Introduction
ESD boots are more than just labeled “static dissipative.”
Their performance is evaluated under international standards that define how footwear should behave as part of a complete ESD control system.
This page explains key standards such as IEC 61340-5-1 and ANSI/ESD S20.20, including what they measure and why resistance numbers alone are insufficient.
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What ESD Standards Cover for Footwear
International ESD standards do not treat boots as individual products.
Instead, they define how footwear works within a system that includes:
•ESD flooring
•Verified grounding
•Body voltage control
This holistic perspective ensures that static charge is safely dissipated from personnel during movement in ESD Protected Areas (EPA).
Standards relevant to ESD boot performance include:
•IEC 61340-5-1 — Protection of Electronic Devices from Electrostatic Phenomena
•ANSI/ESD S20.20 — ESD Control Program Requirements
These standards outline acceptable resistance ranges, testing procedures, and verification methods.
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Why Resistance Values Alone Are Not Enough
Many manufacturers list resistance values such as 10⁵–10⁹ ohms for ESD boots.
However:
•Resistance measurement is a material-level test
•It does not confirm how boots perform in real conditions
•It does not account for footwear–floor interaction
For engineers, the focus is on body voltage reduction and system-level performance, not just resistance numbers.
This is why proper ESD footwear testing includes measurements that reflect actual use.
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System-Level Performance: Flooring + Footwear + Grounding
To achieve compliance under these standards, shoes must be evaluated together with:
•Dissipative or conductive floors
•Grounding connections
•Periodic verification
For example:
•ESD boots on non-compliant flooring can fail to control static
•Without verification, resistance drift over time may go unnoticed
In practical terms, standards require that static control systems, not individual pieces of gear, demonstrate measurable performance.
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How Standards Are Applied in Audits
During an ESD audit, engineers typically verify:
•Footwear-to-floor resistance
•Body voltage measurements during walking tests
•Grounding system integrity
This approach provides a clearer picture of static control efficacy than material tests alone.
For factories evaluating suppliers, understanding standards helps distinguish between marketing claims and measurable performance.
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Conclusion
Understanding ESD boots standards is essential for proper ESD control.
International standards emphasize system-level performance, not isolated product specs — a distinction engineers rely on for reliable static management.
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