EN IEC 61340 Electrostatic

The "EN IEC 61340 Electrostatics" standard, which is based on a European standard and subsequently published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), consists of the following sections published under the same title:

• The standard "EN IEC TR 61340-1 Part 1: Electrostatic Phenomena - Principles and Measurements" describes the fundamental principles of electrostatic phenomena, including charge generation, retention, and distribution, and electrostatic discharges. It provides a general overview of methods for measuring electrostatic phenomena and related material properties. It summarizes the hazards and problems associated with electrostatic phenomena and their control principles. It also summarizes the beneficial applications of electrostatic effects.

The purpose of this technical report is to serve as a reference in the development of standards related to electrostatics and to provide guidance to end users. In general, the electrostatic charge on a material, product, or object is a result of: contact and friction, charge transfer, induction in an electric field, polarization effect, photoelectric effect, pyroelectric effect, piezoelectric effect, ionization and ion adsorption, or electrochemical processes.

• The standard "EN IEC TR 61340-1-1 Part 1-1: Electrostatic phenomena - Measurement errors, uncertainties and expression of results" provides guidance on error assessment and uncertainty estimation in electrostatic and ESD control measurements. It provides guidance on minimizing measurement errors and estimating measurement uncertainties using practical methods. This standard also outlines how measurement results can be expressed in a test report. It is important to note that this standard is intended as an informative guide for individuals who have a solid understanding of the fundamentals of electrostatic theory and measurement techniques.
• The standard "EN IEC TR 61340-2-1 Part 2-1: Measurement methods - Ability of materials and products to dissipate static electricity" describes test methods for measuring the static charge dissipation rate of insulating and static dissipative materials and products. This standard provides a general description of the test methods and detailed test procedures for specific applications.

The two test methods used to measure charge decay time using corona charging and a charged metal plate are different and may not yield equivalent results. However, each method has a range of applications for which it is most suitable. The corona charging method is suitable for assessing the ability of textiles, packaging, and similar materials to dissipate charge from their own surfaces. The charged metal plate method is suitable for assessing the ability of materials and objects, such as gloves, finger guards, and hand tools, to dissipate charge from conductive objects placed on or in contact with them. The charged plate method may not be suitable for assessing the ability of materials to dissipate charge from their own surfaces.

• The standard "EN IEC TR 61340-2-3 Part 2-3: Test methods for determining the electrical resistance and resistivity of solid materials used to prevent the accumulation of electrostatic charges" describes test methods for determining the electrical resistance and resistivity of solid materials used to prevent the accumulation of electrostatic charges. The resistance measured in this method is in the range of 104 Ω to 1012 Ω. This standard takes into account existing IEC/ISO standards and other published information and provides recommendations and guidelines on the appropriate method.
• The standard “EN IEC TR 61340-3-1 Part 3-1: Simulation methods of electrostatic effects - Human body model (HBM) electrostatic discharge test waveforms” describes the discharge current waveforms used to simulate human body model (HBM) electrostatic discharges (ESD) and the essential requirements for the equipment used to develop and verify these waveforms.

This standard covers HBM electrostatic waveforms for use in general test methods and for application to materials or objects, electronic components, and other items for electrostatic withstand testing or performance evaluation purposes. The specific application of these HBM electrostatic waveforms to non-power semiconductor devices is addressed in IEC 60749-26.

The waveforms defined in this standard are not intended for use in testing electronic systems with power supplies for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) as addressed in the IEC 61000-4-2 standard.

• The standard "EN IEC TR 61340-4-1 Part 4-1: Standard test methods for specific applications - Electrical resistance of floor coverings and laid floors" describes test methods for determining the electrical resistance of all types of floor coverings and laid floors having ground, point-to-point, and vertical resistances between 104 Ω and 1013 Ω. Laboratory evaluations performed under controlled environmental conditions can be used for classification or quality control purposes. Tests performed on laid floors under uncontrolled environmental conditions can be used to determine correct installation or as part of ongoing system verification.
• The standard "EN IEC TR 61340-4-2 Part 4-2: Standard test methods for specific applications - Electrostatic properties of clothing" describes test methods and procedures that can be used to evaluate the electrostatic charging and discharging tendency, field suppression properties, and charge distribution properties of clothing and the materials of which they are made. The test methods described are suitable for the evaluation of upper and lower body clothing, including headgear, but excluding footwear, as covered in other parts of IEC 61340, as well as gloves and finger guards. The test methods described may not be suitable for the evaluation of clothing and clothing materials for personnel safety.
• The standard “EN IEC TR 61340-4-3 Part 4-3: Standard test methods for specific applications - Footwear” describes a test method for determining the electrical resistance of footwear (shoes, slippers or boots) used to control electrostatic potential on humans.

This standard can be used by both the footwear manufacturer and the end user. It describes a method for measuring the electrical resistance of footwear and serves as a qualification or acceptance test for new footwear, or a periodic test for footwear in use. While this standard does not include personal safety requirements, footwear used in all workplaces covered by this standard is subject to local legal requirements related to the health and safety of all persons. Insulating footwear is not covered by this document, but electrical resistance measurement techniques may be applicable.

• The standard “EN IEC TR 61340-4-4 Part 4-4: Standard test methods for specific applications - Electrostatic classification of flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs)” describes the requirements for flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs) with volumes ranging from 0,25 m3 to 3 m3, designed for use in hazardous explosive atmospheres.

An explosive atmosphere may be created by the contents within the FIBC or may be present outside of flexible intermediate bulk containers. These requirements include:

• Classification and labelling of flexible intermediate bulk containers
• Classification of inner linings
• Specify test methods for each type of flexible intermediate bulk container, inner lining, labels and document pockets
• Design and performance requirements for flexible intermediate bulk containers, inner liners, labels and document pockets
• Safe use of flexible intermediate bulk containers (including those with inner liners) in different zones defined for explosion hazardous environments, areas where flammable dusts are or may be present (IEC 60079-10-2 standard) and explosive gas atmospheres (IEC 60079-10-1 standard)
• Procedures for type qualification and certification of flexible intermediate bulk containers, including the safe use of inner liners.

The requirements of this standard apply to all types of flexible intermediate bulk containers and inner liners that are tested before manufacture and are designed for use in hazardous explosive atmospheres. For some types of flexible intermediate bulk containers, the requirements of this standard apply only to use in hazardous explosive atmospheres with minimum ignition energy of 0,14 mJ or higher and charging currents not exceeding 3,0 µA.

• The standard "EN IEC TR 61340-4-5 Part 4-5: Standard test methods for specific applications - Methods for characterizing the electrostatic protection of footwear and upholstery in combination with a person" describes test methods for assessing the electrostatic protection provided by a footwear and upholstery system in combination with a person. The test results are valid only for the specific footwear and upholstery combination tested. The test methods are not intended for individual product qualification purposes.
• The standard "EN IEC TR 61340-4-6 Part 4-6: Standard test methods for specific applications - Wrist straps" describes electrical and mechanical test methods and performance limits for the evaluation, acceptance and conformity verification testing of wrist straps. All dimensions are nominal except where stated.

This standard is designed to test wrist straps and wrist strap systems used for grounding personnel working with ESD-sensitive assemblies and devices. It does not cover continuous monitoring systems.

• The standard "EN IEC TR 61340-4-7 Part 4-7: Standard test methods for specific applications - Ionization" describes test methods and procedures for evaluating and selecting air ionization equipment and systems (ionizers). This standard specifies measurement techniques under specified conditions to determine the offset voltage (ion balance) and decay (charge neutralization) time for ionizers.

This standard does not cover electromagnetic interference (EMI) measurements or the use of ionizers in connection with munitions, incendiary materials, explosives, or electrically actuated explosive devices.

The test methods and test conditions, as contained in this standard, can be used by ionizer manufacturers to provide performance data describing their products. Ionizer users are encouraged to modify the test methods and test conditions to suit their specific applications to optimize ionizers for use or to perform periodic verification of ionizer performance. The user determines the required data coverage for each application.

• The standard "EN IEC TR 61340-4-8 Part 4-8: Standard test methods for specific applications - Electrostatic discharge protection - Bags" describes a test method for evaluating the performance of electrostatic discharge protective bags tested in accordance with the requirements of standard IEC 61340-5-3. The design voltage of the test device is 1000 Volts DC.

The test method presented in this standard is also applicable to packaging other than protective bags. The purpose of this standard is to ensure that testing laboratories using this test method to evaluate a specific packaging material will obtain similar results. This standard does not cover protection against electromagnetic interference (EMI), radio frequency interference (RFI), electromagnetic pulse (EMP), or volatile substances.

• The standard "EN IEC TR 61340-4-9 Part 4-9: Standard test methods for specific applications - Clothing - Resistance characterization" describes test methods for measuring the electrical resistance of clothing used for static control applications. These test methods can be used to evaluate outer garments that are homogeneously conductive or homogeneously dissipative, or that use surface-conductive or surface-dissipative components or elements.

It is possible that the test methods defined in this standard may not be able to measure materials with embedded conductive layers. The resistance point-to-point test method tests the electrical resistance between two arms, any two panels, or any two electrically connected components of a static control garment, including the electrical resistance between the garment's seams and cuffs, where applicable. An alternative arm-to-arm test method, which uses clamps to suspend the garment, is described.

• The standard "EN IEC TR 61340-4-10 Part 4-10: Standard test methods for specific applications - Two-point resistance measurement" describes a test method for measuring the resistance between two points on the surface of an object. This standard is designed to measure the resistance of objects in the range of 104 Ω to 1012 Ω.
• The standard “EN IEC TR 61340-4-11 Part 4-11: Standard test methods for specific applications - Testing of electrostatic properties of composite IBCs” describes the requirements for electrostatic testing, design and safe use for composite intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) intended for use in hazardous areas.

Composite IBCs are often filled with flammable liquids that can create an explosive atmosphere in the inner chamber. The test procedures described in this standard can be used by manufacturers, suppliers, and product users to verify product qualification and conformity of new and refurbished composite IBCs. Additionally, the requirements of this standard can be used to test the electrostatic properties of composite IBCs independently of any inspection period.

Precautions for using composite IBCs (e.g. mixing, cleaning, etc.) are defined in the IEC TS 60079-32-1 standard.

Compliance with the requirements of this standard does not eliminate the need for a full risk assessment.

• The standard "EN IEC TR 61340-5-1 Part 5-1: Protection of electronic equipment from electrostatic phenomena - General requirements" applies to organizations that manufacture, process, assemble, install, package, label, service, test, inspect, transport or otherwise handle electrical or electronic components, assemblies and equipment with withstand voltages of 100 Volt human body model (HBM) and 200 Volt charger model (CDM) or higher. Furthermore, protection from insulated conductors is achieved by limiting the voltage on the insulated conductors to below 35 Volts. ESDS with lower withstand voltages may require additional control elements or set limits.

Processes designed to handle items with lower ESD withstand voltages may still claim compliance with this standard. This standard provides the requirements for an ESD control program. This standard does not apply to electrically actuated explosive devices, flammable liquids, gases, or dusts. The purpose of this standard is to provide the administrative and technical requirements for establishing, implementing, and maintaining an ESD control program.

• The standard "EN IEC TR 61340-5-2 Part 5-2: Protection of electronic equipment against electrostatic phenomena - User guide" was developed to supplement IEC 61340-5-1 and covers the following activities: production, processing, assembly, installation, packaging, labeling, maintenance, testing, inspection, transport or other handling of electrical or electronic parts, assemblies and equipment with withstand voltages of 100 Volt HBM, 200 Volt CDM and 35 Volt for insulated conductors or higher. For ESDS with lower withstand voltages, additional control elements or set limits may be applied.
• The standard "EN IEC TR 61340-5-3 Part 5-3: Protection of electronic equipment from electrostatic phenomena - Classification of characteristics and requirements for packaging designed for electrostatic discharge-sensitive devices" describes the characteristics of ESD-protective packaging required to protect ESD-sensitive devices (ESDs) during all stages of production, reprocessing and maintenance, transport, and storage. Test methods are used to evaluate packaging and packaging materials with respect to these product and material properties. Performance limits are specified. This standard does not address the protection against electromagnetic interference (EMI), electromagnetic pulse (EMP), or electrically operated explosive substances or devices.
• The standard "EN IEC TR 61340-5-4 Part 5-4: Protection of electronic equipment from electrostatic phenomena - Verification of conformity" describes conformity verification tests for technical elements included in ESD control programs such as those specified in IEC 61340-5-1. The test methods are based on those specified in IEC 61340-5-1 and other parts of the IEC 61340 series and have been simplified where necessary for conformity verification to be carried out by authorized personnel.

By referencing this document in their compliance verification plans, users may adopt the required test methods described herein without any modifications or additions. Alternatively, the test methods described in this standard may be adapted to meet the requirements of their own ESD control programs, provided that deviations from equipment or procedures are documented in their compliance verification plans.

The frequency of conformance verification testing is not specified in this standard. Guidance on how users can assess the frequency of conformance verification testing is included in the standard's annex (Annex A). Product qualification is outside the scope of this document.

• The standard "EN IEC TR 61340-5-5 Part 5-5: Protection of electronic equipment from electrostatic phenomena - Packaging systems for electronics manufacturing" addresses packaging material requirements for electrostatic discharge sensitive products (ESDS) and non-ESDS products. These requirements apply to embossed conveyor belts, trays, tubes (bar chargers), rails, and other packaging materials used in back-end line processing and parts handling for which the test methods described in other standards are often inadequate. Topics related to electrostatic charge generation, electrostatic attraction, and repulsion are also covered. The recommendations and discussions in this standard may also apply to other types of packaging that cannot be assessed by other methods.

This standard covers the following topics:

• Technical considerations for packaging material selection and packaging system design
• Packaging material properties for electrostatic control
• Available test methods for packaging materials and their limitations
• Recommendations for the evaluation of small-sized packaging materials
• Common applications in the industry.

This standard applies to activities that manufacture, process, assemble, install, package, label, service, test, inspect, transport, or otherwise handle electrical or electronic parts, assemblies, and equipment susceptible to damage from electrostatic discharges. This standard does not apply to electrically explosive items, flammable liquids, or dusts. This standard does not address program management, compliance verification, troubleshooting, or program manager/coordinator certification. Additionally, risks from electromagnetic sources generating AC fields are not considered.

• The standard "EN IEC 61340-6-1 Part 6-1: Electrostatic control in health, commercial and public facilities - Healthcare" applies to facilities providing healthcare services, including hospitals, care centers and clinics. This standard provides technical requirements and recommendations for the control of electrostatic phenomena in healthcare facilities, including requirements for equipment, materials and products used to control static electricity. The requirements of this standard are based on the medical electrical equipment specified in IEC 60601-1 and the requirements of IEC 61010.-2-It does not apply to in vitro diagnostic (IVD) medical equipment specified in standard 1.
• The standard "EN IEC 61340-6-2 Part 6-2: Electrostatic control in healthcare, commercial and public facilities - Public spaces and office areas" applies to the interior design of public areas, retail outlets and office spaces, including, but not limited to, staircases, offices, meeting rooms, auditoriums, airports, railway stations, shopping centres, restaurants and theatres. This standard contains guidelines for architects, interior designers and facility managers.

This standard summarizes the hazards, discomforts, and other problems associated with electrostatic phenomena and their control principles. It includes requirements and recommendations for materials and products used to control static electricity.

The use of electrostatic-sensitive components is described in IEC 61340-5-1, and the prevention of hazards due to static electricity in explosive atmospheres is presented in IEC TS 60079-32-1. Electrostatic control requirements in healthcare facilities are specified in IEC 61340-6-1. This guide is not intended to replace or override the requirements of the standards and technical specifications mentioned above, but can be used in conjunction with them to establish appropriate electrostatic control measures. These guides do not replace or override personnel safety requirements specified in other standards or codes of practice.

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