ESD check to optimally protect your Electrostatic Protected Area

When do I need to carry out checks or tests on an Electrostatic Protected Area (EPA)?

If you work with electronic assemblies, there is a risk that uncontrolled electrostatic discharges (ESD) could visibly damage them, interfere with their function or lead to operational failure later on.

An EPA (Electrostatic Protected Area) provides effective protection against damage caused by electrostatic discharge. All precautionary measures are taken in these areas to be able to work with electrostatically sensitive assemblies without damaging them.

See here for key information relating toESD, EPA and electrostatic charges

To perform an ESD check, you will need an ESD inspection plan. We recommend that you contact an ESD consultant or specialist to help you with this. We at the Hoffmann Group will then be glad to help you procure the products you need.

What do I need to take into consideration when performing an ESD check?

If you have an Electrostatic Protected Area (EPA) that is set up in accordance with DIN EN 61340-5-1, you must carry out regular checks and tests using measuring technology to verify whether the protected area and its elements are functioning correctly and thus protecting electronic assemblies and components through controlled discharge.

Every day before first entering the EPA, check your personal ESD protective equipment to make sure it is working properly. Work tables, floor mats and grounding connections should be checked monthly and ESD monitoring instruments should be checked annually.

You can find an overview of ESD test stations and resistance measuring devices here:

To ESD check

In addition to the ESD check, an ESD workstation, ESD shoes, ESD tools and ESD clothing are also part of a comprehensive Electrostatic Protected Area.

You can find an explanation of the key terms relating to ESD/EPA here:

To ESD glossary