Body Voltage Walking Test - Check Shoes and Floor
The walking test measures the body voltage that builds up between shoe and floor while a person walks. This guide explains the procedure to DIN EN 61340-4-5, the under-100 V limit and how to rate footwear and flooring as one combined system.
View ESD measuring toolsWhy measure body voltage at all?
Walking charges a person electrostatically through friction between the shoe sole and the floor. The walking test to DIN EN 61340‑4‑5 measures exactly this body voltage and thereby judges whether the combination of shoe and floor dissipates charge to ground fast enough.
The key point is that neither the shoe nor the floor is tested alone, but both as one interacting system. A conductive shoe helps little on an insulating floor, and the reverse is equally true. Only measuring on a walking person reveals the real behaviour at the workstation.
- Goal: prevent a dangerous charge building up on the body.
- Shoe and floor are rated together, not separately.
- Body voltage limit typically below 100 V.
- Complements point-to-point and resistance-to-ground per 61340‑4‑5.
How does the walking test actually work?
The test person wears the ESD shoes under evaluation and stands on the real floor covering. A hand-held electrode connects them to a high-impedance voltmeter that records the body voltage relative to ground.
The voltmeter must have a very high input resistance (typically 10¹⁴ Ω) so it does not distort the reading itself. The peak value is captured, because short voltage spikes are the real hazard for sensitive components.
How are the readings evaluated?
The recorded body voltage is compared with the limit. In practice a maximum body voltage of below 100 V proves that the shoe-and-floor system dissipates charge well enough.
- Below 100 V: the system passes, shoe and floor match.
- Clearly above: floor too insulating, shoes worn or wrong sole.
- Sample-test several people and pairs of shoes.
- Document results and repeat them regularly.
Frequently asked questions
What is the pass limit for the walking test?
In practice a body voltage below 100 V is treated as a pass. It proves that shoe and floor together dissipate charge quickly enough.
Why is a plain resistance measurement not enough?
Resistance only describes the potential to dissipate. The walking test shows the voltage actually generated on the walking person, and therefore the real behaviour of shoe and floor as a system.
How often should you measure?
Regularly and after any change of floor or footwear. Sample tests with several people, documented and repeated especially during the dry heating season, work well.
What equipment do you need?
A high-impedance voltmeter with peak-hold, a hand electrode and the real ESD shoes on the real floor. The meter input resistance should be very high.
Verify body voltage to standard?
We supply walking-test meters, ESD shoes and dissipative floors - matched to each other and tested to DIN EN 61340-4-5.
Standard-compliant
Measurement to DIN EN 61340-4-5.
System tested
Shoe and floor rated together.
Documented
Values logged and repeatable.
Expert advice
ESD specialists guide your selection.