BS EN 61340-4-9:2016

What is BS EN 61340-4-9‒ Static control garments about?  

BS EN 61340-4-9 is a part of an international standard that covers the aspects of electrostatics charge. 

BS EN 61340-4-9 provides test methods for measuring the electrical resistance of garments used for static control applications. These test methods can be used for evaluating outer garments that are homogeneously conductive or homogeneously dissipative, or that utilize surface conductive or surface dissipative components or elements. 

BS EN 61340-4-9 gives the resistance point-to-point test method, that tests the electrical resistance between the two sleeves, any two panels, or any two/more electrically interconnected components of the static control garment. It includes the electrical resistance across the seams and cuffs of the garment, as applicable.  

Note 1: The test methods defined in BS EN 61340-4-9 may not be able to measure materials with buried conductive layers. 

Note 2: The system test with a person wearing a groundable static control garment system includes the ground cord that connects to the groundable point of the garment. 

Who is BS EN 61340-4-9‒ Static control garments for? 

BS EN 61340-4-9 on static control garments is useful for: 

• Manufactures of static control garments 
• Suppliers, dealers, and importers of static control garments 
• Designers of static control garments  
• Test providers/ test houses for static control garments 

Why should you use BS EN 61340-4-9‒ Static control garments?  

Clothing made from synthetic fibres is a common source of electrostatic charge. Wearing an appropriate static control garment over personal clothing can minimize the effect of this charge.  

BS EN 61340-4-9 provides you with test methods for evaluating the electrical resistance of garments that contain surface conductive, dissipative components or materials used in the electronics industry for the control of electrostatic discharge. It defines procedures for measuring electrical resistance, including a system resistance test for garments that provide a ground path for personnel. 

BS EN 61340-4-9 covers the static control garments, that electrically bond with the wearer and provide a path to ground from the wearer. It provides you with evaluation methods for garments like the resistance point-to-point test method, the resistance point to the groundable point test method, as well as a system test to determine the resistance from the person through the garment to the groundable point of the garment system. 

What’s changed since the last update?  

BS EN 61340-4-9:2016 supersedes BS EN 61340-4-9:2010, which is withdrawn. BS EN 61340-4-9:2016 includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: 

• Classification of three types of garments i.e., static control garments, groundable static control garments, and groundable static control garment system 
• Additional measurements according to the garment type including cuff measurements, panel to the groundable point, testing with a person in the garment system 
• Sleeve to sleeve measurements allowed with probes or by hanging 
• Additional recommended values for new garment types as set out in Annex A