EN 61340-5-1 – the ESD standard

The standard EN 61340-5-1 – adopted in the Czech Republic as ČSN EN 61340-5-1 – is the basic document for protecting electronic components against electrostatic discharge (ESD). It defines how effective ESD protection is built, run and verified.

What is EN 61340-5-1?

A European standard for protecting electronic devices from ESD damage. It belongs to the IEC/EN 61340 family and defines requirements for measures, materials and their regular control.

Why was the standard created?

Modern components keep getting more sensitive, and ESD damage causes immediate failures, latent defects and returns. The standard unifies the approach and makes protection verifiable.

Basic requirements of the standard

ESD program

Every organisation must have a defined ESD program with responsibilities, guidelines, control procedures and documentation. The article how to set up an ESD program describes the steps.

EPA area

The standard requires protected areas (EPA) with suitable work surfaces, grounding of people and marking.

Grounding of staff

Wrist straps, ESD shoes, the shoe-and-floor combination and monitoring systems are used.

Work surfaces and storage

Worktops must have defined dissipation values; sensitive parts are stored and transported in ESD packaging.

Measurement and control

Regular checks with measuring instruments prove the function. The article how ESD testers work explains how testers operate.

Key limits

The standard works with resistance limits – for example, a person resistance to ground through the grounding system below 3.5 × 10⁷ Ω. Specific values are documented during checks.

How to implement the standard

Through an ESD program, setting up the EPA, training staff and regular audits. The article how an ESD audit works shows the process.

Conclusion

EN 61340-5-1 is the benchmark for ESD protection. Implementing it measurably reduces failures and returns. Find more guides in the ESD Guide.