Once you’ve identified an ESD protected area (EPA) and the combination of ESD (electrostatic discharge) control products your facility requires, continuous testing and monitoring need to be conducted. ESD standard IEC 61340-5-1 requires ESD facilities to conduct regular testing and monitoring in order to remain compliant and safe.
Types of ESD tests include the following:
Personnel testing: the personnel grounding tester is a wrist strap/footwear tester that checks grounding systems before personnel enter the EPA. Check twice daily.
Standing operations: check that the resistance of the person to ground is less than 3,5 x 107 Ω, using a megohmmeter. Check twice a year.
EPA testing: check workstations, floor mats, ESD ground connections, ionisers and ESD instruments. Check monthly, and check instruments annually.
In-field testing: use a static locator to measure instantly whether static charges are present, how much and in which polarity.
Continuous monitoring methods (check annually):
• Capacitive: affected by noise and capacitive variations associated with personnel and the environment.
• Dual-wire/current loop: accurate but expensive system requiring special wrist straps.
• Wave distortion detection: an effective system that is not affected by interference.
For more information contact Altico Static Control Solutions on +27 11 608 3001 or email [email protected] to discuss your static control requirements.
From the Editor's desk: Growth through inclusivity Technews Publishing
News
As the engineering fields in South Africa continue to make progress toward gender equality, we are finally starting to see the presence and contribution of women in engineering and industrial roles.
Read more...KITE 2025 proves its value
News
The KwaZulu-Natal Industrial Technology Exhibition (KITE) 2025 confirmed its place as KwaZulu-Natal’s must-attend industrial event, drawing thousands of industry professionals.
Read more...DMASS experiences continued slowdown
News
The European electronic components distribution market continued its downward trajectory in the second quarter of 2025, according to new figures released by DMASS.
Read more...World-first zero second grid-to-backup power switch
News
JSE-listed cable manufacturer, South Ocean Electric Wire, has completed a solar installation it says marks a global first: a seamless switch from grid to backup power in zero seconds.
Read more...
News
OMC deploys cobots to improve throughput 10x, while maintaining quality and ensuring consistency of fibre optic production.
Read more...Cobots for opto production line
News
OMC deploys cobots to improve throughput 10x, while maintaining quality and ensuring consistency of fibre optic production.
Read more...Anritsu and Bluetest to support OTA measurement
News
Anritsu Company and Sweden-based Bluetest AB have jointly developed an Over-The-Air measurement solution to evaluate the performance of 5G IoT devices compliant with the RedCap specification.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version