IEC 61000-4-2 Electrostatic Discharge Immunity Test Standard

IEC 61000-4-2 deals with immunity requirements and test methods for electrical and electronic equipment exposed to static electricity discharges directly from operators and from personnel to adjacent objects. It also defines ranges of test levels and establishes test procedures for different environmental and installation conditions.

The purpose of IEC 61000-4-2 is to establish a common and repeatable basis for evaluating the performance of electrical and electronic equipment when subjected to electrostatic discharges. It also includes electrostatic discharges that can occur from personnel to objects near vital equipment. IEC 61000-4-2 includes typical waveform of discharge current, range of test levels, test equipment, test setup, test procedure, Calibration procedure and measurement uncertainty. IEC 61000-4-2 gives specifications for testing performed in "labs" and "post-installation testing" on equipment at final installation.

The IEC 61000-4-2 standard defines four standard levels of ESD protection using two different test methodologies. Contact discharge involves discharging an ESD pulse from the ESD test gun directly touching the device under test. This is the preferred test method. However, the standard provides an alternative testing methodology, known as air purge, for situations where contact discharge testing is not possible. In an air purge test, the ESD test gun is brought close to the device under test until a discharge occurs. Standards are defined in such a way that each level is considered equivalent.

Eurolab provides IEC 61000-4-2 testing services to businesses within the scope of immunity tests against electrostatic discharge.