Frequently asked questions

ESD stands for “electrostatic discharge” and describes the equalization of charges between two electrostatically differently charged bodies. This equalization takes place within a very short time. This can even result in visible sparking. ESD is a relevant topic in all areas in which open electronics, electronic parts and components are handled “unprotected”. These electronic components can be pre-damaged by even minor static charges and then fail after an undefined period of time. This pre-damage cannot be detected during quality control. In order to avoid ESD damage, standard-compliant ESD protection as part of an ESD control system is essential and the electronic components may only be handled in ESD-protected areas (EPA).

ESD causes pre-damage to electronic components and parts. This pre-damage cannot be detected during quality control. After an undefined period of time, which can be hours, days or weeks, the pre-damaged component can fail and thus the system in which it was installed also fails. For example, a display in a navigation system or a relevant processor on a circuit board.

Through regular control measurements. An ESD workstation must be checked at least once a year. This means that the work surface, the storage surfaces, the chair, the floor and everything else that is relevant in and around the workplace must be measured in accordance with the standard. This requires the right measuring equipment: a high-resistance meter and a field meter. The surface resistance and the leakage resistance as well as the charge of the installed materials must be checked. The results must comply with the limit values of the IEC 61340 standard and be documented in an audit-proof manner.

ESD-Protect offers exactly the products and solutions that are needed to equip an ESD protection zone (EPA) in compliance with standards. This ranges from ESD flooring, ESD chairs and ESD tables to ESD clothing, ESD transport systems and the right ESD packaging. The range is rounded off with high-quality ESD measuring devices and access control systems with PGT personnel testers. At ESD-Protect, the focus is on providing advice to find exactly the right solution.

ESD-Protect offers ESD measurements, ESD inspections and a rental service for ESD measuring devices. ESD measurements are carried out and documented in accordance with the standard. These measurements can be used to derive and determine measures that lead to standard-compliant ESD protection.

ESD-Protect offers comprehensive advice on the subject of ESD electrostatic discharge. ESD-Protect provides comprehensive advice and develops a standard-compliant ESD concept. ESD packaging concepts are also offered to ensure that the correct ESD packaging is used.

The right training courses are offered by ESD-Akademie GmbH. This is a sister company of ESD-Protect GmbH. The ESD Academy, based in Großmaischeid, is the market leader in the field of ESD training and ESD education as well as ESD auditing and ESD certification of processes and products.

ESD-Protect advises and works in accordance with the ESD standard IEC 61340 and the American ESD standard ANSI S.20 20. ESD-Protect is ISO 9001 certified.

An ESD-protected area (EPA) must be checked and measured at least once a year. This involves checking the ESD floor, ESD workstations, ESD transport systems and storage systems. This requires the right measuring equipment: a high-impedance meter and a field meter. ESD clothing and ionizers must also be checked regularly in order to maintain standard-compliant ESD protection. Ionizers are checked with charge plate monitors. As an ESD coordinator, I am allowed to adjust the inspection frequency myself if it is necessary. However, this must not exceed one year. Measuring and testing devices must be calibrated regularly.

An existing workstation can be converted into an ESD workstation at any time. To do this, all insulating materials must be removed, the work surface must be retrofitted with ESD table coverings and the ESD workstation must be earthed. With flexible stand-alone solutions such as ESD floor tiles, the ESD floor can also be easily retrofitted.