IEC 61340 (ESD standard series)
Also known as: IEC 61340-5-1, ESD garment standard, Electrostatics norm, EN 61340-5-1
International norm series on electrostatic discharge (ESD) — governs ESD-protective clothing with surface resistance 10⁵–10¹¹ Ω.
Description
The IEC 61340 series (adopted in Europe as EN 61340) is the worldwide standard set for protecting electronic components from electrostatic discharge (ESD). It comprises more than a dozen parts — for textiles two are especially important:
- IEC 61340-5-1 (2016 edition): the basic standard for ESD Protected Areas (EPA); defines requirements for the whole ESD control programme, including garments
- IEC 61340-4-9: test methods for resistance measurement on garments; distinguishes point-to-point resistance (RP-P) and area-to-ground resistance
For ESD-protective clothing the rule is: point-to-point surface resistance must lie between 10⁵ Ω and 10¹¹ Ω (dissipative). Too low = short-circuit risk; too high = no draining effect. This is achieved by carbon or stainless-steel filaments woven in at 5–10 mm spacing (stripes or grid). Typical uses: semiconductor manufacturing, cleanroom garments, electronics assembly, field service on components. Garments are recognised by the ESD symbol (triangle with reaching hand).
- Resistance: 10⁵–10¹¹ Ω (dissipative)
- Test methods: IEC 61340-4-9
- Base standard: IEC 61340-5-1 (EPA concept)
- Marking: ESD symbol (yellow triangle)
Properties
| Base standard | IEC 61340-5-1 (2016 edition) |
|---|---|
| Test method garments | IEC 61340-4-9 |
| Surface resistance | 10⁵–10¹¹ Ω (dissipative) |
| Conductive threads | Carbon or stainless steel, 5–10 mm grid |
Related product categories
Sources & references
2- IEC 61340-5-1 Overview webstore.iec.ch https://webstore.iec.ch/publication/25478
- ESD Association Standards esda.org https://www.esda.org/standards/
