Electrostatic Discharge Prevention Testing

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is the sudden release of static electricity that takes place when two objects with different electrical potentials come into contact or approach each other. This phenomenon represents a significant problem in high-tech sectors, such as microelectronics and LED production, where even an imperceptible discharge can compromise the correct functioning of components.
 
One of the main risks related to ESD is that damage to electroniccomponents is often not immediately visible.

A device may function correctly during initial testing but develop latent defects that compromise its long-term reliability, leading to sudden failures after being put into service.

ESD Protection and EPA Environments

In order to reduce the risk of electrostatic discharges, controlled environments called EPAs (ESD Protected Areas) are established. Within these areas, specific tools and organizational measures help control and reduce the buildup of electrostatic charges, thereby minimizing the risk of damage to electronic devices.

The reference standards regulating electrostatic protection include:

• IEC EN 61340-5-1 for the European context
• ANSI S20.20 for the American context

These standards define the technical requirements and test methods for key ESD protection systems within EPA areas, ensuring that the adopted measures are effective.

Below is the regulatory framework obtained from IEC EN 61340-5-1 and ANSI S20.20, used by Istituto Giordano Laboratory:
 

ESD Control System	EXAMPLE	INITIAL PRODUCT QUALIFICATION (ESD CONTROL SYSTEM MANUFACTURERS)		CHECKS OF CONFORMITY ON SITE (ON SITE AT EPA AREAS)
		IEC EN 61340-5-1 (European scope)	ANSI S20.20 (American context)	IEC EN 61340-5-1 (European scope)	ANSI S20.20 (American context)
Worktops, racks and storage units	Single layer materials Multilayer material Laminates Mats (in roll) Portable work surfaces	IEC EN 61340-2-3	ANSI/ESD S4.1	IEC TS 61340-5-4	ESD TR53
Mobile equipment	Shelving for workstations Shelving in the storage area Trolleys	IEC EN 61340-2-3	ANSI/ESD S4.1
Flooring	Rubber or vinyl tiles/sheets Epoxy or polymer coatings Laminates Carpet Floor mats Waxes Anti-static treatments Paints and coatings	IEC EN 61340-4-1	ANSI/ESD STM7.1
Shoes	Heel and toe caps Shoe covers and overshoes Shoes	IEC EN 61340-4-3	ANSI/ESD STM9.1 / STM9.2
Sittings	Chairs and stools	IEC EN 61340-4-2	ANSI/ESD STM12.1
Static control garments	Disposable Topical treatment Electrostatic dissipators	IEC EN 61340-4-9	ANSI/ESD STM2.1
Groundable Anti-Static Clothing		IEC EN 61340-4-9	ANSI/ESD STM2.1
Ionizers		IEC EN 61340-4-7	ANSI/ESD STM3.1
Conductive packaging		IEC EN 61340-2-3	ANSI/ESD STM11.11 ANSI/ESD STM11.12 ANSI/ESD STM11.13
Dissipative packaging		IEC EN 61340-2-3	ANSI/ESD STM11.11 ANSI/ESD STM11.12 ANSI/ESD STM11.13
Footwear/Flooring Systems		IEC EN 61340-4-5	ANSI/ESD STM97.1 ANSI/ESD STM97.2

The Low Voltage Laboratory at Istituto Giordano supports manufacturers of ESD protection systems by conducting tests even under extreme environmental conditions, as required by regulations (e.g., with a relative humidity of 12%).

In addition to testing materials and protection systems, the laboratory provides periodic test services for companies using EPA areas. These on-site inspections ensure that ESD performance remains compliant with standards over time.

Beyond regulatory requirements for ESD products, but within the same testing scope, Istituto Giordano is also able to conduct flooring characterization tests according to the following standards:

 

RESILIENT, LAMINATE AND MODULAR MULTILAYER FLOOR COVERINGS	IEC EN 1081 – Setting of electrical resistance IEC EN 1815 – Assessment of the susceptibility to accumulation of static electricity ASTM F150 – Standard test method for electrical resistance of conductive and static-dissipative resilient flooring
RESILIENT AND TEXTILE FLOOR COVERINGS