Fowler Associates Labs

This question was submitted to the ESD Journal on May 28, 2001 by Ali Ashraf.

"There are several ESD test methods for home appliances. Different agencies recommend different value discharge capacitor, and resistor values for testing, ranging from 100pf capacitor to 330pf capacitor, and 150 ohm resistor to 330 ohm resistor.

What the right value capacitor, and resistor for testing the home appliances? What is the highest discharge Voltage?
Our lab facilities, using 150pf, 150 ohm, and up to 20KV. Should we test up to 25KV?
Where I look for home appliances ESD test method?"

Response:

ESD Journal recommends to visit the EIA (Electronic Industries Alliance) for specs on appliances.

http://www.eia.org/

The ESD Association sets the Human Body Model for discharges at 100 pF, 1500 Ohms. It gives no limits for any type of equipment. This type specification is usually left to the industry association dealing with that type of equipment.

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