This is major nitpicking, but in the FAQ you state that the point of
proper grounding is to maintain equal charge on all components. This is
not correct. Grounding, in simplest terms, is maintaining a conductive
path between all components, thereby keeping them all at the same
POTENTIAL (voltage). The charges on each component of the system may be
different but so long as they all are at the same potential there will
be no current flow.
A conducting foam will ensure that all the components are at equal
potentials. However, if certain components are at greatly different
potentials without a conducting path between them and the components are
then placed on a conducting foam, the potential difference will create a
large current (flowing through the foam), possibly causing damage to the
components. In such a situation you are out-of-luck no matter what you
do. Do not work on sensitive devices in regions of large electrical
fields -- the potential difference induced by the field may be enough to
cause a large current to flow from one side of the board to the other!
Thanks,
Scott
