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Basic Knowledge

What is ESD —
and why is protection
so important?

ESD stands for Electrostatic Discharge. It occurs invisibly, is usually imperceptible to humans, and yet causes millions in damage to electronic components. Here you can learn everything about causes, risks, protective measures, and standards.

3,000 V
Perceptible to humans
100 V
Harmful to microchips
>90 %
Unnoticed ESD events
25 %
Defective components due to ESD
Definition

What is electrostatic discharge (ESD)?

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) refers to the sudden equalization of electrical charge differences between two objects. This discharge can be triggered by direct contact, electrostatic fields, or electromagnetic radiation.

Even everyday movements such as walking on carpet or wearing synthetic clothing can generate voltages of several thousand volts on the human body. Discharges are only perceptible to humans above approx. 3,000 volts — but sensitive electronics can be irreparably damaged at just 100 volts.

Particularly insidious: Over 90% of all ESD events are not perceived by humans at all. The damage still occurs — and is often only visible weeks later in the form of production failures or warranty claims.

Important: Around a quarter of all defective electronic components worldwide show ESD damage. The annual economic damage caused by electrostatic discharge is estimated at several billion euros.

ESD protective clothing in electronics manufacturing
3,000 V
Minimum voltage at which people feel a discharge
100 V
Voltage at which microchips can be damaged
>90 %
Of all ESD events go unnoticed by humans
25 %
Of defective components have verifiable ESD damage
Origin

How does electrostatic charge arise?

Static electricity is caused by friction, separation, or induction of materials with different electrical properties. The drier the air and the more synthetic the materials, the stronger the charge.

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Walking & Movement

Walking on carpets or plastic floors can generate up to 35,000 V. Each step separates shoe and floor, charging the body.

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Synthetic Clothing

Polyester, nylon, and other synthetic fibers become highly charged when worn. Simply taking off a sweater can generate thousands of volts.

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Sitting & Standing Up

Standing up from a plastic chair generates electrostatic charges on the body due to friction and separation.

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Packaging Materials

Plastic films, Styrofoam, and bubble wrap are extremely prone to charging and can endanger ESD-sensitive components during transport.

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Dry Air

In low humidity (below 40%), charge equalization through the air is prevented — static charge builds up faster.

⚡

Electric Fields

Devices, monitors, and machines generate electric fields that can transfer charges to nearby objects and people.

Protective Measures

ESD Protective Clothing: How Protection Works

ESD protective clothing uses special conductive fibers — usually carbon or metal threads — in the fabric. These fibers dissipate static charges in a controlled manner before they can discharge suddenly.

Unlike normal work clothing made of cotton or polyester, which charges strongly, ESD clothing provides controlled dissipation through the body to the ground. This prevents charges that could damage sensitive electronics.

Characteristics of Certified ESD Clothing

🧵

Conductive Fibers

Carbon or metal threads in the fabric dissipate charges in a controlled manner.

📋

EN 61340 certified

Tested according to international ESD standards for EPA areas.

🔒

Spark Protection

Prevents spark formation through uniform charge distribution.

🔬

Suitable for Cleanrooms

Many ESD garments are also suitable for cleanroom environments.

ESD Protective Clothing Semiconductor Cleanroom

Important: Only complete ESD clothing (coat, overall, or jacket + trousers) offers full body protection. Additionally, ESD shoes or heel grounders are required to ensure dissipation to the ground.

EPA Area

What is an EPA Area?

An EPA (Electrostatic Protected Area) is a defined protective zone in electronics manufacturing and processing. In an EPA, all surfaces, personnel, equipment, and materials are kept at the same electrical potential — reliably preventing electrostatic discharges.

The setup of an EPA is regulated by the standard DIN EN 61340-5-1 and includes much more than just protective clothing. All components must be coordinated and regularly inspected.

Step-by-Step: Setting up an EPA Correctly

  1. Wear ESD Protective ClothingCoats, overalls, or jackets according to DIN EN 61340-5. Full coverage of torso, arms, and legs.
  2. ESD Shoes or Heel GroundersFor controlled personal grounding. Check daily before entering the EPA.
  3. Use ESD Work SurfacesDissipative work mats and surfaces according to EN 61340-2. Ground correctly.
  4. ESD Floors and GroundingConductive or dissipative floors with grounding connection. Document resistance testing.
  5. Regular InspectionsRegularly inspect and document all ESD protective equipment according to manufacturer specifications and standards.
  6. Employee TrainingAll personnel in the EPA must be trained in ESD protection. Correct handling and care of equipment.

ESD Equipment at a Glance

Equipment Standard Protective Effect Inspection Interval
ESD Coat / Overall EN 61340-5 High Before each use
ESD Safety Shoes EN ISO 20345 High Daily
ESD Gloves EN 61340-5 Medium Before each use
Heel Grounder EN 61340-5 Medium Daily
ESD Work Mat EN 61340-2 Medium Monthly
Wrist Strap EN 61340-5 High Daily
ESD Transport Container EN 61340-5 High As needed
Standards & Regulations

Which standards apply to ESD protection?

ESD protection is clearly regulated by international standards. These ensure that protective clothing and equipment function reliably and meet the highest safety requirements.

DIN EN 61340-5
ESD Protection in the Electronics Industry
  • EN IEC 61340-5-1 — Protection of electronic components
  • EN IEC 61340-5-2 — Guide for practical application
  • Requirements for ESD clothing & footwear
  • Grounding systems & ESD protected areas
  • Maximum surface resistance: 10¹² Ohm
EN 1149
Antistatic Protective Clothing (ATEX)
  • EN 1149-1 to EN 1149-5
  • Electrostatic dissipative protective clothing
  • Prevention of electrostatic charging
  • Reduction of ignition risks in ATEX zones
  • Mandatory in potentially explosive atmospheres
EN ISO 13688
General Requirements for Protective Clothing
  • Basic standard for all protective clothing
  • Comfort, ergonomics & material requirements
  • Combination with specific protective standards
  • Marking and care instructions
IEC 61340-4-9
Test Methods & Supplementary Standards
  • IEC 61340-4-9 — Test method for ESD clothing
  • EN ISO 11612 — Protection against heat and flame
  • EN ISO 11611 — Protection for welding
  • EN ISO 20345 — ESD safety footwear
Areas of Application

In which industries is ESD protection mandatory?

ESD protection is required wherever electrostatic discharges can cause damage — to components, products, or in potentially explosive environments.

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Electronics & Semiconductors

PCB manufacturing, chip production, assembly of sensitive electronic components. Highest ESD protection according to EN 61340-5 required.

🚗

Automotive Industry

Production of control units, vehicle electronics, e-mobility, battery systems, and high-voltage components.

✈️

Aerospace

Avionics systems, maintenance of sensitive electronics, high-security production environments with strictest quality requirements.

🧪

Chemical & Pharmaceutical (ATEX)

Potentially explosive areas, filling and production facilities. EN 1149 mandatory for protection against ignition sources.

🏥

Medical Technology

Manufacturing of medical devices, sensor technology, diagnostic systems, and electronic precision products for the healthcare sector.

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Cleanroom & High-Tech

Semiconductor cleanrooms, optical industry, research & development. Combination of ESD and cleanroom protection.