ANSI/ESD S4.

1-2006
Reaffirmation of ANSI/ESD S4.1-1997

For the Protection of Electrostatic

Discharge Susceptible Items

Worksurfaces – Resistance Measurements

Electrostatic Discharge Association

7900 Turin Road, Bldg. 3
Rome, NY 13440

An American National Standard

Approved July 17, 2006
 ANSI/ESD S4.1-2006

ESD Association Standard

for the Protection of Electrostatic Discharge Susceptible Items -

Worksurfaces – Resistance Measurements

Approved February 26, 2006

ESD Association

®
ANSI/ESD S4.1-2006

ESD Association standards and publications are designed to serve the public interest by
CAUTION eliminating misunderstandings between manufacturers and purchasers, facilitating the
NOTICE interchangeability and improvement of products and assisting the purchaser in selecting
and obtaining the proper product for his particular needs. The existence of such standards
and publications shall not in any respect preclude any member or non-member of the
Association from manufacturing or selling products not conforming to such standards and
publications. Nor shall the fact that a standard or publication is published by the Association
preclude its voluntary use by non-members of the Association whether the document is to
be used either domestically or internationally. Recommended standards and publications
are adopted by the ESD Association in accordance with the ANSI Patent policy.

Interpretation of ESD Association Standards: The interpretation of standards in-so-far as it

may relate to a specific product or manufacturer is a proper matter for the individual
company concerned and cannot be undertaken by any person acting for the ESD
Association. The ESD Association Standards Chairman may make comments limited to an
explanation or clarification of the technical language or provisions in a standard, but not
related to its application to specific products and manufacturers. No other person is
authorized to comment on behalf of the ESD Association on any ESD Association Standard.

The contents of ESDA’s standards and publications are provided “as-is,” and ESDA makes
DISCLAIMER OF no representations or warranties, express or implied, of any kind with respect to such
WARRANTIES contents. ESDA disclaims all representations and warranties, including without limitation,
warranties of merchantability, fitness for particular purpose or use, title and non-infrigement.

Disclaimer of Guaranty: ESDA standards and publications are considered technically

sound at the time they are approved for publication. They are not a substitute for a product
seller’s or user’s own judgment with respect to any particular product discussed, and ESDA
does not undertake to guaranty the performance of any individual manufacturers’ products
by virtue of such standards or publications. Thus, ESDA expressly disclaims any
responsibility for damages arising from the use, application or reliance by others on the
information contained in these standards or publications.

Limitation on ESDA’s Liability: Neither ESDA, nor its members, officers, employees or
other representatives will be liable for damages arising out of or in connection with the use
or misuse of ESDA standards or publications, even if advised of the possibility thereof.
This is a comprehensive limitation of liability that applies to all damages of any kind,
including without limitation, loss of data, income or profit, loss of or damage to property and
claims of third parties.

Published by:

Electrostatic Discharge Association

7900 Turin Road, Bldg. 3
Rome, NY 13440

Copyright © 2006 by ESD Association

All rights reserved

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form, in

an electronic retrieval system or otherwise, without the prior
written permission of the publisher.

Printed in the United States of America

ISBN: 1-58537-103-3
 ANSI/ESD S4.1-2006

(This foreword is not part of ESD Association Standard S4.1-2006)

Foreword

The purpose of an ESD protective worksurface is to aid in the prevention of damage to ESD-
susceptible parts. There are several ways these surfaces may act to provide this protection and
they are often confused in practice. One involves the removal of charge residing on the surface
of a material. A second charge-removal task involves the charge on an object such as a tote box
that is placed on the surface. In this case, the charge must flow across the zone between the
object and the worksurface, which can interpose a considerable contact resistance. A third
charge removal task involves current flow from a charged, susceptible device placed on the
surface. In this case, a low discharge current may be desirable.

The degree of protection afforded by a worksurface is strongly related to the time needed to discharge
an object. In practice, some form of resistance value is commonly given as an indication of the
effectiveness of the worksurface. Strictly speaking, this description is incomplete since discharge time
depends on several other factors such as the effective capacitance of the worksurface, contact
resistance and the actual discharge path.

However, the capacitance does not usually vary as much as resistance. The other effects are very
dependent on the individual situation. As a result, resistance seems the best single predictor of
performance of ESD-protective worksurfaces. This standard relies on resistive measurements,
utilizing standard instruments, to provide a means of evaluation materials or installed worksurfaces.
Conversely, resistivity is measured by specific equipment and is used to establish an intrinsic material
property. Resistivity measurements are not within the scope or purpose of the standard.

This standard sets forth resistance test methods that can be used to characterize worksurfaces and to
obtain relative estimates of their ability to remove electrical charge from non-insulative objects placed
on the surface.

A worksurface, which is conductive enough to discharge an object, may also pose a safety hazard.
The work performed on the worksurface often entails the use of tools and test instruments, which
operate at voltages high enough to cause electrical shock. The presence of a worksurface tested
using the methods described in this document will not guarantee personnel safety.

This standard was originally designated ANSI/ESD S4.1-1997 and approved on September 20, 1997.
This standard is a reaffirmation of ANSI/ESD S4.1-1997 and was approved on February 26, 2006.
This standard was prepared by the 4.0 Worksurfaces Subcommittee. The 1997 version was
prepared by the 4.0 Worksurfaces Subcommittee. At that time the 4.0 Worksurfaces Subcommittee
had the following members:

Dale Parkin, Chair

IBM

Brent Beamer Larry Burich Larry Green

Static Control Components Lockheed USAF

William Klein Ronald Schwartz Shane Wooldridge

K&S Labs Stanley Vidmar Kewaunee Scientific

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ANSI/ESD S4.1-2006

The following people made significant contributions to this document:

Steve Gerken Ron Johnson Fred Tenzer

USAF Intel Duracoat

Leo G. Henry Dave Diegan John Kinnear

AMD AFM Inc. IBM

Ron Gibson
Celestica

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 ANSI/ESD S4.1-2006

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 PURPOSE ............................................................................................................................... 1

2.0 SCOPE .................................................................................................................................... 1

3.0 REFERENCE DOCUMENTS .................................................................................................. 1

4.0 DEFINITION OF TERMS......................................................................................................... 1

5.0 PERSONNEL SAFETY ........................................................................................................... 1

6.0 TEST METHODS .................................................................................................................... 2

6.1 APPARATUS REQUIREMENTS. ................................................................................................ 2

6.1.1 Resistance Measuring Apparatus............................................................................. 2
6.1.2 Electrodes................................................................................................................. 2
6.1.3 Environmental Chamber........................................................................................... 2
6.1.4 Specimen Support Surface....................................................................................... 2
6.2 MATERIAL EVALUATION ......................................................................................................... 2
6.2.1 Specimen Preparation .............................................................................................. 2
6.2.2 Specimen Pre-Conditioning...................................................................................... 3
6.2.2.1 Cleaning .................................................................................................................. 3
6.2.2.2 Humidity Exposure .................................................................................................. 3
6.2.3 Test Configuration .................................................................................................... 3
6.2.3.1 Resistance-to-Groundable Point (Low Humidity).................................................... 3
6.2.3.2 Resistance between Two Locations on Top of Surface (Low Humidity) ................ 3
6.2.3.3 Resistance-to-Groundable Point (Moderate Humidity) ........................................... 4
6.2.3.4 Resistance between Two Locations on Top of Surface (Moderate Humidity)........ 4
6.2.4 Reporting Test Results ............................................................................................. 4
6.3 VERIFICATION OF INSTALLED WORKSURFACES ....................................................................... 4
6.3.1 Worksurface Preparation.......................................................................................... 4
6.3.2 Resistance-to-Groundable Point .............................................................................. 4
6.3.2.1 Identification of Groundable Points ......................................................................... 4
6.3.2.2 Identification of Measurement Positions ................................................................. 4
6.3.2.3 Meter Connections .................................................................................................. 4
6.3.2.4 Measurement Procedure......................................................................................... 4
6.3.3 Resistance between Two Points on the Surface...................................................... 5
6.3.3.1 Identification of Measurement Positions ................................................................. 5
6.3.3.2 Meter Connections. ................................................................................................. 5
6.3.3.3 Measurement Procedure......................................................................................... 5
6.3.4 Reporting Test Results ............................................................................................. 5
6.4 PERIODIC WORKSURFACE TESTING ....................................................................................... 5
6.4.1 Worksurface Preparation.......................................................................................... 5
6.4.2 Resistance-to-Groundable Point .............................................................................. 5
6.4.3 Resistance between Two Points on the Surface...................................................... 5
6.4.4 Reporting and Using Results.................................................................................... 5

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ANSI/ESD S4.1-2006

7.0 OTHER CONSIDERATIONS .................................................................................................. 5

8.0 RESISTANCE GUIDELINES .................................................................................................. 6

FIGURES
Figure 1: Resistance to Groundable Point.................................................................................... 7
Figure 2: Resistance Point to Point .............................................................................................. 8
Figure 3: Resistance to Groundable Point - New Installations ..................................................... 9
Figure 4: Resistance Point to Point - Installed Worksurface ...................................................... 10

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ESD Association Standard ANSI/ESD S4.1-2006

ESD Association Standard for the Protection of Electrostatic Discharge Susceptible Items
– Worksurfaces – Resistance Measurements

1.0 PURPOSE
This standard provides test methods for evaluating and selecting worksurface materials, testing of
new worksurface installations, and the testing of previously installed worksurfaces.

2.0 SCOPE
This standard establishes methods for resistance measurements of worksurface materials used at
workstations where protection of ESD susceptible items is required.
These methods are designed to establish accurate and repeatable resistance measurement
techniques for resistance ranges above 1 megohm. The resistance measurement techniques
described in this document may be applied to worksurface materials with resistance below
1 megohm. However, changes in equipment and test voltages may be required and are beyond the
current scope of this document.

3.0 REFERENCE DOCUMENTS

ASTM F 150-72, Standard Test Method for Electrical Resistance of Conductive Resilient Flooring1
ESD ADV1.0, Glossary of Terms2
NFPA 99 Health Care Facilities 19933

4.0 DEFINITION OF TERMS

Many terms relating to this standard are defined in the ESD Association Glossary of Terms. The
following is an additional term relating to this standard.
Groundable Point. A designated connection, location or assembly used on an electrostatic
discharge protective material or device that is intended to accommodate electrical connection from
the device to an appropriate electrical ground.

5.0 PERSONNEL SAFETY

5.1 The procedures and equipment described in this document may expose personnel to
hazardous electrical conditions. Users of this document are responsible for selecting equipment
that complies with applicable laws, regulatory codes and external and internal policy. Users are
cautioned that this document cannot replace or supersede any requirements for personnel safety.
The ultimate responsibility for personnel safety resides with the end user of this document.

5.2 Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) and other safety protection should be considered
wherever personnel might come into contact with electrical sources.

5.3 Electrical hazard reduction practices should be exercised and proper grounding instructions
for the equipment shall be followed when performing these tests.

1
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA
19428-2959, 610-832-9500
2
ESD Association, 7900 Turin Road, Bldg. 3, Ste 2, Rome, NY 13440-2069, 315-339-6937
3
National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, P.O. Box 9101, Quincy, MA 02269-9101

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ANSI/ESD S4.1-2006

6.0 TEST METHODS

This section describes the test methods to be used to measure the worksurface materials:
A) prior to installation
B) during initial worksurface installations
C) for periodic worksurface testing

6.1 Apparatus Requirements

6.1.1 Resistance Measuring Apparatus

Self-contained resistance meter or meters or power supplies and current meters shall be used in
the appropriate configuration for resistance measurement with ± 10% accuracy.

6.1.1.1 For the material evaluation tests of 6.2, this apparatus shall have open circuit voltages
of 10 ± 1 V and 100 ± 10 V, and be able to measure resistance values from 1.0 x 105 ohms to
1.0 x 1011 ohms.

6.1.1.2 For the installed worksurface tests of 6.3 and 6.4, this apparatus shall be capable of an open
circuit voltage of 100 ± 10 V and be capable of reading resistance values at least a factor of ten
higher and a factor of ten lower than the expected resistance values of the worksurface. In addition,
both test leads should be isolated from ground.

6.1.2 Electrodes
Two cylindrical 2.27 ± .06 kg (5 pound ± 2 oz) electrodes with a diameter of 63.5 ± .25 mm
(2.5 ± .1 inches) each having contacts of electrically conductive material with a Shore-A (IRHD)
durometer hardness between 50 and 70. The resistance between the two electrodes placed on a
metallic surface should be less than 1,000 ohms when measured at 10 V.

6.1.3 Environmental Chamber

An enclosed chamber capable of controlling relative humidity to 12 ± 3% RH and 50 ± 5% RH and
temperature to 23 ± 1 °C. The humidity indicating instrumentation shall be accurate to ± 3% RH in
the operational range and traceable to NIST.

6.1.4 Specimen Support Surface

A surface that has a point-to-point resistance of greater than 1.0 x 1012 ohms such as PMMA, PTFE
or polycarbonate.

6.2 Material Evaluation

6.2.1 Specimen Preparation

A total of six specimens with minimum dimensions of 25.4 x 61 cm (10 x 24 inches) are required.
These specimens should be labeled numerically from 1 to 6. Each sample should have two ground
connections that simulate end-use grounding procedures.

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 ANSI/ESD S4.1-2006

6.2.2 Specimen Pre-Conditioning

6.2.2.1 Cleaning
The test specimens and electrodes shall be cleaned twice with a minimum 70% isopropanol-
water solution using a clean, low-linting cloth each time.

6.2.2.2 Humidity Exposure

6.2.2.2.1 Low Humidity

Immediately after cleaning, specimens 1, 2 and 3 shall be placed in an environmental chamber
preset to 23 ± 1 °C, 12 ± 3% relative humidity for 48 hours, minimum. If the specimens are mounted,
the exposure period shall be 72 hours, minimum.

6.2.2.2.2 Moderate Humidity

Immediately after cleaning, specimens 4, 5 and 6 shall be placed in an environment or chamber at
23 ± 1 °C, 50 ± 5% relative humidity and preconditioned for 48 hours, minimum. If the specimens
are mounted, the exposure period shall be 72 hours, minimum.

6.2.3 Test Configuration

Specimens shall be placed on a test surface as defined in 6.1.4. All testing shall be conducted in
the conditioned environment. The electrode and grounding configurations are given in Figures 1
and 2.

6.2.3.1 Resistance-to-Groundable Point (Low Humidity)

6.2.3.1.1 Temporarily ground specimen 1 to remove any residual charge. Remove the ground
connection before proceeding with this test. The sensing lead of the resistance meter shall be
connected to groundable point A (Figure 1) and the voltage lead to the electrode. Set meter output
to 10 V. Place electrode at position 1. Apply test voltage; if the indicated resistance is
> 1.0 x 106 ohms, remove test voltage and set meter output to 100 V. Apply test voltage and record
the resistance after 15 seconds of electrification. Remove test voltage and remove electrode from
surface. Repeat entire procedure for electrode positions 2 and 3 using groundable point A.

6.2.3.1.2 Repeat procedure 6.2.3.1.1 for electrode positions 1, 2 and 3 using groundable point B.

6.2.3.1.3 Repeat procedures 6.2.3.1.1 and 6.2.3.1.2 for specimens 2 and 3.

6.2.3.2 Resistance between Two Locations on Top of Surface (Low Humidity)

6.2.3.2.1 Meter Connections

Clean the electrodes with a minimum 70% isopropanol-water solution. Connect the voltage lead
to one electrode and the sensing lead to the second electrode.

6.2.3.2.2 Temporarily ground specimen 1 to remove any residual charge. Remove this ground
connection before proceeding with the test. Place the electrodes in the positions indicated in
Figure 2(A). Set the meter output to 10 V. Apply the test voltage; if the indicated resistance is
> 1.0 x 106 ohms, remove test voltage and set meter output to 100 V. Apply the test voltage and
record the resistance after 15 seconds. Remove test voltage and remove electrodes from the
surface. Repeat this procedure for the electrode positions indicated in Figure 2(B).
.

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ANSI/ESD S4.1-2006

6.2.3.2.3 Repeat procedure 6.2.3.2.2 for specimens 2 and 3.

6.2.3.3 Resistance-to-Groundable Point (Moderate Humidity)

Repeat procedure 6.2.3.1 for specimens 4, 5 and 6.

6.2.3.4 Resistance between Two Locations on Top of Surface (Moderate Humidity)

6.2.3.4.1 Repeat procedure 6.2.3.2 for specimens 4, 5 and 6.

6.2.4 Reporting Test Results

Report minimum, median and maximum readings in ohms at low and moderate relative humidities
for both resistance-to-groundable point and point-to-point resistance. Also report temperature and
relative humidity at the time of testing, actual duration of conditioning and test equipment used.

6.3 Verification of Installed Worksurfaces

This method may be used to verify newly installed worksurfaces or existing worksurfaces that have
not been qualified by 6.2. If a surface is moved, modified or fails periodic testing, it should be
retested according to this section.

6.3.1 Worksurface Preparation

The installed worksurface shall be cleared and cleaned twice with 70% isopropanol-water using a
clean, low-linting cloth each time. Allow surface to "air dry" for at least 15 minutes prior to testing.

6.3.2 Resistance-to-Groundable Point

6.3.2.1 Identification of Groundable Points

Identify groundable point or points to be used in the test. When one or more installed points are
provided, they shall all be used. If no such points are provided, use a point or points that
represent the manner in which the surface is grounded in use.

6.3.2.2 Identification of Measurement Positions

For each installed groundable point, identify the following measurement positions
(Figure 3):
• A – 7.6 cm (3 inches) from the groundable point to edge of electrode, and at least 5 cm
(2 inches) from each edge of the worksurface.
• B, C and D – Positions in the farthest corners from the groundable point and 5 cm (2 inches)
from each edge.
• E – The geometric center of the worksurface.

6.3.2.3 Meter Connections

Clean the electrodes with a minimum 70% isopropanol-water solution. Connect the voltage lead
to the electrode and the sensing lead to the groundable point.

6.3.2.4 Measurement Procedure

6.3.2.4.1 Place the electrode at position A. Set the meter output to 100 V. Measure and record the
resistance after 15 seconds of electrification. Remove test voltage and remove the electrodes from
the surface. Repeat for measurement positions B, C, D and E.

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 ANSI/ESD S4.1-2006

6.3.2.4.2 Repeat procedure 6.3.2.4.1 for each installed (or equivalent) groundable point.

6.3.3 Resistance between Two Points on the Surface

6.3.3.1 Identification of Measurement Positions

Identify the four sets of measurement positions as indicated in Figure 4.

6.3.3.2 Meter Connections

Clean the electrodes with a minimum 70% isopropanol-water solution. Connect the voltage lead
to one electrode and the sensing lead to the second electrode.

6.3.3.3 Measurement Procedure

Place the two electrodes in measurement configuration A. Set the meter output to 100 V.
Measure and record the resistance after 15 seconds of electrification. Remove the electrodes
from the surface. Repeat this procedure for measurement configurations B, C and D.

6.3.4 Reporting Test Results

Report minimum and maximum values in ohms for both resistance-to-groundable point and point-to-
point resistance. Also report temperature and relative humidity at the time of testing.

6.4 Periodic Worksurface Testing

6.4.1 Worksurface Preparation

Do not clean the worksurface. Remove from the surface only those items that might interfere with
the test. ESDS devices shall also be removed, and the workstation operator shall be clear of the test
area.

6.4.2 Resistance-to-Groundable Point

Measure the resistance from the groundable point or points in use to the farthest convenient point on
the surface using the procedure described in 6.3.2. Perform additional measurements from the
groundable points to the most commonly used or most worn area.

6.4.3 Resistance between Two Points on the Surface

Measure the resistance between two points 25.40 cm (10 inches) apart in the most commonly used
portion of the worksurface using the procedure in 6.3.3. If the most used portion is not obvious, use
two points near the center of the surface.

6.4.4 Reporting and Using Results

Report maximum and minimum values measured for both resistance-to-ground and point-to-point
resistance in ohms. If any values lie outside an established range of acceptable performance, clean
the surface and retest.

7.0 OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Other properties may be important in the selection of a worksurface installation. The chemical
resistance and mechanical behavior may indirectly affect the ESD protective capability of the surface.
Special attention should be paid to the mechanical and electrical integrity of the connection made
between the groundable point and that portion of the worksurface intended by the manufacturer for

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ANSI/ESD S4.1-2006

grounding purposes. Also other electrical properties such as charge decay, triboelectric charge
generation and surface voltage suppression can provide additional information. The relevance of
these and other considerations is strongly dependent on the specific installation and the type of
products and devices being handled

8.0 RESISTANCE GUIDELINES

Due to a wide variety of applications for worksurfaces, specific requirements that could be broadly
applied are difficult to determine. However, the following set of guidelines can be used as a starting
point for establishing local requirements for the resistance of worksurfaces:
• Resistance-to-groundable point 1 x 106 to 1 x 109 ohms
• Resistance from point to point ≥ 1 megohm
These guidelines represent a range of resistance that has generally been proven to provide
protection in the manufacturing environment. They also are loosely based on models for the effects
of ESD on devices. It should be noted that worksurfaces with point-to-point resistances below
1 megohm may be a hazard where exposed voltage may contact the user or the worksurface.

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 ANSI/ESD S4.1-2006

5.08 cm
(2")

Table Top Table Top

ohms ohms
Electrodes
1 1

A B A B
5.08 cm
(2")

Groundable Groundable
Point Point

5.08 cm

Table Top Table Top

ohms ohms
Electrodes

2 2

A B 5.08 cm A B
(2")

Groundable Groundable
Point Point

5.08 cm

Table Top Table Top

ohms Electrodes ohms

3 3

A B 5.08 cm A B
(2")

Groundable Groundable
Point Point

25.4 x 61 cm (10 x 24") specimens

Figure 1: Resistance-to-Groundable Point

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ANSI/ESD S4.1-2006

TABLE TOP
Electrodes
5 cm
(2")
A

ohms

TABLE TOP Electrodes

5 cm
(2")
B

ohms

25.4 x 61 cm (10 x 24") specimens

Figure 2: Resistance Point to Point

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 ANSI/ESD S4.1-2006

Groundable Point

7.6 cm (3")
D
A

E
ohms
To:
A, B, C, D, E
B
C

5 cm (2")

5 cm (2")
A - Corner Groundable Worksurface Point

Groundable Point

D
7.6 cm (3") A

E
ohms
To:
A, B, C, D, E
B
C

5 cm (2")

5 cm (2")
B - Center Groundable Worksurface Point

Figure 3: Resistance-to-Groundable Point – New Installations

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ANSI/ESD S4.1-2006

Table Top Table Top

25.4 cm
(10")

25.4 cm
(10")

A
B
ohms ohms

Table Top
Table Top

5 cm (2")
5 cm (2")
5 cm (2")

5 cm (2")
C
ohms D
ohms

Figure 4: Resistance Point to Point - Installed Worksurface

10