Metriso® Digital ESD Resistance Meter

Use for testing items such as packaging, clothing, people, shoes, mats, benches, trolleys, shelving, floor systems and other ESD control items in an EPA (ESD Protected Area).

• Can be used for both Qualification Testing and Verification Testing
• Test range: 10³ Ω to 199 GΩ
• Conform to BS EN 61340-5-1, IEC 61340-4-1, IEC 61340-2-3, IEC 61340-4-5, IEC 61340-4-9
• Can be purchased either as a single items or as part of a complete kit
• Kits contain all the necessary accessories required for carrying out testing in an EPA
• Data logging and export (Metriso® 3000)
• Bar code reader available for Metriso® 3000 to streamline testing
• Accessories can be purchased separately

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is a resistance meter?

A resistance meter tests the electrical resistance between 2 points or from one point to a ground.

What is electrical resistance?

Electrical resistance is how much a material slows down the flow of electric current. Measured in Ohms (Ω).

Why is resistance important in controlling against electrostatic discharge (ESD)?

ESD is the sudden transfer of static electricity between objects. Even a discharge too small for a person to feel can significantly damage components such as PCBs, sensors, and semiconductors.

To prevent damage from ESD, an EPA is created with ESD protective equipment. For example, ESD flooring, ESD benches, and ESD handling equipment. ESD protective equipment is purposely designed to control the flow of electric current away from the sensitive components, this is called grounding.

To do this ESD protective equipment must have a permanent low resistance to continuously enable the flow of static current away from the sensitive equipment. If resistance is too high then the flow of current would take too long to dissipate risking damage to sensitive components.

Why do I need a resistance meter?

To ensure the equipment continues to perform and protect the ESD sensitive (ESDS) components, regular testing of the resistance should be undertaken using a quality resistance meter designed for ESD testing.

Why is an ESD Resistance Meter different to a standard resistance meter?

For a resistance meter to conform to 61340-5-1 it must be able to perform tests at 10V (Volt), 100V & 500V. Standard resistance testers don’t normally have the option to test as low as 10V.

A high resistance range for an ESD resistance tester is also required to cover all items covered by 61340-5-1.

The Metriso Resistance Testers supplied by SSE test at 10V, 100V & 500V with a high Ohmic range of 10³Ω to 199 GΩ.

How do I know what resistance levels are acceptable?

BS EN IEC 61340-5-1 and supporting standards detail the resistance limits for the different types of equipment and the test methods for testing. However, it is important to note these are maximum levels and real world resistance can change with environmental factors (for example, humidity) and contamination. It is therefore common for companies to have much stricter resistance thresholds in their ESD Control Programme than the maximum thresholds in the standards.

What should I consider when selecting an ESD Resistance Meter?

Like any investment in technical equipment, consider:

• After sale support in the UK from a reputable seller
• Quality equipment from an established manufacturer
• The range of accessories for the range of testing required
• Ensure conforms to BS EN 61340-5-1 and supporting standards

SSE has been selling ESD Test equipment for over 40 years. We have chosen to partner with Wolfgang Warmbier due to their test equipment being of high quality with excellent manufacturer support. Wolfgang Warmbier are a German manufacturer, specialising in ESD equipment.

Do ESD Resistance Meters need to be calibrated?

Yes, every 12 months is the recommendation. It is important to be confident the meter continues to provide accurate test results.

Can SSE Calibrate Test Equipment?

Yes, SSE offer a calibration service for Wolfgang Warmbier test equipment and other test equipment supplied by SSE. This is a support service therefore we are not able to offer calibration on equipment not originally supplied by SSE.