragraph 6.1.3.1 Compliance
Verification Plan Requirement states: “Test equipment shall be
selected to make measurements of appropriate properties of
the technical requirements that are incorporated into the ESD
program plan.” And paragraph 6.1.3.2. Compliance Verification
Plan Guidance states: “In addition to internal audits, external
audits (Organization and supplier of ESDS items) should be
performed to ensure compliance with planned requirements.
Verifications should include routine checks of the Technical
Requirements in the Plan. The frequency of verification checks
should be based on the control item usage, its durability and
associated risk of failure.”

Under normal conditions, the ionizer will attract dirt and dust
(especially on the emitter electrodes). To maintain optimum
performance, cleaning must be performed on a regular basis.
The electrodes should be cleaned at least every six months.
However, more frequent cleaning may be required if used in
environments with more contaminants.

By their nature, all electric ionizers attract contaminants to
the high voltage emitter pins. For best performance, this
contamination must be kept to a minimum. This was a major
factor in the design process of the Jr. ionizer with cassette.
Although we could not eliminate the maintenance, we have
made it far easier and much cleaner than ever before.

• Switch to the OFF position.

• Grasp the cassette ejector levers at the center and pivot

outward about 90 degrees.

• Grasping the right and left corners, pull the cassette straight

out of the ionizer.

Air filter

Figure 6. Removing the emitter cassette

Note: An air filter is included with the unit to be used in
place of the unit’s grill in dusty or dirty environments. The air
filter will reduce the frequency of cleaning necessary for the
unit. Performance will be somewhat compromised due to air
restriction. To install air filter, remove the four Phillips screws

and install screen. The dimensions of the screen are 4-5/8” x
4-5/8” x .15”. Construction is 30x30 aluminum mesh (30 wires/

sq. in. in a crisscross pattern). This filter is easily removed and
can be washed in warm, soapy water when it becomes dirty.
Replacement filters are available as item #60455.

Neutralization Efficiency (Discharge Time)

The comparative efficiency of bench top ionizers is determined
by ESD Association Standard S3.1 measuring offset voltage
(balance) and both polarities’ discharge times. The Ion
emitter electrodes produce a high ion output for rapid charge
dissipation. The decay rates measured using this standard
for the ionizer are shown in Figure 9. The performance of
the ionizer was measured with the unit positioned at varying
locations with the fan speed on high and without a filter.

NOTE: Discharge times in seconds are representative
only and are not a guarantee. Discharge times are actual
measurements recorded in a factory ambient environment.

• The cassette can then be replaced with a spare (item

#60480, sold in pairs) or removed to another area for
cleaning.

• Emitter pins are readily accessible and the cleaning of the

cassette can be accomplished with a stiff brush or lint-free
swab and isopropyl alcohol or other residue-free cleaning
solvent.

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

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

TB-2095 Page 3 of 5

Item 60500

Figure 7. Discharge time in seconds from +1000 volts to +100
volts on a 6” x 6” charged plate monitor per ANSI/ESD-S3.1

© 2009 DESCO INDUSTRIES, INC.

Employee Owned

Theory of Operation

By definition, materials that are insulators cannot have static
charges removed via grounding as they do not conduct
electricity. Ionizer emitters flood an area with millions of
positive and negative charged electrons to neutralize insulators
that have static charges on them.

The Chargebuster Jr. employs a safe non-nuclear
Steady-State DC ionization source. Steady D.C. systems
consist of separate negative and positive ion emitters
connected by a pair of high-voltage cables to their respective
high-voltage power supplies. The ionizer’s unique, closed
loop monitoring circuitry monitors ion output and automatically
adjusts the unit to reach an equilibrium at perfectly balanced
ion flow. The ionizer is designed to achieve balance under
extreme conditions and is uniquely able to maintain balance in
almost any environment. Desco ionizers meet the ANSI/ESD
S20.20 minimum recommended technical requirement range
of less than ±50 volts voltage offset tested in accordance
with ANSI EOS/ESD S3.1. Chargebuster Jr. Ionizers greatly
exceed the requirement providing as low as ±5 volt auto
balancing.

The unit’s circuitry also features a visual and audible ‘CHECK
IONIZER’ alarm, which alerts the user to abnormal conditions
caused by excessive electrode contamination or the failure
of either the positive or negative power supply. When the
Chargebuster Jr. is ON and operating normally, the blue LED
indicator on the front of the unit will be steadily lit. ‘CHECK
IONIZER’ is indicated when the blue LED is flashing. See
the maintenance section for recommended maintenance
procedures. This feature safeguards that the ionization is
balanced, protecting sensitive components and assemblies
from being exposed to harmful charging from an out of balance
ionizer.

The Chargebuster Jr.’s quiet and gentle fan is designed so
that it will not disturb personnel, paperwork, or delicate parts.
The LED indicator mounted on the face of the unit allows the
operator to easily verify whether it is ON, OFF, or in need of
maintenance. The ionizer’s emitter electrode material will not
require replacement during the normal life of the product.

The Chargebuster Jr. is engineered for efficiency and
durability. The unit’s automatic feedback balancing circuitry
eliminates the need for repeated calibration, making this
ionizer highly dependable and cost effective.

Specifications

Input: 120 VAC - 50/60 Hz, 200 mA
Fuse Type:
60500 Fast Blow 1 amp
60501 Slow blow 3 amps
Ozone: Less than 0.05ppm
Airflow: Dual speed, 77 CFM maximum
Weight: 4 lbs.
Cord: IEC cord set
Dimensions:
Without Stand: 6.7” x 6.6” x 3.5”

With Stand: 8.5” x 7.75”
Base: 6.8” x 3.4”
Holes: 0.122” in diameter, in a 5.83” x

2.4” rectangular pattern

Testing and Calibration

We recommend annual calibration of our ionizers. Ionizers
are tested and calibrated using a charged plate analyzer. For
proper testing, we recommend a charged plate analyzer and
the procedure outlined in ESD Standard S3.1. This standard
may be purchased from the ESD Association, 7902 Turin Rd.,
Suite 4, Rome NY 13440-2069, (315-339-6937). If you have
access to a charged plate analyzer, you can use it to calibrate
the Chargebuster Jr. We will be happy to send you information
on the EMIT model 50555 Charged Plate Analyzer.

Calibration traceable to National Institute of Standards and
Technology (NIST) is a standard feature of all Models.

Calibration

For Audio On/Off and Alarm and Balance Adjustment see

figure 8.

Accessory
Ground
Jack

Power
Switch
On/Off

Audio On/Off

Alarm Adjustment
Balance
Adjustment

Figure 8. Calibration and position of charged plate for calibration.

Tools Required:

1. Charged plate analyzer

2. Potentiometer adjustment tool.

3. 9V Battery

4. Digital Multimeter

Note: We recommend that an electrician perform the
following test:

Checking the Neutral-to-Ground voltage at the outlet

1. Be sure the multimeter is set on AC Volts
(minimum 150-200 volts)

2. Measure between the ground pin and the neutral
(should be the wider blade)

3. Voltage must not exceed 3 volts – Ref: National
Electrical Code below

TB-2095 Page 4 of 5

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

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

© 2009 DESCO INDUSTRIES, INC.

Employee Owned

4. If voltage exceeds 3 volts, consult a licensed electrician
to correct the problem

The National Electrical Code, in Sec. 210.19(A), FPN No.4,

states: “Conductors for branch circuits as dened in Art. 100,

sized to prevent a voltage drop exceeding 3% at the farthest
outlet of power, heating, and lighting loads, or combination
of such loads, and where the maximum total voltage drop on
both feeders and branch circuits to the farthest outlet does

not exceed 5%, provide reasonable efciency of operation.”

This amounts to a 6V drop in a 120V branch-circuit home run.
Assuming equal losses in the supply and return conductors,
then you should see an N-G voltage of 3V, which is a realistic
condition.

Adjusting the balance:

1. Zero out the charged plate analyzer by pressing the zero
button and then adjusting the potentiometer, or knob, on the
charged plate itself. (The charged plate should be zeroed
every 10 to 15 minutes if working on multiple units). The

charged plate needs to be set to the oat / decay position.

2. Place the Ionizer twelve inches from the charged plate and
turn the unit on.

3. Adjust the balance potentiometer until the unit is 0 to ±10V
on the high fan speed. The unit should stay within 0 to ±10V
on the low fan speed.

Adjusting the alarm:

1. Turn the alarm potentiometer counter clockwise
approximately 10 turns or until you hear or feel that it has
reached the end. The unit should be alarming. If the unit is
not alarming return to the factory.

2. Turn the alarm back clockwise until it stops alarming.

3. From the point where the unit stops alarming turn the
potentiometer three more full revolutions clockwise.

4. Make sure that the charged plate is in the decay/oat

position and watch the voltage on the charged plate. Apply
the 9 volt battery to the front grill and the case
simultaneously. The voltage should rise and the unit should
START alarming at approximately 100V to 200V. Flip the
battery around and repeat for the opposite voltage. If the
unit does not alarm at the proper voltage adjust the alarm
potentiometer one half turn clockwise to increase the alarm
voltage and counter clockwise to decrease alarm voltage.

3. To test the alarm, apply the 9 volt battery to the front grill and
the case simultaneously. Make sure that the charged plate is

in the decay/oat position and watch the voltage on the

charged plate. The voltage should rise and the unit should
START alarming at approximately 100V to 200V. Flip the
battery around and repeat for the opposite voltage. If the
unit does not alarm at the proper voltage adjust the alarm
potentiometer one half turn clockwise to increase the alarm
voltage and counter clockwise to decrease alarm voltage.

Repeat the testing procedure until the unit decays a 1000V
charge to 100V in less than 1.5 seconds, and alarms at
approximately 100V to 200V.

Health

There are no known health risks associated with our devices.
The emitters work at about 4-6 kV and can create ozone,
but there have been no significant measurement of ozone
from our emitter sets, as all our existing units test well below
the OSHA limit of 0.05 ppm ozone. For additional safety
information, see “Dispelling an Old Myth” written by William
Metz of Hewlett-Packard published in Evaluation Engineering
magazine, September 2001.

Limited Warranty

Desco expressly warrants that for a period of one (1) year from the date
of purchase, Desco Chargebuster Jr. H/O’s will be free of defects in
material (parts) and workmanship (labor). Within the warranty period, a
unit will be tested, repaired or replaced at Desco option, free of charge.

Call Customer Service at 909-627-8178 for Return Material Authorization

(RMA) number and proper shipping instructions and address. Any unit
under warranty should be shipped prepaid to the Desco factory. Include
a copy of your original packing slip, invoice, or other proof of purchase
date. Warranty repairs will take approximately two weeks.

If your unit is out of warranty, Desco will quote repair charges necessary
to bring your unit up to factory standards. Call Customer Service at

909-627-8178 for an RMA number and proper shipping instructions, and

ship your unit freight prepaid.

Warranty Exclusions

THE FOREGOING EXPRESS WARRANTY IS MADE IN LIEU OF
ALL OTHER PRODUCT WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED AND IMPLIED,
INCLUDING MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE WHICH ARE SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMED. The express
warranty will not apply to defects or damage due to accidents, neglect,
misuse, alterations, operator error, or failure to properly maintain, clean
or repair products.

Note: most multimeters have a Diode Check setting that will
produce a low voltage on the test leads. The meter with
this setting can be used in place of the 9V battery for
testing the alarm.

Final Testing:

1. Check that the balance is still at 0 to ±10V on the high fan
speed. If it is not adjust the balance back to within tolerance.

2. Perform decay test on both the positive and negative
voltages. To do this press the charge button on the charged
plate and allow the plate to charge up over 1000v. Then
press the decay button on the charged plate and look at the
timer to see how long it takes to decay the charge. The unit
should decay the charge in less than 1.5 seconds. Toggle
the ± switch and repeat.

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

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

TB-2095 Page 5 of 5

Limit of Liability

Electronic ionizers use high voltage corona discharge and should not
be used in or near flammable or explosive environments. In no event
will Desco or any seller be responsible or liable for any injury, loss or
damage, direct or consequential, arising out of the use of or the inability
to use the product. Before using, users shall determine the suit ability of
the product for their intended use, and users assume all risk and liability
whatsoever in connection therewith.

© 2009 DESCO INDUSTRIES, INC.

Employee Owned