BS EN IEC 61340-4-3:2018

What is BS EN IEC 61340-4-3 - Electrostatics and standard test methods for footwear about?  

BS EN IEC 61340-4-3 is the third part of multi-series international standard that focuses on electrostatics and standard test methods for specific applications for footwear. IEC 61340-4-3 describes a test method for determining the electrical resistance of footwear (shoes, slippers or booties) used in the control of electrostatic potential on people. BS EN IEC 61340-4-3 is suitable for use by the manufacturer of footwear as well as the end-user. A method for measuring the electrical resistance of footwear alone is described and serves as a qualification test or an acceptance test for new footwear, or as a periodic test of in-use footwear. 

Note: BS EN IEC 61340-4-3 does not include requirements for personal safety, footwear used within the scope of BS EN IEC 61340-4-3 in all places of work is regulated by the relevant local statutory requirements regarding health and safety of all persons. 

Who is BS EN IEC 61340-4-3 - Electrostatics and standard test methods for footwear for? 

BS EN IEC 61340-4-3 on electrostatics and standard test methods for specific applications for footwear is useful for: 

• Footwear manufacturers  
• Designers 
• The professionals who are involved in testing footwear 

Why should you use BS EN IEC 61340-4-3 - Electrostatics and standard test methods for footwear?  

Footwear, especially shoes, has become an important electrostatic control device in all areas, but particularly in electronics manufacturing. Standards exist from various national committees and these have served as guidance in the preparation of BS EN IEC 61340-4-3 for electrostatic control footwear. 

The measurement method described in BS EN IEC 61340-4-3 can be used to monitor electrical specifications of footwear during manufacture, before selection by an end-user or periodically 

during use. The method described involves the use of a specific set of test equipment and instruments. Other equipment and instruments may be used to measure the parameters specified but in the event of any dispute, the equipment, instruments, and measurement method established in BS EN IEC 61340-4-3 apply. 

Control of unwanted electrostatic charge is of particular importance where personnel work around electrostatic-sensitive processes, materials, or items. In many cases, devices such as wrist straps are employed to provide an electrical bond between a person’s skin and a ground connection. 

What’s changed since the last update?  

BS EN IEC 61340-4-3:2018 supersedes BS EN 61340-4-3:2002. BS EN IEC 61340-4-3:2018 includes some technical changes concerning BS EN 61340-4-3:2002. These include: 

• Classification of footwear as electrostatic conductive or electrostatic dissipative has been removed – classification is not specified 
• Environmental classes for laboratory testing have been removed – one set of conditions for pre-conditioning, conditioning and testing is specified 
• Reference to IEC 61340-2-3 for measuring the resistance of the counter electrode inserted inside footwear has been removed