In an ESD-sensitive workplace, a discharge of only a few hundred volts, which you might not even feel yourself, can irreparably damage a circuit board or electronic component. Yet, protection against electrostatic discharge (ESD) is often limited to a single loose product, such as a wrist strap or a pair of gloves. For a truly ESD-safe workplace, you should work from head to toe: clothing, shoes, and gloves that together form a conductive or dissipative path to the ground.
What is ESD and why is complete protection necessary?
ESD stands for Electrostatic Discharge: the sudden discharge of static electricity between two objects with different charges. A person can quickly build up several thousand volts of static charge through friction (walking, moving, synthetic fabric). When touching a sensitive component, that voltage discharges in a fraction of a second. The EN 61340-5-1 standard describes how to set up an ESD-protected environment (EPA, Electrostatic Protected Area) and sets requirements for floors, workstations, and personal equipment.
The problem with a single measure, such as just a wrist strap at the workstation, is that the protection disappears as soon as someone walks around. Clothing, shoes, and gloves that are collectively conductive or dissipative ensure that built-up charge is continuously dissipated, even while walking between workstations.
ESD clothing: when is it necessary and what should you look for?
ESD clothing is made of a fabric with woven-in conductive fibers, usually carbon or stainless steel wire, which form a closed conductive grid. That grid dissipates charge without you having to be tethered to a grounding point. This clothing is particularly relevant in electronics manufacturing, maintenance of server equipment, in laboratories, and on the shop floor of medical equipment.
When choosing, pay attention to three points: the clothing must comply with EN 1149-5 (the part of the ESD standard that specifically concerns clothing), the conductive fibers must form a closed grid that remains intact even during movement, and the garment must be worn fully closed. A jacket worn open does not do its job. The complete range of ESD clothing, from jackets to coveralls, can be found in the ESD clothing category.
ESD shoes: conductive or dissipative?
For shoes, a distinction is made between conductive (mark C) and dissipative (mark SD or ESD) versions. Conductive shoes dissipate charge very quickly and are used where no risk of static charge is acceptable. Dissipative shoes dissipate charge a little more gradually and simultaneously offer basic protection against electric shocks from low-voltage equipment, which makes them the most chosen option in practice.
An ESD shoe only works if the floor itself is also conductive and if the resistance of the body, shoe, and floor together remains within the limit values of EN ISO 20345. Therefore, do not wear an insulated insole or thick socks that interfere with the contact between the foot and the shoe. The full range can be found at ESD safety shoes.
ESD gloves: choosing for electronics work
For fine electronics work, such as assembling circuit boards or handling chips, skin contact with conductive carbon fibers in the glove is what actually dissipates the charge. A non-conductive glove actually isolates the hand and can even worsen the buildup of static charge. When choosing, pay attention to the balance between conductivity and tactile sensitivity: for precision work, most users prefer a thin, close-fitting glove over a thick work glove. The range is in the ESD gloves category.
Assembling a complete ESD outfit
The three components only work well together if the chain is not interrupted. Practically, this means: ESD clothing that fully covers the torso and arms, ESD shoes that make direct contact with a conductive floor, and ESD gloves as soon as you work with sensitive parts. Employers setting up an EPA according to EN 61340-5-1 have the complete equipment tested periodically, because the conductivity of textiles and shoe soles decreases due to wear and washing.
For companies ordering in bulk, it is practical to combine clothing, shoes, and gloves in one go and order on account. This can be done via business registration at Total Protex.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between conductive and dissipative?
Conductive materials dissipate static charge very quickly and are used for the strictest requirements. Dissipative materials dissipate charge a little more slowly, but also offer basic protection against electric shocks from low-voltage equipment.
Is regular work clothing with a wrist strap sufficient?
No. A wrist strap only protects as long as you are sitting in one place. As soon as someone walks around without conductive clothing and shoes, static charge can build up again and is only discharged upon the next contact.
Must ESD clothing be used in conjunction with a conductive floor?
Yes. ESD shoes and clothing dissipate charge to the floor. On a non-conductive floor, that dissipation does not work and the risk of discharge remains.