ESD audit and test plan per DIN EN 61340-5-1: what goes in?
DIN EN 61340-5-1 asks for more than ESD products: a documented control programme with a compliance verification plan. It defines which element is tested at which interval against which limit value - from the daily wrist strap check to the periodic floor. Keep it clean and every audit passes.
View ESD protectionWhat does DIN EN 61340-5-1 require?
DIN EN 61340‑5‑1 requires a documented ESD control programme. Part of it is a compliance verification plan - a written test plan that defines which EPA elements are checked at which interval against which limit values. A named ESD coordinator is responsible for implementation and records the results.
What must be tested how often and against which limit?
The test plan assigns each element an interval and a limit value. Personnel grounding is checked every working day, fixed equipment such as work surfaces, floors and ionisers periodically. The overview below shows typical elements with the upper limit values recommended in the standard.
| Element | Test interval | Limit value (upper) |
|---|---|---|
| Wrist strap (person + strap system) | every working day | < 3.5 × 107 Ω |
| Work surface (resistance to ground) | periodically | < 1 × 109 Ω |
| Floor (resistance to ground) | periodically | < 1 × 109 Ω |
| ESD footwear (person + footwear system) | every working day | < 1 × 108 Ω |
| Ioniser (offset voltage / balance) | regularly | ± 35 V |
The limit values apply when the zone is set up; the build-up is explained in Set up an EPA. To replace the daily strap test with continuous supervision, see the options in Grounding monitoring.
How do you document and audit correctly?
Every measurement is recorded with date, measured value and limit value - so at a glance you see whether an element passes or fails. At defined intervals an internal audit checks that the test plan is followed and the documentation is complete. Deviations trigger documented corrective actions.
Frequently asked questions
Who may own the ESD test plan?
The standard requires a named ESD coordinator. They own the control programme, oversee the tests and make sure measured values are recorded and any limit deviations are corrected.
How often must the wrist strap be tested?
Personnel grounding such as the wrist strap is checked every working day, usually at a personnel tester at the start of a shift. Fixed elements such as work surfaces and floors are checked at periodic intervals.
What happens on a limit breach?
It triggers a documented corrective action: the affected element is checked, cleaned or replaced and then re-measured. The whole process is recorded in the programme.
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