Definitions extended
Several terms were sharpened, above all around insulators and conductors. This matters because audit findings hinge on exactly these definitions.
Yeni: IEC 61340-5-1'in 2025 baskısı
Tablo 2 değiştirildi, yeni ambalaj tablosu, Haziran 2027'ye kadar geçiş – tüm değişiklikleri özetliyoruz.
2025 baskısıyla ne değişiyor? →
Tablo 2 değiştirildi, yeni ambalaj tablosu, Haziran 2027'ye kadar geçiş – tüm değişiklikleri özetliyoruz.
2025 baskısıyla ne değişiyor? →
ESD standard
DIN EN IEC 61340-5-1:2025 – what actually changes
The current edition replaces the 2017 one. Transition period ends 2027-06-25.
In brief
The short answer
The valid edition is DIN EN IEC 61340-5-1 (VDE 0300-5-1):2025-06, the German version of IEC 61340-5-1:2024-05 (Ed. 3). It replaces DIN EN 61340-5-1 (VDE 0300-5-1):2017-07. The transition period runs until 2027-06-25 – after that, an ESD control programme still built on the 2017 edition is no longer compliant.
The substance of the standard has not been turned upside down. But four changes have practical consequences for almost every EPA: a replaced personnel-grounding table, a new definition of the isolated conductor, a new packaging table, and a normative reference to the conformance-verification technical specification.
The key facts
Valid editionDIN EN IEC 61340-5-1 (VDE 0300-5-1):2025-06
Based onIEC 61340-5-1:2024-05 (Ed. 3)
ReplacesDIN EN 61340-5-1 (VDE 0300-5-1):2017-07
Transition until2027-06-25
Scope≥ 100 V HBM, ≥ 200 V CDM, isolated conductors < 35 V
ESD koordinatörüMandatory (clause 5.1.2)
Changes
What changed against 2017
Nine points, in the order they appear in the standard.
Product qualification updated
The requirements for qualifying products before use were revised. Conditioning remains 48 h at 12 ± 3 % RH and 23 ± 2 °C.
Groundable garment systems
Clause 5.3.3 now refers explicitly to groundable EPA garment systems – a garment system may replace the wrist strap for seated work if it meets the limit.
Table 2 replaced
The personnel-grounding requirements were reissued. Practical consequence: for standing work, both the system resistance and the body voltage must be met – one alone is not enough.
Insulator definition (5.3.4.2)
An insulator is defined at ≥ 1 × 10¹¹ Ω. Non-essential insulators belong at least 30 cm away from the ESDS; for process-essential insulators the field at the ESDS location must stay ≤ 5000 V/m.
Isolated conductor defined (5.3.4.3)
New and consequential: a conductor is considered isolated when its resistance to ground is ≥ 1,0 × 10⁹ Ω. Before contact with an ESDS its potential difference must not exceed ± 35 V.
Table 3 updated
The EPA element requirements were revised and now reference IEC TS 61340-5-4 for conformance verification – normatively, not as a recommendation.
Table 4 is new
Packaging requirements are now part of the main standard and summarise IEC 61340-5-3. Shielding packaging must stay below 20 nJ energy according to IEC 61340-4-8.
Annex A replaced
The examples for tailoring the programme to more sensitive components were rewritten. Tailoring stays permitted – but it must be documented.
Limits
Personnel grounding – the limit values of the 2025 edition
Table 2 was replaced. These are the values that apply.
| Requirement | Limit | Test method |
|---|---|---|
| Wrist strap system (person + cord + strap) | < 3,5 × 10⁷ Ω | IEC 61340-4-6 |
| Groundable EPA garment system | < 3,5 × 10⁷ Ω | IEC 61340-4-9 |
| Footwear–flooring system (standing) | < 1 × 10⁹ Ω | IEC 61340-4-5 |
| Body voltage (mean of the five highest peaks) | < 100 V | IEC 61340-4-5 |
| Isolated conductor before ESDS contact | ± 35 V | 5.3.4.3 |
| Ionizer offset voltage | −35 V … +35 V | IEC 61340-4-7 |
For standing work both the system resistance and the body voltage must be met. Every shoe–floor combination has to be qualified, and both shoes must comply.
Eğitimler
Who has to be trained – and what the standard actually demands
Clause 5.2.2 is stricter than most programmes assume.
- Everyone who handles ESDS – or otherwise comes into contact with it
Not just production staff. The guide IEC TR 61340-5-2 explicitly names the finance department during stocktaking as an example. Managers, cleaning, maintenance and purchasing are recommended too. - Initial training before the first handling
Not afterwards, not "in the first weeks". Before. - Recurrent refresher training
The interval is set in the programme plan – but it has to exist and be documented. - A method that proves understanding
The plan must state how understanding is verified. TR 61340-5-2 names written tests, Q&A with the instructor, or multiple choice. - Records
Training records are mandatory, and the programme plan must document where they are kept. - EPA access (5.3.4.1)
Only trained personnel enter the EPA. Untrained persons only accompanied – and the escort carries the responsibility.
One detail that trips people up
For shielding packaging, ANSI/ESD STM11.31 allows ≤ 50 nJ, while the IEC standard requires < 20 nJ to IEC 61340-4-8. If your programme runs to DIN EN IEC 61340-5-1, the IEC value applies – the American figure does not. Bags qualified only against the ANSI value can fail a European audit.
What to do now
What this means for your operation
Three steps bring a running programme up to the 2025 edition:
Review the programme plan
Check limits and procedures against the new Tables 2–4; document tailoring wherever components are more sensitive than 100 V HBM / 200 V CDM.
Refresh the training
Clause 5.2.2 requires initial training before the first handling and recurrent refreshers for everyone who handles ESDS or otherwise comes into contact with it – including a documented method that verifies understanding. The refresher is the natural place to cover the 2025 changes.
Verify it in practice
A gap analysis against the 2025 edition – as part of an ESD audit with sample measurements – shows exactly where to catch up, before a customer audit does.
Frequently asked questions
Which edition of IEC 61340-5-1 is currently valid?
DIN EN IEC 61340-5-1 (VDE 0300-5-1):2025-06, the German version of IEC 61340-5-1:2024-05 (Ed. 3). It replaces DIN EN 61340-5-1 (VDE 0300-5-1):2017-07.
How long is the transition period?
Until 2027-06-25. After that an ESD control programme based on the 2017 edition is no longer compliant.
What is new compared with the 2017 edition?
Extended definitions, updated product qualification, groundable garment systems in 5.3.3, a replaced Table 2 for personnel grounding, a new definition of the isolated conductor in 5.3.4.3, an updated Table 3 with a normative reference to IEC TS 61340-5-4, a new Table 4 for packaging, and a rewritten Annex A.
From which sensitivity does the standard apply?
From 100 V HBM and 200 V CDM, and for isolated conductors from 35 V. More sensitive components require documented tailoring of the programme.
Who has to receive ESD training?
Every person who handles ESDS or otherwise comes into contact with it – before the first handling, with recurrent refreshers, documented records and a defined method for verifying understanding.
What are the personnel-grounding limits?
Wrist strap system below 3,5 × 10⁷ Ω, groundable garment system below 3,5 × 10⁷ Ω, footwear–flooring system below 1 × 10⁹ Ω and body voltage below 100 V. For standing work both the resistance and the voltage requirement apply.
What does the new Table 4 require for packaging?
Conductive below 1 × 10⁴ Ω, dissipative between 1 × 10⁴ and 1 × 10¹¹ Ω, and shielding packaging below 20 nJ energy to IEC 61340-4-8.
Need this assessed for your EPA?
We take on the ESD coordinator role, audit against the 2025 edition and train your staff – online in 20 languages or on site.
About this page
Written from our own standards library and from ESD audit practice. Content is paraphrased – the standard itself is copyrighted and available from Beuth/VDE. Limit values are stated as facts; the wording is ours. · Last checked: 22.08.2026