Important Notice – Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)

On some occasions, users may experience a sudden failure to get a good EEG signal on one or both channels of the system.  The failure may appear as a “flat line” signal, or as an excessively noisy signal, that does not seem to respond to the input. Such failure may result from damage to the equipment caused by Electrostatic Discharge (ESD). Failures of this type are permanent, and require repair of the amplifier circuitry before the equipment can again be used.

ESD may occur due to a variety of circumstances, and it can be harmful to electronic components, causing them to fail. Low humidity, walking across carpeting, fans, and appliance motors are some of the common generators of ESD. High impedance electronic devices like EEG amplifiers are particularly sensitive to ESD, and special care should be taken around them. Below are some of the possible methods employed to prevent damage:

• Remove all metallic jewelry.
• Use Antistatic mats, and ensure that they are properly connected to ground.
• Apply antistatic sprays to floors, computers and work surfaces.
• Use a humidifier to keep the humidity above 50%.
• Do not leave electrode lead-wires plugged into the amplifier when not in use.
• Do not allow electrode leads to dangle or drape across furniture if they are plugged into the amplifier.
• Place electrodes on the trainee, and check impedances, before plugging the lead-wires into the amplifier input connectors.
• Do not use unauthorized devices or connectors on the input of your equipment.

Additional considerations:

Before working with a sensitive device or electrodes, touch a conductive surface to discharge any static charge in the body.  This will avoid discharging body static into the device, which is one possible source of damage.

When carrying a sensitive device across a carpeted area, do not allow the device or attached electrodes to contact other objects while moving.

Computer equipment should be unplugged from the wall during storms or other times of electrical disturbance, to avoid computer equipment damage and possible injury.

Note that connecting unauthorized devices (such as electrodes, switches, connector devices, or signal generators) may also cause input damage.  This is particularly true of “active” devices that have their own power supply or battery, and may introduce harmful signals to the amplifier inputs. Any devices thus used must have the appropriate FDA, UL, CE, NBS, or other certifications of fitness for use with medical grade EEG amplifiers. Use of unauthorized or unapproved input devices will void your warranty, in case damage occurs to the device.

If you suspect that your device may have had static damage, please contact BrainMaster Technologies, Inc. immediately for assistance with troubleshooting and repair.