IEC 61340-2-1-2022 PDF

Full title and description

IEC 61340-2-1:2015 + AMD1:2022 (Consolidated version) — Electrostatics — Part 2-1: Measurement methods — Ability of materials and products to dissipate static electric charge. This consolidated document incorporates the 2015 edition of IEC 61340-2-1 and Amendment 1 published in 2022, and describes standard test procedures for evaluating how insulating and static‑dissipative materials and products lose or dissipate static electric charge.

Abstract

This part of IEC 61340 defines and specifies two principal test methods for measuring charge‑decay time and the ability of materials and products to dissipate static charge: a corona‑charging method (suitable for assessing charge dissipation from a material’s own surface, e.g. textiles and packaging) and a charged‑metal‑plate method (suitable for evaluating dissipation of charge from conductive objects placed on or in contact with a material, e.g. gloves, finger cots, hand tools). The consolidated 2022 amendment adds procedures for performance verification of instruments used with the corona method and removes references to IEC TR 61340‑5‑1 that are no longer required. The document is published as a horizontal standard for use by technical committees and in horizontal applications.

General information

• Status: Published — Consolidated version (IEC 61340-2-1:2015 + AMD1:2022); horizontal standard (IEC Guide 108).
• Publication date: 22 June 2022.
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
• ICS / categories: 17.220.99; 29.020.
• Edition / version: Edition 2.1 (consolidated: 2015 edition + Amendment 1:2022).
• Number of pages: 48 (consolidated version).

Scope

Specifies measurement methods for determining the rate of dissipation (charge decay) of static electric charge on insulating and static‑dissipative materials and products. It gives a generic description of applicable test methods and detailed procedures for specific applications, explains when each method is appropriate, and is intended for use both as a direct test specification and as horizontal guidance for technical committees developing related standards. Key applications named include textiles, packaging, protective garments, gloves, finger cots and hand tools.

Key topics and requirements

• Detailed procedures for two charge‑decay measurement methods: corona‑charging and charged‑metal‑plate methods.
• Guidance on which method is appropriate for which types of materials and situations (e.g., surface charge of nonconductors vs. conductive objects in contact with materials).
• Specification of test conditions, instrumentation, sample preparation and test sequencing required to obtain repeatable charge‑decay measurements.
• Added procedures (2022 amendment) for performance verification of instruments used with the corona charging method.
• Clarification that the two methods may give different (non‑equivalent) results and that method choice must match the intended application.
• Status and use as a horizontal standard — intended for reference and adoption by other technical committees.

Typical use and users

Used by test laboratories, quality assurance and R&D engineers, manufacturers of ESD‑sensitive products, packaging designers, textile and garment manufacturers, and standards/technical committees. Typical uses include material qualification, incoming inspection, product development, verification of ESD protective items (gloves, finger cots, mats), and establishing or validating ESD control measures where material charge dissipation is relevant.

Related standards

Part of the IEC 61340 electrostatics series. Closely related documents and references include other parts of IEC 61340 that cover ESD control requirements, test methods and guidance (for example the IEC 61340‑5‑1 family addressing ESD protection program requirements and related technical reports/standards). Users should consult the broader IEC 61340 series and national/adopted versions (EN/ISO adoptions and local amendments) for application‑specific requirements.

Keywords

Electrostatics, ESD, charge decay, charge dissipation, corona charging, charged plate, measurement methods, material testing, static dissipative, insulating materials, IEC 61340, horizontal standard, performance verification.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC 61340‑2‑1 (consolidated as IEC 61340‑2‑1:2015 + AMD1:2022) is an international test‑methods standard that specifies how to measure the ability of materials and products to dissipate static electric charge.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers two principal charge‑decay measurement methods (corona charging and charged‑metal‑plate), the appropriate applications for each, required test conditions and procedures, and — via the 2022 amendment — instrument performance verification procedures for the corona method. It also clarifies method applicability and provides horizontal guidance for other standards.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Test laboratories, product and materials manufacturers (textiles, packaging, protective clothing, ESD accessories), QA/R&D engineers, procurement teams checking supplier materials, and standards committees preparing or referencing ESD requirements.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The document in common use is the consolidated version incorporating Amendment 1 (published 22 June 2022). The consolidated edition is listed as Edition 2.1 with a stability date shown by IEC; users should check national adoption status for country‑specific versions or later amendments.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the IEC 61340 series on electrostatics and ESD control. Other parts of the series cover program requirements, test methods, product‑specific guidance and related technical reports; this part is the measurement‑methods element of that series.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Electrostatics; ESD; charge decay; corona charging; charged plate; materials testing; static dissipative; insulating materials; performance verification; IEC 61340.