Fowler Associates Labs

Testing of ESD Field Service Kits:

Performance Specs for Each Test Must be per Manufacturer's Specification or ANSI/ESD - S20.20 Whichever is More Stringent

Very Frequent Tests (before each job or if damage is suspected):

1. Test Wrist Strap Resistance per ANSI/ESD S1.1-1998: Wrist Straps. A successor to EOS/ESD S1.0, this document establishes test methods for evaluating the electrical and mechanical characteristics of wrist straps. It includes improved test methods and performance limits for evaluation, acceptance, and functional testing of wrist straps.

2. Test Ground Cord Resistance per ANSI/ESD S6.1-1999: Grounding -- Recommended Practice. This Standard recommends the parameters, procedures, and types of materials needed to establish an ESD grounding system for the protection of electronic hardware from ESD damage. This system is used for personnel grounding devices, worksurfaces, chairs, carts, floors, and other related equipment.

Less Frequent Tests (Every 6 Months or if damage is suspected):

1. Test Field Service Kit Material Resistance per ANSI/ESD S4.1-1997: Worksurfaces - Resistance Measurements. Provides test methods for evaluating and selecting worksurface materials, testing of new worksurface installations & the testing of previously installed worksurfaces.

Note: The main goals of a periodic test of field service kits are
1. To assure that the person is bonded to the kit,
2. The kit is grounded and
3. The kit material is dissipative.

For more information please contact:
Steve Fowler
Fowler Associates, Inc.
3551 Moore-Duncan Highway
Moore, SC 29369
Tel: 864-574-6415
Fax: 864-576-4992
Email: sfowler@sfowler.com