An overview of the most important ESD standards and regulations

ESD standards – important to bear in mind

The abbreviation "ESD" stands for electrostatic discharge. ESD is no great issue in the majority of everyday work. In special manufacturing areas such as cleanrooms, however, even a minimal amount of discharge can completely destroy an electronic component. It therefore makes sense that an ESD standard exists in which ESD regulations are stipulated to ensure that charges of this kind do not even build up in the first place. In Germany and other European countries, for example, the standard DIN EN 61340-5-1 is of significance in this regard. The contents of this standard are described in further detail below. An article on "Product characteristics for the ESD workplace" from the BIMOS magazine can be found here.

ESD regulations at a glance: DIN EN 61340-5-1

Last updated in July 2017, DIN EN 61340-5-1 is the standard for handling electrostatic charging in connection with technical devices. The official title of this ESD standard is "Protection of electronic devices from electrostatic phenomena". As part of the international standard series 61340, which covers all areas of electrostatics, it constitutes a significant standard for many industrial enterprises. Essentially, DIN EN 61340-5-1 contains requirements that companies must adhere to for the effective management of electrostatic charge with respect to design, conception, creation, setup and maintenance.

The requirements formulated in this standard relate directly to electrical parts, components or devices that are manufactured, processed, packaged, operated or handled in any other form within a company and could potentially be damaged by electrostatic charge. Adhering to such ESD regulations is of particular significance to companies with sensitive production areas such as cleanrooms. DIN EN 61340-5-1 also addresses the sources of electrostatic charge. For example, certain material combinations, gases, impurities or even employees themselves can unknowingly be the sources of such charge. Companies that need to take particular care to avoid ESD on account of their production methods can benefit from helpful tips on the best possible way to avoid this.



Standard-compliant industrial chairs ensure the safety of products

In cleanrooms, observing such ESD regulations should always be the top priority. It therefore not only makes sense to use cleanroom chairs and industrial chairs that conform to these regulations, but also to avoid the build-up of electrostatic charge in as many areas as possible through appropriate additional measures. Companies in the electronics industry should already have a great operational interest in implementing standards such as DIN EN 61340-5-1 as rigorously as possible and striving to optimally integrate them into business processes.

Whenever new and relevant findings emerge that provide additional benefits in this area, the relevant ESD standard is generally updated accordingly soon after. In many large companies, such standards can even be implemented by an in-house specialist team, since ESD carries the risk of extensive production downtimes, particularly within the technical sector. BIMOS offers industrial chairs in a standard-compliant design for a wide variety of sectors.

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