Treston ESD e-book

Create and maintain safe, ergonomic, and reliable ESD-protected workplaces

Get the practical, standards-based guide to building (and keeping) an EPA that actually works—without guesswork. 

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is often invisible and hard to detect—yet always costly. Hidden (latent) damage can pass final tests and fail later, hurting quality, warranties, and customer trust. This e-book gives you a step-by-step plan to prevent that. 

Protect your products - start here:

Download the Free E-book (PDF)

Why ESD protection matters

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is invisible, hard to detect, and always costly. A product may pass final testing, yet hidden ESD damage can cause failures months later—damaging customer trust, brand reputation, and profitability.

Electronics are everywhere: from consumer devices to healthcare, automotive, logistics automation, and advanced manufacturing.

ESD in a nutshell
  • What it is: a sudden discharge of static electricity between two charged objects.
  • Why it matters: many electronic components are damaged at as little as 30 volts—far below the ≈3,000 volts humans can feel.
  • Impact: failures can be fatal (immediate) or latent (hidden, surfacing later). Both weaken product quality and increase costs.
Two types of ESD defects
  1. Fatal defects – detected early in assembly, handling, or testing. Products usually never reach the customer.
  2. Latent defects – difficult to detect. A product may pass tests, function normally for a while, but still be weakened. These hidden failures reduce durability, increase returns, and lead to hidden costs .

Hidden failures = hidden costs.

Regular measuring & testing

Regular measurement of ESD is the key to continuous success. All values must be documented as defined in the ESD control plan.

  • If values rise above the set levels, check that cleaning has been carried out properly and that the right components are being measured.

Setting up an ESD-protected area (EPA) is easier than ever. With the right plan, furniture, and practices, you can protect products, improve reliability, and reduce costly returns .

Download the ebook and you’ll learn more about:

  • ESD in a nutshell: what it is, why it matters, and typical voltage thresholds where damage occurs. 
  • Two expensive defect types: fatal vs. latent failures and why hidden failures quietly erode quality and lifetime value. 
  • A living ESD control plan: the essential sections to include (component sensitivity, acceptable ranges, grounding, workflows, cleaning/testing, training). 
  • 6-point EPA checklist: flooring, furniture, personnel, storing/moving/packing, cleaning & testing, and continuous improvement explained with practical tips. 
  • Measuring that actually reflects reality: follow IEC 61340-5-1 or ANSI/ESD S20.20, measure in the real environment, and use the right equipment. 
  • Grounding and ergonomics together: when benches ground through ESD floors vs. when wiring to CPG is required—plus why adjustability improves safety and wellbeing. 
  • People practices that stick: why wrist straps remain the most reliable personal grounding method. 

Protect your products - start here:

Download the Free E-book (PDF)

 

FAQ's shortly answered 

What is ESD and why is it a business risk?
ESD is a sudden discharge between charged objects. It can cause immediate (fatal) or hidden (latent) failures that surface months later, impacting quality, returns, and brand trust. 

How low can damaging voltages be?
Common components are damaged at 100–200 V, while the most sophisticated can be affected at just 5–10 V—well below human perception. 

What standards should be followed?
Use IEC 61340-5-1:2020 or ANSI/ESD S20.20:2021 for defining what to measure, how to test, and acceptable ranges. Measure in the real environment, not only in a lab. 

What belongs in an ESD control plan?
Component sensitivity, acceptable voltage/resistance ranges, grounding methods (including CPG), handling/storage/packing workflows, cleaning/maintenance schedules, and training. Review and update regularly. 

Flooring or mats, how to choose the correct one?
For small areas, grounded ESD mats are practical; for large/new facilities, consider a cast ESD floor. Always ground to a common point ground (CPG) and clearly mark EPAs. 

Which furniture needs to be ESD-protected?
Any furniture near sensitive components, including workbenches, trolleys, chairs, and accessories (shelves, drawers, bins). Some workbenches ground through ESD floors; others must be wired to CPG - remember to test regularly. 

Are wrist straps really necessary?
Yes. They’re the most reliable personal grounding method - especially when chairs are in use. Jackets/footwear add protection but don’t replace wrist straps. 

How often should ESD furniture be measured?
Follow your control plan: document surface resistance, grounding, footwear/clothing tests, and cleaning. If values rise, re-check cleaning and that you’re testing the right components. 

What about movement and material flow?
Every transfer increases risk. Store parts in ESD packaging/bins, minimize bench-to-bench moves, and use ESD-protected trolleys and packing stations. 

Protect your products - start here:

Download the Free E-book (PDF)