IEC 61340-4-6:2025

Electrostatics - Part 4-6: Standard test methods for specific applications - Wrist straps

IEC 61340-4-6:2025 provides electrical and mechanical test methods and performance limits for the evaluation, acceptance, and periodic verification testing of wrist straps. This document is intended for testing wrist straps and wrist strap systems used for the grounding of personnel engaged in working with ESD sensitive assemblies and devices. It does not address constant monitoring systems.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) editorial comments made during the review of the second edition were reviewed and incorporated where appropriate;
b) normative references have been added to address the safety of equipment.

Electrostatique - Partie 4-6 : Méthodes d'essai normalisées pour des applications spécifiques - Bracelets de conduction dissipative

L'IEC 61340-4-6:2025 donne les méthodes d'essai électriques et mécaniques et les limites de performance pour les essais d'évaluation, d'acceptation et de vérification de conformité des bracelets de conduction dissipative. Le présent document couvre les essais des bracelets de conduction dissipative et des systèmes de bracelets de conduction dissipative pour la mise à la terre du personnel amené à travailler avec des assemblages et dispositifs sensibles aux DES. Elle ne couvre pas les systèmes de surveillance continue.
Cette édition inclut les modifications techniques majeures suivantes par rapport à l'édition précédente:
a) les commentaires rédactionnels formulés lors de la révision de la deuxième édition ont été revus et intégrés, le cas échéant;
b) des références normatives ont été ajoutées pour couvrir la sécurité des appareils.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 15-Jun-2025
• ICS: 17.200.99 - Other standards related to thermodynamics
• ICS: 29.020 - Electrical engineering in general
• Technical Committee: TC 101 - Electrostatics
• Drafting Committee: WG 5 - TC 101/WG 5
• Current Stage: PPUB - Publication issued
• Start Date: 16-Jun-2025
• Completion Date: 04-Jul-2025

Relations

• Revises: IEC 61340-4-6:2015 - Electrostatics - Part 4-6: Standard test methods for specific applications - Wrist straps
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023

Overview

IEC 61340-4-6:2025 is an international standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) focused on electrostatics, specifically addressing standard test methods for wrist straps. Wrist straps are critical components used to ground personnel working with electrostatic discharge (ESD) sensitive devices and assemblies. This third edition establishes comprehensive electrical and mechanical test methods along with performance limits aimed at the evaluation, acceptance, and periodic verification of wrist straps to ensure their effectiveness in protecting sensitive electronic equipment from electrostatic damage.

Significant updates in the 2025 edition include:

• Incorporation of reviewed editorial comments from the previous edition.
• Addition of normative references emphasizing equipment safety.

The standard excludes constant monitoring systems and targets wrist straps and wrist strap systems employed in electrostatic control programs.

Key Topics

IEC 61340-4-6:2025 covers an array of test methods designed to assess both electrical and mechanical properties of wrist straps. Key test areas include:

• Wrist Strap Continuity and Resistance Tests
  These tests verify the electrical resistance of wrist straps and their ability to maintain a safe path to ground.

• Wristband Resistance (Interior and Exterior)
  Evaluates the conductive properties of wristbands ensuring consistent dissipation of static charges.

• Wristband Size Requirements
  Ensures wrist strap sizing either for self-adjusting or one-size-fits-all straps meets specified standards for user comfort and effectiveness.

• Breakaway Force
  Establishes safety criteria for the force required to detach the wrist strap, preventing accidental injury or damage.

• Connection Integrity
  Tests confirm the reliability of all connections within the wrist strap system, including ground cords.

• Ground Cord Extendibility and Bending Life
  Assesses mechanical durability of ground cords ensuring they withstand repeated stress without loss of function.

• Manufacturer’s Identification and Current-Limiting Resistance
  Ensures traceability and safety parameters by verifying proper labeling and resistance elements designed to limit current in case of faults.

Each test method includes detailed equipment requirements, step-by-step procedures, and standardized reporting formats to ensure consistent application and interpretation worldwide.

Applications

IEC 61340-4-6:2025 is essential in environments where ESD-sensitive electronic devices and assemblies are handled, including:

• Electronics Manufacturing and Assembly Lines
  Ensures all personnel grounding devices meet stringent ESD protective standards to reduce component failure risk.

• Quality Control and Compliance Testing
  Provides evaluation frameworks for manufacturers seeking certification and ongoing verification of wrist strap performance.

• Research and Development Facilities
  Enables R&D teams to design and validate new wrist strap technologies under consistent test criteria.

• Field Service and Maintenance
  Supports periodic verification testing of wrist strap systems deployed in operational environments, safeguarding ESD-sensitive devices during repairs or adjustments.

In practical terms, adherence to this standard helps reduce costly product failures caused by electrostatic damage, improves workplace safety, and ensures conformity to international best practices across industries handling sensitive electronic equipment.

Related Standards

IEC 61340-4-6:2025 is part of the broader IEC 61340 series focused on electrostatics, which includes various parts covering fundamental principles, control of electrostatic phenomena, and test methods for other ESD protective devices. Professionals relying on IEC 61340-4-6 should also consider complementary standards such as:

• IEC 61340-5-1: Protection of electronic devices from electrostatic phenomena - General requirements
• IEC 61340-5-3: Standard for packaging materials for ESD protection
• IEC 61340-2-3: Measurement of electrostatic properties of materials

These related standards help establish comprehensive ESD control programs encompassing personnel, materials, handling, and environmental factors.

---

By following IEC 61340-4-6:2025’s detailed test methods and performance criteria, organizations worldwide improve their overall electrostatic discharge management, ensuring personnel grounding devices like wrist straps function reliably and safely - key factors in safeguarding high-value electronic components and systems.

Standards Content (Sample)

IEC 61340-4-6 ®
Edition 3.0 2025-06
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Electrostatics –
Part 4-6: Standard test methods for specific applications – Wrist straps

Electrostatique –
Partie 4-6: Méthodes d'essai normalisées pour des applications spécifiques –
Bracelets de conduction dissipative
ICS 17.200.99, 29.020 ISBN 978-2-8327-0474-5

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– 2 – IEC 61340-4-6:2025 © IEC 2025
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4
INTRODUCTION . 6
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 7
4 Testing levels and performance limits . 9
5 Test methods . 10
5.1 Test method applications . 10
5.2 Wrist strap continuity and resistance test . 10
5.2.1 Purpose of test . 10
5.2.2 Equipment and test samples . 10
5.2.3 Procedure . 12
5.2.4 Reporting . 12
5.3 Wristband resistance test . 12
5.3.1 Purpose of test . 12
5.3.2 Equipment and test samples . 12
5.3.3 Procedure (interior resistance). 12
5.3.4 Procedure (exterior resistance) . 12
5.3.5 Reporting . 12
5.4 Wristband size requirements . 13
5.4.1 Purpose of test . 13
5.4.2 Equipment . 13
5.4.3 Self-adjusting wristbands . 13
5.4.4 "One-size-fits-all" wristbands . 13
5.5 Breakaway force . 13
5.5.1 Purpose of test . 13
5.5.2 Equipment . 13
5.5.3 Breakaway force measurement . 13
5.5.4 Reporting . 14
5.6 Connection integrity . 14
5.6.1 Purpose of test . 14
5.6.2 Equipment . 14
5.6.3 Procedure . 14
5.6.4 Reporting . 15
5.7 Ground cord extendibility . 15
5.7.1 Purpose of test . 15
5.7.2 Ground cord extendibility procedure . 15
5.7.3 Reporting . 15
5.8 Bending life test . 15
5.8.1 Purpose of test . 15
5.8.2 Equipment . 15
5.8.3 Procedure . 16
5.8.4 Reporting . 17
5.9 Manufacturer's identification . 17
5.10 Identification of current-limiting resistance . 17
5.11 Wrist strap resistance . 17

5.11.1 Purpose of test . 17
5.11.2 Equipment . 17
5.11.3 Procedure . 17
5.11.4 Reporting . 17
5.12 Wrist strap system continuity test . 17
5.12.1 Purpose of test . 17
5.12.2 Equipment . 18
5.12.3 Procedure with ohmmeter . 19
5.12.4 Procedure with integrated checker . 20
5.12.5 Reporting . 20
Bibliography . 21

Figure 1 – Wrist strap resistance test apparatus . 11
Figure 2 – Mechanical ground cord flex tester (example) . 16
Figure 3 – Wrist strap system resistance test . 19

Table 1 – Evaluation testing . 9
Table 2 – Acceptance testing . 9
Table 3 – Compliance verification testing . 9

– 4 – IEC 61340-4-6:2025 © IEC 2025
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
ELECTROSTATICS –
Part 4-6: Standard test methods for specific applications – Wrist straps

FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
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8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
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shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
IEC 61340-4-6 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 101: Electrostatics. It is an
International Standard.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2015. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) editorial comments made during the review of the second edition were reviewed and
incorporated where appropriate;
b) normative references have been added to address the safety of equipment.

The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
101/732/FDIS 101/738/RVD
Full information on the voting for its approval can be found in the report on voting indicated in
the above table.
The language used for the development of this International Standard is English.
This document was drafted in accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, and developed in
accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 and ISO/IEC Directives, IEC Supplement, available
at www.iec.ch/members_experts/refdocs. The main document types developed by IEC are
described in greater detail at www.iec.ch/publications.
A list of all parts in the IEC 61340 series, published under the general title Electrostatics, can
be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under webstore.iec.ch in the data related to the
specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn, or
• revised.
– 6 – IEC 61340-4-6:2025 © IEC 2025
INTRODUCTION
This part of IEC 61340 has been developed to establish test methods for evaluating the
electrical and mechanical attributes of wrist straps used in an electrostatic control program.
Wrist straps are intended to connect the user to electrical ground, thus preventing electrostatic
charge on a user's body from attaining a level that can damage ESD susceptible devices or
assemblies.
Test methods and performance limits for evaluation, acceptance, and functional testing are
provided.
ELECTROSTATICS –
Part 4-6: Standard test methods for specific applications – Wrist straps

1 Scope
This part of IEC 61340 provides electrical and mechanical test methods and performance limits
for the evaluation, acceptance, and compliance verification testing of wrist straps.
NOTE All dimensions are nominal except where indicated.
This document is intended for testing wrist straps and wrist strap systems used for the
grounding of personnel engaged in working with ESD sensitive assemblies and devices.
It does not address constant monitoring systems.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies.
For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
IEC 61010-1, Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and
laboratory use – Part 1 General requirements
IEC 61010-2-030, Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and
laboratory use – Part 2-030 Particular requirements for equipment having testing or measuring
circuits
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
wrist strap
assembled device consisting of a wristband and ground cord that is designed to provide
electrical connection from a person's skin to ground
3.2
wrist strap system
wrist strap when properly worn by a person, where the electrical path includes the person, the
wristband and the ground cord
– 8 – IEC 61340-4-6:2025 © IEC 2025
3.3
wristband
portion of the wrist strap worn on the wrist
Note 1 to entry: The wristband maintains electrical contact with a person's skin.
3.4
ground cord
portion of the wrist strap that provides flexibility of movement while completing the electrical
circuit between the wristband and ground
3.5
evaluation testing
testing of a wrist strap to determine its electrical and mechanical performance abilities
Note 1 to entry: Data are in the form of values from laboratory testing.
3.6
acceptance testing
incoming tests to confirm proper marking and electrical functionality
Note 1 to entry: Data are in the form of visual inspection records and values or pass/fail notation.
3.7
compliance verification testing
end-use testing to confirm electrical functionality
Note 1 to entry: Data are in the form of pass/fail notation or resistance values.
3.8
current-limiting resistance
resistance value incorporated in series with the wrist strap's electrical path to ground
Note 1 to entry: This resistance limits electrical current that can pass through the ground cord in the event of
inadvertent user contact with an electrical potential.
3.9
resistance range
user-specified upper and lower resistance values which define the user-acceptable resistance
values of a wrist strap or wrist strap system
3.10
strain relief
construction feature designed to protect the connections and cord from premature failure
3.11
breakaway force
force required to disconnect the ground cord from the wristband

4 Testing levels and performance limits
This document specifies different types of testing for wrist straps. Table 1, Table 2 and Table 3
detail the three types of testing with the associated limits and subclause references to test
methods. The methods provide appropriate tests for the different levels of wrist strap
examination. Evaluation tests are laboratory tests for measuring the performance of a wrist
strap or for the comparison of wrist straps. Acceptance tests provide methods for incoming
goods inspection. Finally, the compliance verification or functional test is a simple check of
electrical continuity. This test shall be used on a regular, user defined basis, to ensure that the
wrist strap is electrically functional. Testing shall be carried out under ambient laboratory
conditions. The temperature and humidity at the time of testing shall be recorded and reported
in the test report.
NOTE Testing has shown that environmental conditions do not significantly affect test results.
Table 1 – Evaluation testing
Electrical Limit Test reference
Wrist strap continuity and resistance < 5 MΩ, or user-defined value 5.2
Wristband resistance Interior: ≤ 100 kΩ or user-defined value
5.3
Exterior: > 10 MΩ
Mechanical Limit Test reference
Wristband size As defined in 5.4 5.4
Breakaway force > 4,4 N and < 22,6 N 5.5
Cord and connector integrity > 22,6 N and > 66 % of cord strength 5.6
Ground cord extendibility Extension to manufacturer's specified length
5.7
with no loss of electrical continuity
Bending life ≥ 16 000 cycles 5.8

Marking Limit Test reference
Manufacturer's identification Logo or name or both 5.9
Identification of current-limiting resistance Prominent feature or value marked 5.10

Table 2 – Acceptance testing
Electrical Limit Test reference
Wrist strap resistance < 5 MΩ, or user-defined value 5.11

Marking Limit Test reference
Manufacturer's identification Logo or name or both 5.9
Identification of current-limiting resistance Prominent feature or value marked 5.10

Table 3 – Compliance verification testing
Electrical Limit Test reference
a
Wrist strap system continuity (as worn) 5.12
≤ 35 MΩ, or user-defined value
a
A user-defined lower limit of resistance can be required for safety or other considerations.

– 10 – IEC 61340-4-6:2025 © IEC 2025
Discrete current-limiting resistors should be located near the connection between the ground
cord and the wristband.
5 Test methods
5.1 Test method applications
Refer to Table 1, Table 2 and Table 3 for test method applications.
WARNING – Test procedures described in this document can expose personnel to potentially
hazardous electrical conditions. Appropriate electrical hazard reduction practices should be
exercised and proper earth grounding instructions for the equipment used should be followed
when performing tests. Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurements are
given in IEC 61010-1 and IEC 61010-2-030.
If the test voltage exceeds 60 V DC, or 35 V DC in wet locations, the additional safety limits for
current and capacitive charge specified in IEC 61010-1 shall be applied.
5.2 Wrist strap continuity and resistance test
5.2.1 Purpose of test
This test measures the resistance between discrete parts of the wrist strap to evaluate
continuity.
5.2.2 Equipment and test samples
The equipment shall consist of the following:
• a test fixture (see Figure 1) comprising an insulative stand and two (25,0 ± 0,5) mm
diameter stainless steel cylinders, with one cylinder fixed to the stand directly above the
second. The second cylinder with a mass of (0,11 ± 0,01) kg is mounted in a slot in the
stand that allows free vertical movement;
• an ohmmeter or other instrument(s) capable of reading up to at least 100 MΩ with a test
voltage of 7 V to 100 V DC open circuit;
• test leads for connecting the ohmmeter to the test fixture and wrist strap
• six samples of wrist straps.

Dimensions in millimetres
a) Wristband test fixture construction

b) Test method
Key
1 fixed metal cylinder test probe, (25,0 ± 0,5) mm diameter 5 ohmmeter
2 hole for banana plug 6 wristband
3 movable metal cylinder test weight, (25,0 ± 0,5) mm diameter 7 ground cord
4 Insulative stand 8 test lead

Figure 1 – Wrist strap resistance test apparatus

– 12 – IEC 61340-4-6:2025 © IEC 2025
5.2.3 Procedure
Using the test fixture shown in Figure 1, place the wristband around the cylinders with the
wristband interior toward the cylinders and the ground cord connector on the right side and
parallel to the cylinders, evenly spaced between the cylinders. Allow the 0,11 kg cylinder to
move freely and stress the wristband. Referring to Figure 1, the ground cord (7) is replaced with
a test lead for wristband resistance measurements.
Connect the ground cord to the wristband.
Connect the ohmmeter to the top cylinder and to the ground connector of the ground cord.
Measure and record the resistance value.
Repeat the procedure for a total of six wrist straps.
5.2.4 Reporting
Report the resistance for each wrist strap.
5.3 Wristband resistance test
5.3.1 Purpose of test
Resistance of the wristband interior and exterior is determined.
5.3.2 Equipment and test samples
See 5.2.2.
5.3.3 Procedure (interior resistance)
Using the test fixture shown in Figure 1, place the wristband around the cylinders with the
wristband interior toward the cylinders and the ground cord connector on the right side and
parallel to the cylinders, evenly spaced between the cylinders. Allow the 0,11 kg cylinder to
move freely and stress the wristband.
Connect the ohmmeter to the top cylinder and to the ground cord connector on the wristband.
Measure and record the resistance value.
Repeat the procedure for a total of six wristbands.
5.3.4 Procedure (exterior resistance)
Using the test fixture shown in Figure 1, place the wristband around the cylinders with the
wristband exterior toward the cylinders and the ground cord connector on the right side and
parallel to the cylinders, evenly spaced between the cylinders. Allow the 0,11 kg cylinder to
move freely and stress the wristband.
Connect the ohmmeter to the top cylinder and the ground cord connector on the wristband.
Measure and record the resistance value.
Repeat the procedure for a total of six wristbands.
5.3.5 Reporting
Report the interior resistance and exterior resistance of each wristband.

5.4 Wristband size requirements
5.4.1 Purpose of test
Wristband sizes are determined by the wristband's ability to fit over a specifically sized cylinder.
A wristband's ability to expand to fit over a hand, yet contract to fit correctly around a wrist is
determined by fitting the wristband over specifically sized large and small cylinders.
NOTE A wristband is fitted correctly when it is sufficiently tight to maintain electrical continuity during normal
wearing conditions, but not so tight as to cause discomfort or harm to the wearer.
5.4.2 Equipment
The equipment shall consist of the following:
• 1 cylinder having an outside diameter of (4,3 ± 0,1) cm;
• 1 cylinder having an outside diameter of (5,3 ± 0,1) cm;
• 1 cylinder having an outside diameter of (8,25 ± 0,1) cm;
• 1 cylinder having an outside diameter of (8,9 ± 0,1) cm.
5.4.3 Self-adjusting wristbands
"Large"-sized self-adjustable expanding metal or fabric wristbands shall make 360° contact with
a 5,3 cm diameter cylinder and be capable of fitting over an 8,9 cm diameter cylinder.
"Small"-sized self-adjustable expanding metal or fabric wristbands shall make 360° contact with
a 4,3 cm diameter cylinder and be capable of fitting over an 8,25 cm diameter cylinder.
5.4.4 "One-size-fits-all" wristbands
"One-size-fits-all" wristbands shall make 360° contact on a 4,3 cm diameter cylinder and be
capable of sufficient expansion to fit over an 8,9 cm cylinder.
5.5 Breakaway force
5.5.1 Purpose of test
For personnel safety considerations, the wrist strap ground cord shall disconnect from the
wristband while worn in the event of an emergency. However, the ground cord shall remain
connected during normal use. The breakaway force of the cord from the wristband is measured
in the following procedure.
5.5.2 Equipment
Spring scale (also known as spring balance or Newton meter) in the range from 0 to 50 N with
an accuracy of better than 20 % in this range.
5.5.3 Breakaway force measurement
With the ground cord connected to the wristband in a normal manner and the wristband held in
a fixture or by hand, a force of > 4,4 N and < 22,6 N applied to the ground cord, perpendicular
to the wristband back plate shall be required to separate the ground cord from the wristband.
Given the variation of the design of wrist straps, it is not possible to provide a detailed
description of the test procedure. Nevertheless, users of this document shall adapt procedures
to suit the design of wrist straps that are in use and shall describe these procedures as far as
possible in test reports or product qualification plans. Variations in test procedures can be
significant when evaluating sample test results that are close to acceptance limits.

– 14 – IEC 61340-4-6:2025 © IEC 2025
5.5.4 Reporting
Report the breakaway force for the cord from the wristband.
5.6 Connection integrity
5.6.1 Purpose of test
The strength of the wire used as a ground cord is measured to the breaking point. The strengths
of the mechanical connections between the wire and the terminals used for ground connection
and wristband connection are measured.
5.6.2 Equipment
The equipment shall consist of the following:
• tensile tester capable of 6,35 cm per minute travel;
• clamps (grippers) for tensile tester;
• chart recorder or data logging device.
Given the variation in the design of wrist straps, it is not possible to provide full details of the
use of tensile testers. Nevertheless, users of this document shall adapt procedures to suit the
design of the wrist strap that is in use, shall describe the procedures in product qualification
plans, and shall include the following information in test reports: type of clamps, clamping force,
specimen length between clamps, and rate of extension. Variations in test procedures can be
significant when evaluating sample test results that are close to acceptance limits.
5.6.3 Procedure
5.6.3.1 General
Using the tensile tester and chart recorder or data logging device, test and record the tensile
strength (breaking point) of the ground cord, the ground connector to the ground cord, and the
wristband connector to the cord. Repeat the procedure for a total of six ground cords.
This is a test to failure so sufficient numbers of test samples should be on hand to complete the
evaluation.
5.6.3.2 Wire break strength
The ground cord under test is secured in the tensile tester by clamps gripping the wire between
a straight section of wire (not including the wire terminations). The tensile tester is then
activated, and the wire pulled to the breaking point.
5.6.3.3 Ground cord termination strength
The ground cord under test is secured in the tensile tester so that the wire is clamped in one
gripper and one termination end of the ground cord is clamped in the other gripper. The tensile
tester is then activated, and the ground cord stressed until the termination breaks or is
separated from the wire.
The same ground cord that is used in 5.6.3.2 can be used if sufficient wire length is available
for clamping in the tensile tester.

5.6.4 Reporting
Report the break strength of the wire and the break strength or pull off force of both terminations.
Calculate the percentage of the termination strength to wire strength by the following formula:
Termination break or pull-off point/wire break strength × 100 = % Termination strength.
5.7 Ground cord extendibility
5.7.1 Purpose of test
Retractable-type ground cords (coiled cords) shall be capable of being extended to the
manufacturer's specified working length (typically 1,5 m or 3,0 m) without pulling the wristband
away from the user's wrist to the extent that electrical continuity, as measured in 5.12, is
interrupted.
5.7.2 Ground cord extendibility procedure
While wearing the wrist strap assembly and performing the wrist strap system continuity test as
described in 5.12, extend the distance between the wristband and the integrated checker or
ohmmeter to the wrist strap manufacturer's specified working length of the ground cord.
This test can require two people to prevent dropping the instruments used for measuring the
electrical continuity of the wrist strap system.
5.7.3 Reporting
Report the resistance at the full extension of the coil cord.
5.8 Bending life test
5.8.1 Purpose of test
Ground cord flex life is determined.
5.8.2 Equipment
The equipment shall consist of the following:
• mechanical ground cord flex tester: machine that drives a stressing mechanism through an
arc of 120° ± 5° at a rate of approximately 2 000 cycles per hour (see Figure 2 for an
example of a flex tester). A flex tester designed to test more than one ground cord at a time
is acceptable.
NOTE Some testers that can test both ends of a ground cord or multiple ground cords at the same time have
been constructed.
Ground cords are attached to the stressing mechanism by means of a mounting that
simulates the wristband connector (i.e., a snap) and the ground connector (i.e. a banana
plug jack);
• a (0,45 ± 0,1) kg weight;
• an ohmmeter or other instrument(s) capable of reading up to at least 100 MΩ with a test
voltage of 7 V to 100 V DC open circuit;
• test leads for connecting the ohmmeter to the test fixture and wrist strap.

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Key
1 ohmmeter, 7 V to 100 V DC open circuit 7 stressing mechanism
1a low input 8 mounting fixture
1b high input 9 banana plug termination
2 female snap fastener termination           10 mechanical counter
3 wrist strap cord 11 mounting screw
4 motor control box 12 (0,45 ± 0,1) kg weight rigidly attached to the
wrist strap cord approximately 15 cm from the
5 30 r/min motor
cord termination
6 rotating disc
This Figure 2 shows the test set-up of a banana plug termination; the test is repeated with a female snap fastener
termination.
One stress cycle is the equivalent of one revolution of the rotating disc.
Figure 2 – Mechanical ground cord flex tester (example)
5.8.3 Procedure
Attach one end of a ground cord to a stressing mechanism. Connect the opposite end to a
0,45 kg weight and allow the ground cord to hang freely. Connect the resistance monitoring
cable to the ground cord conductor at the weighted end.
Start the flex tester. Six cords shall be tested with the wristband connection attached to the
stressing mechanism and six cords shall be tested with the ground connection attached to the
stressing mechanism.
5.8.4 Reporting
Ground cord failure is defined as the total resistance of the circuit exceeding the user-defined
value, or when there is visible evidence of mechanical failure in the cord jacket or strain relief.
Each ground cord shall have a minimum life of at least 8 000 cycles and the average of all
samples tested shall have a minimum life of 16 000 cycles.
5.9 Manufacturer's identification
Wrist straps should have the manufacturer's name or logo embossed, moulded or otherwise
permanently marked in a prominent location.
5.10 Identification of current-limiting resistance
Wrist straps incorporating a resistance other than 1,0 MΩ with a relative tolerance of ± 20 %,
shall be identified by having a prominent feature or the resistor value, marked on the ground
cord, or on the wrist strap component that contains the resistance (generally the ground cord).
5.11 Wrist strap resistance
5.11.1 Purpose of test
Resistance of the wrist strap is determined.
5.11.2 Equipment
The equipment shall consist of the following:
• an ohmmeter or other instrument(s) capable of reading up to at least 100 MΩ with a test
voltage of 7 V to 100 V DC open circuit;
• test leads for connecting the ohmmeter to the test fixture and wrist strap.
5.11.3 Procedure
Connect the wristband to the ground cord. Attach the ground cord termination end to an
ohmmeter lead (typically using an alligator clip). Place the wristband on an insulating surface
with the skin contact area of the wristband facing up. For wristbands with a metal skin contact
plate, touch the skin contact area of the wristband with the other ohmmeter lead probe using
hand pressure. For wristbands that do not have a metal plate for skin contact, increase the
ohmmeter probe contact area by placing a metal disc (conductive coin or other 12 mm nominal
diameter disc) on the wristband interior and contact the disc with the other ohmmeter lead probe
using hand pressure. Measure the resistance of the wrist strap. Repeat the test for a total of
six wrist straps.
5.11.4 Reporting
Report the resistance value of each wrist strap.
5.12 Wrist strap system continuity test
5.12.1 Purpose of test
This test verifies the acceptability of the resistance path of the wrist strap system using an
integrated wrist strap checker or an ohmmeter. This test shall be performed with the wrist strap
on the intended user(s) wrist. This test includes the wrist strap user's resistance as part of the
total system resistance.
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5.12.2 Equipment
The equipment shall consist of the following:
• an ohmmeter or integrated checker capable of reading up to at least 100 MΩ with a test
voltage of 7 V to 100 V DC open circuit;
• a hand held electrode in the form of a stainless-steel cylinder (15,0 ± 0,1) cm in length and
(2,5 ± 0,1) cm in diameter (only required if using an ohmmeter, see Figure 3 a));
• test lead for connecting the ohmmeter to the stainless steel cylinder.

a) Test using ohmmeter
b) Test using integrated checker
Key
1 wristband 5 ground cord
2 hand-held stainless-steel electrode 6 integrated checker
3 ohmmeter 7 contact area
4 ohmmeter lead
Figure 3 – Wrist strap system resistance test
5.12.3 Procedure with ohmmeter
Place the wristband on the user's wrist, attach the ground cord to the wristband, and attach the
ground cord to one terminal of the ohmmeter. Connect the hand-held electrode to the other
terminal of the ohmmeter using the ohmmeter lead. Grasp the cylinder with the hand closest to
the wristband. Measure and record the resistance of the wrist strap system (see Figure 3 a)).

– 20 – IEC 61340-4-6:2025 © IEC 2025
5.12.4 Procedure with integrated checker
Place the wristband on the user's wrist, attach the ground cord to the wristband and attach the
other end of the ground cord to the integrated checker. Touch the contact area on the integrated
checker with the fingers on the hand closest to the wristband and activate the integrated checker
following the manufacturer's instructions. Record the resistance or the "pass" or "fail" indication
(see Figure 3 b)).
5.12.5 Reporting
It is necessary to determine the resistance level for the pass and fail indications of the integrated
checker to ensure that the requirements of the end user are met with regard to personnel
grounding through the wrist strap system. Then, a "pass" indication from the integrated checker
indicates that the resistance of the wrist strap system is acceptable for use. A value of ≤ 35 MΩ
or a reading falling within the user-specified resistance range indicates that the wrist strap
system is acceptable for use.
Bibliography
IEC 61340-5-1, Electrostatics – Part 5-1: Protection of electronic devices from electrostatic
phenomena – General requirements
IEC TR 61340-5-2, Electrostatics – Part 5-2: Protection of electronic devices from electrostatic
phenomena – User guide
ANSI/ESD S1.1:2021, Standard for Wrist straps

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SOMMAIRE
AVANT-PROPOS . 24
INTRODUCTION . 26
1 Domaine d'application . 27
2 Références normatives . 27
3 Termes et définitions . 27
4 Niveaux d'essai et limites de performances . 29
5 Méthodes d'essai
...