An electronically commutated motor (ECM 21) has reduced vulnerability to Electro-Static Discharge (ESD). The motor has an internal stator (50) and an external rotor (22) equipped with a permanent magnet (28), which rotor is separated by an air gap from the internal stator (50). The rotor has a shaft (34) on which a magnetic yoke element (24) is mounted. A leakage flux region on an end face (27) of the magnet (28) actuates a Hall sensor (48) located adjacent a first aperture (48′) in a circuit board (46) supporting electronic control components. In order to prevent static discharges from passing through the first aperture (48′) and endangering the electronic components, the circuit board (46) is formed with a second aperture (43) on whose edge is provided at least one electrical conductor (95′, 95″), connected to ground (112), to which any charge that builds up during operation can harmlessly discharge.