IEC 61340-5-1 Standard – ESD Protection in Safety Gloves

ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) safety gloves are designed to prevent static electricity from damaging sensitive components or creating hazards. They meet international standards to ensure proper resistance and safe handling in controlled environments.

What Is ESD?

ESD stands for Electrostatic Discharge, which refers to the sudden flow of electricity between two objects with different electrical potentials. In industrial and technical environments, uncontrolled ESD can damage electronic components or ignite flammable substances.

Products marked ESD comply with current criteria and standards for ESD protection.
Important: ESD approval does not mean electrical safety. If work involves live voltages, national electrical safety regulations must be followed.

ESD for Protecting Equipment

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage sensitive electronic components—even at voltages as low as 100 volts. ESD-approved gloves are essential in many industries to prevent this risk. However, gloves alone are not enough. For effective protection, it is important to also wear ESD-approved socks, shoes, and other conductive workwear, ensuring a complete system that minimizes static buildup.

How ESD Gloves Work

For ESD gloves to function correctly:

  • Both the personal equipment and the workplace must be conductive.
  • Gloves help maintain a controlled resistance path from the operator to ground, reducing static electricity and preventing harmful discharges.

By combining gloves with ESD footwear and socks, you create a reliable path for static to dissipate safely, protecting both the operator and the equipment.

Test Methods and Standards

ESD gloves are tested according to IEC 61340-5-1, which ensures:

  • Resistance from operator to ground is less than 10⁹ Ω.
  • The gloves do not hold potentials > 100V
  • Testing is performed at 12% humidity for accuracy.

Why ESD Protection Matters

  • Prevents Component Damage: Sensitive electronics can fail due to static discharge.
  • Reduces Fire Risk: ESD sparks can ignite flammable substances.
  • Compliance: Meets international safety standards for controlled environments.

Explore The Full Range of TEGERA ESD Safety Gloves

Find gloves designed to protect sensitive components and maintain a controlled environment. Browse our complete selection of ESD-approved gloves that meet international standards for electrostatic discharge protection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about ESD

What does ESD mean?

ESD stands for Electrostatic Discharge, the sudden flow of electricity between objects with different charges.

Are ESD Gloves Electrically Insulated?

No. ESD gloves prevent static buildup but do not protect against live electrical voltages.

What Standards Apply to ESD Safety and Work Gloves?

ESD gloves are tested according to IEC 61340-5-1

What Is the Resistance Requirement for ESD Gloves?

Less than 10⁹ Ω from operator to ground.

Do ESD Gloves Work Alone?

No. Both gloves and the workplace must be conductive for proper ESD control.

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