Practical questions. Clear starting points.
Guidance for selecting products, interpreting measurements and organising ESD protection. Your specific process determines the right solution.
Does “antistatic” mean a product provides full ESD protection?
No single label establishes suitability for every task. Consider charge generation, resistance, shielding and the intended use. Ask for the relevant product data and test evidence.
Can we ground an insulator with a cable?
An insulating material does not dissipate charge through a simple grounding connection in the same way as a conductor. Remove unnecessary insulators and assess those required by the process.
Does high humidity remove the need for protection?
Humidity can influence charging and material behaviour, but it does not guarantee protection. Material combinations, handling and environmental conditions must be considered together.
Is an ESD shoe enough on its own?
The performance of the person–footwear–flooring system depends on the actual combination. Product information for one element does not establish the performance of the complete system.
Are product qualification and routine verification the same?
Qualification establishes suitability under specified conditions. Routine verification checks whether protection elements continue to meet the agreed requirements in use. Both have distinct roles.
Why do resistance measurements vary?
Test voltage, electrodes, contact, conditioning, humidity and the measurement arrangement can affect results. Use the relevant method and document the conditions before comparing values.
How should we select protective packaging?
Match the packaging to component sensitivity, handling, storage and transport. Consider the complete protection chain and distinguish dissipative behaviour from discharge shielding.
Is a damaged component proof of an ESD problem?
A damage pattern alone does not reliably distinguish ESD from other electrical overstress. Investigate the component and the actual process before assigning a cause.
How can we check our own application?
Provide the product, process description, data sheets and existing measurement results. We can agree suitable tests or a process-specific assessment with you.
Understand ESD
Risks and principles of effective protection.
Standards overview
Find a relevant test method or control programme reference.
Product qualification
Evidence to support selection and qualification.
Audits and measurements
Investigate your implementation and processes.