⚡ Immunity to electrostatic discharge (ESD) — contact discharge up to 8 kV and air discharge up to 15 kV
In short
Electrostatic discharges are applied to the equipment under test from a generator with a capacitance of 150 pF and a discharge resistance of 330 Ω, contact discharges at up to 8 kV and air discharges at up to 15 kV, with at least 10 discharges per point at intervals of about 1 s. The test is performed according to PN-EN IEC 61000-4-2:2026-03; Designation in the scopes and designation on the card — TWO different forms: the card of the current edition reads "PN-EN IEC 61000-4-2:2026-03" (with the IEC element), while the accreditation scopes cite the previous edition "PN-EN 61000-4-2:2011" — without IEC. There is NOT A SINGLE citation in the form "PN-EN IEC 61000-4-2" in the scope database (measurement 22-09-2026; the notation "EN IEC 61000-4-2:2025" without the PN prefix is used by one laboratory — AB 053, checked 23.09.2026), so the standard field gives the form without IEC; otherwise the list of laboratories for this entry would be empty despite 25 laboratories having this method. The procedure comprises 8 steps (about 0 min in total); it is used for: Immunity testing of electrical and electronic equipment placed on the European Union market (EMC Directive), Assessment of the immunity of interfaces and enclosures accessible to the user, Testing of table-top equipment and floor-standing equipment.
At a glance
- Standard: PN-EN IEC 61000-4-2:2026-03
- Category: Electronics and EMC
- Procedure steps: 8
- Total time of stages: 0 min
- Designation in the scopes and designation on the card — TWO different forms: the card of the current edition reads "PN-EN IEC 61000-4-2:2026-03" (with the IEC element), while the accreditation scopes cite the previous edition "PN-EN 61000-4-2:2011" — without IEC. There is NOT A SINGLE citation in the form "PN-EN IEC 61000-4-2" in the scope database (measurement 22-09-2026; the notation "EN IEC 61000-4-2:2025" without the PN prefix is used by one laboratory — AB 053, checked 23.09.2026), so the standard field gives the form without IEC; otherwise the list of laboratories for this entry would be empty despite 25 laboratories having this method
- How many laboratories the list will show — and why more than have this part: the prefix "PN-EN 61000-4-2" also covers FURTHER PARTS of the series whose numbers begin the same way: -20, -21, -27, -29. By prefix: 61 entries at 26 laboratories; part 4-2 itself accounts for 31 entries at 25 laboratories (notations with a colon after the number), and counting all forms with a number boundary — 38 entries at 27
- Levels — contact discharge: Level 1: 2 kV, level 2: 4 kV, level 3: 6 kV, level 4: 8 kV; special level "x"
Overview
The standard relates to the immunity requirements and test methods for electrical and electronic equipment subjected to discharges of static electricity — directly from operators and from personnel to adjacent objects. It additionally defines ranges of test levels relating to different environmental and installation conditions and establishes test procedures.
Two methods are provided: contact discharge and air discharge. The test voltages differ for the two methods because of the differences in the methods themselves, and no equivalence of test severity was intended to be implied. For contact discharge the levels are 2, 4, 6 and 8 kV, for air discharge 2, 4, 8 and 15 kV; the designation "x" is an open level, which must be specified in the technical requirements of the equipment. The standard explains that an environment with synthetic material and a voltage of 15 kV is appropriately represented by testing at level 4, i.e. 8 kV and 30 A.
Discharges are applied only to points and surfaces accessible to the operator during normal use and to points covered by servicing carried out by the user. Discharging to a point accessible only for service purposes is not permitted unless the product requirements state otherwise. The ESD test belongs to the basic set of accredited tests of Polish EMC laboratories, alongside the tests of immunity to electrical fast transient bursts and to surges.
Status of the standard: the current edition is PN-EN IEC 61000-4-2:2026-03. The earlier edition PN-EN 61000-4-2:2011, which the accreditation scopes of some laboratories still cite, has been withdrawn and replaced by this edition. The description below corresponds to the content of the international edition IEC 61000-4-2:2008, which was available in preview, and to teaching materials prepared for the Polish edition of 2011.
THE KEY ENDS WITH A COLON (23.09.2026). The "Laboratories" tab searches by the beginning of the notation, and "PN-EN 61000-4-2" is also the beginning of the designations of parts 4-20, 4-21, 4-27, 4-28 and 4-29 — other standards of the series. Without the colon the tab showed 61 entries at 26 laboratories, of which 30 entries concerned those parts. With the key "PN-EN 61000-4-2:" it shows 31 entries at 25 laboratories — this standard only. Outside the tab remain 2 laboratories: one with the number in the middle of the field, after other standards (AB 022), and one with a notation without the PN prefix (AB 053).
Method principle
The electrostatic discharge generator stores a charge in a capacitor with a capacitance of 150 pF ± 10 % and discharges it through a 330 Ω ± 10 % resistor into the equipment under test. In the contact method the tip of the electrode touches the equipment before the discharge switch is actuated, and a current pulse with a first peak value proportional to the voltage — 7.5 A at 2 kV, 15.0 A at 4 kV, 22.5 A at 6 kV and 30.0 A at 8 kV — rises in a time of 0.7 ns to 1 ns. In the air method the discharge switch remains closed and the round tip is brought towards the equipment as fast as possible until a spark jumps. The test voltage is increased from the minimum value to the selected level in order to determine the threshold at which malfunction occurs. The equipment is tested as table-top or as floor-standing equipment, with coupling planes: a horizontal one measuring 1.6 m × 0.8 m and a vertical one.
Applications
- Immunity testing of electrical and electronic equipment placed on the European Union market (EMC Directive)
- Assessment of the immunity of interfaces and enclosures accessible to the user
- Testing of table-top equipment and floor-standing equipment
- Determination of the malfunction threshold by gradually increasing the voltage
- Accredited tests of EMC laboratories, also for railway and industrial products
Key parameters
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Designation in the scopes and designation on the card — TWO different forms | the card of the current edition reads "PN-EN IEC 61000-4-2:2026-03" (with the IEC element), while the accreditation scopes cite the previous edition "PN-EN 61000-4-2:2011" — without IEC. There is NOT A SINGLE citation in the form "PN-EN IEC 61000-4-2" in the scope database (measurement 22-09-2026; the notation "EN IEC 61000-4-2:2025" without the PN prefix is used by one laboratory — AB 053, checked 23.09.2026), so the standard field gives the form without IEC; otherwise the list of laboratories for this entry would be empty despite 25 laboratories having this method |
| How many laboratories the list will show — and why more than have this part | the prefix "PN-EN 61000-4-2" also covers FURTHER PARTS of the series whose numbers begin the same way: -20, -21, -27, -29. By prefix: 61 entries at 26 laboratories; part 4-2 itself accounts for 31 entries at 25 laboratories (notations with a colon after the number), and counting all forms with a number boundary — 38 entries at 27 |
| Levels — contact discharge | Level 1: 2 kV, level 2: 4 kV, level 3: 6 kV, level 4: 8 kV; special level "x" |
| Levels — air discharge | Level 1: 2 kV, level 2: 4 kV, level 3: 8 kV, level 4: 15 kV; special level "x" |
| Generator capacitance and resistance | Energy storage capacitance 150 pF ± 10 %, discharge resistance 330 Ω ± 10 %, charging resistance 50–100 MΩ |
| Discharge current | First peak value ±10 %: 7.5 A at 2 kV, 15.0 A at 4 kV, 22.5 A at 6 kV, 30.0 A at 8 kV |
| Rise time | 0.7 ns to 1 ns with the discharge switch; currents at 30 ns and 60 ns within a tolerance of ±30 % |
| Number of discharges | At least 10 single discharges to the selected point, with the polarity corresponding to the highest sensitivity |
| Interval between discharges | Initial value 1 s; longer intervals when needed to establish malfunction |
| Generator output voltage | Up to 8 kV nominal for contact discharge, up to 15 kV for air discharge; indication tolerance ±5 %, both polarities, holding time at least 5 s |
| Return cable | Usually 2 m, up to 3 m permitted for tall equipment under test; during the discharge kept at least 0.2 m from the equipment under test |
Standard
- Standard number
- PN-EN IEC 61000-4-2:2026-03
- Title (PL)
- Kompatybilność elektromagnetyczna (EMC) — Część 4-2: Metody badań i pomiarów — Badanie odporności na wyładowania elektrostatyczne
- Title (EN)
- Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) — Part 4-2: Testing and measurement techniques — Electrostatic discharge immunity test
Step-by-step procedure
-
Test plan
Determine whether the equipment under test is treated as table-top or as floor-standing, select the test level and indicate the points to which discharges will be applied.
-
Setting up the test bench
For table-top equipment place a horizontal coupling plane of 1.6 m × 0.8 m, keeping a minimum distance of 0.1 m from its edge; for larger equipment add a second identical plane, not connecting them other than through cables with resistors connected to ground. Place floor-standing equipment above the ground reference plane.
-
Checking the generator
Verify the waveform parameters from Table 2 of the standard using the same return cable with which the tests will be carried out: the first peak value of the current, the rise time of 0.7–1 ns and the currents at 30 ns and 60 ns.
-
Selection of discharge points
Apply discharges only to points and surfaces accessible to the operator in normal use and covered by servicing by the user. Exclude points accessible only during maintenance or servicing by the manufacturer and those inaccessible after permanent installation. Points may be preselected by an exploratory test at a rate of 20 discharges per second or more.
-
Stepping the voltage
Increase the test voltage from the minimum value to the selected level in order to determine the malfunction threshold. The final level should not exceed the value from the technical requirements of the product, so as not to damage the equipment under test.
-
Contact discharges
Hold the generator perpendicular to the surface to which the discharge is applied. The electrode tip must touch the equipment before the discharge switch is actuated. Painted surfaces on a conductive substrate: if the manufacturer does not declare the coating as insulating, penetrate the coating with the sharp tip to make contact with the substrate.
-
Air discharges
Test surfaces declared by the manufacturer as insulating by air discharge only. Bring the round tip as fast as possible, without causing mechanical damage, until it touches the equipment under test.
-
Number of discharges and assessment
Apply at least 10 single discharges to each selected point, with the polarity corresponding to the highest sensitivity, keeping the return cable at least 0.2 m from the equipment under test. Assess the operation of the equipment according to the performance criteria from the product requirements and prepare the report.
Required equipment and apparatus
| Equipment | Example | Indicative price |
|---|---|---|
| Electrostatic discharge generator | Charging resistor, energy storage capacitor, distributed capacitance, discharge resistor, voltage indicator, discharge switch, interchangeable electrode tips, return cable and power supply unit | — |
| Discharge electrode tips | Sharp for contact discharges, round for air discharges | — |
| Horizontal coupling plane (HCP) | Metal sheet measuring 1.6 m × 0.8 m placed on the table; for larger equipment a second identical plane | — |
| Vertical coupling plane (VCP) | For indirect discharges in the vicinity of the equipment under test | — |
| Ground reference plane (GRP) | For floor-standing equipment | — |
| Cables with bleeder resistors | Connect the coupling planes to the reference ground; also used to discharge the equipment under test between discharges | — |
| Waveform verification setup | Verification of the parameters from Table 2 of the standard using the return cable used for testing | — |
Health and safety (OHS)
- Voltages of up to 15 kV on the generator electrode — do not touch the tip during operation, discharge the system before changing the tip
- The return cable must be sufficiently insulated so that the discharge current does not flow through the operator or through conductive surfaces other than via the ends of the cable
- Risk of damage to the equipment under test when the level from the product requirements is exceeded — stepping of the voltage and an upper limit
- Penetrating paint coatings with the sharp tip — eye protection against chips
- Work on mains-powered equipment during the test — protection against electric shock, emergency stop of the test bench
Frequently asked questions
Which standard describes this test?
The test is performed according to PN-EN IEC 61000-4-2:2026-03 — “Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) — Part 4-2: Testing and measurement techniques — Electrostatic discharge immunity test”.
How does this method work?
The electrostatic discharge generator stores a charge in a capacitor with a capacitance of 150 pF ± 10 % and discharges it through a 330 Ω ± 10 % resistor into the equipment under test. In the contact method the tip of the electrode touches the equipment before the discharge switch is actuated, and a current pulse with a first peak value proportional to the voltage — 7.
What is the measuring range and accuracy?
Designation in the scopes and designation on the card — TWO different forms: the card of the current edition reads "PN-EN IEC 61000-4-2:2026-03" (with the IEC element), while the accreditation scopes cite the previous edition "PN-EN 61000-4-2:2011" — without IEC. There is NOT A SINGLE citation in the form "PN-EN IEC 61000-4-2" in the scope database (measurement 22-09-2026; the notation "EN IEC 61000-4-2:2025" without the PN prefix is used by one laboratory — AB 053, checked 23.09.2026), so the standard field gives the form without IEC; otherwise the list of laboratories for this entry would be empty despite 25 laboratories having this method; How many laboratories the list will show — and why more than have this part: the prefix "PN-EN 61000-4-2" also covers FURTHER PARTS of the series whose numbers begin the same way: -20, -21, -27, -29. By prefix: 61 entries at 26 laboratories; part 4-2 itself accounts for 31 entries at 25 laboratories (notations with a colon after the number), and counting all forms with a number boundary — 38 entries at 27; Levels — contact discharge: Level 1: 2 kV, level 2: 4 kV, level 3: 6 kV, level 4: 8 kV; special level "x"; Levels — air discharge: Level 1: 2 kV, level 2: 4 kV, level 3: 8 kV, level 4: 15 kV; special level "x".
How long does the test take?
The times given for the individual stages add up to approximately 0 min. The procedure comprises 8 steps.
What equipment is required?
Electrostatic discharge generator, Discharge electrode tips, Horizontal coupling plane (HCP), Vertical coupling plane (VCP), Ground reference plane (GRP), Cables with bleeder resistors, Waveform verification setup.
Where is this test used?
Immunity testing of electrical and electronic equipment placed on the European Union market (EMC Directive); Assessment of the immunity of interfaces and enclosures accessible to the user; Testing of table-top equipment and floor-standing equipment; Determination of the malfunction threshold by gradually increasing the voltage; Accredited tests of EMC laboratories, also for railway and industrial products.
What safety precautions apply?
Voltages of up to 15 kV on the generator electrode — do not touch the tip during operation, discharge the system before changing the tip; The return cable must be sufficiently insulated so that the discharge current does not flow through the operator or through conductive surfaces other than via the ends of the cable; Risk of damage to the equipment under test when the level from the product requirements is exceeded — stepping of the voltage and an upper limit; Penetrating paint coatings with the sharp tip — eye protection against chips; Work on mains-powered equipment during the test — protection against electric shock, emergency stop of the test bench.
Which laboratory can perform this test?
The test is performed by laboratories accredited to ISO/IEC 17025. On LabCoda you can find them by the standard number PN-EN 61000-4-2:.