Ansi - Esd S6.1-2019

ANSI/ESD S6.
1-2019
Revision of ANSI/ESD S6.1-2014
For the Protection of Electrostatic

Discharge Susceptible Items
Grounding
Electrostatic Discharge Association

7900 Turin Road, Bldg. 3
Rome, NY 13440
An American National Standard

Approved October 28, 2019
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Copyright ESD ASSOCIATION

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ANSI/ESD S6.1-2019
ESD Association Standard for

the Protection of Electrostatic Discharge
Susceptible Items -
Grounding
Approved June 19, 2019

EOS/ESD Association, Inc.
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ANSI/ESD S6.1-2019
Electrostatic Discharge Association (ESDA) standards and publications are designed to serve the
CAUTION public interest by eliminating misunderstandings between manufacturers and purchasers, facilitating
the interchangeability and improvement of products, and assisting the purchaser in selecting and
NOTICE 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 that 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 ESDA in accordance
with the ANSI Patent policy.
Interpretation of ESDA 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 ESDA. The ESDA 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 ESDA on any ESDA Standard.
THE CONTENTS OF ESDA’S STANDARDS AND PUBLICATIONS ARE PROVIDED
DISCLAIMER OF “AS-IS,” AND ESDA MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES, EXPRESS
WARRANTIES OR IMPLIED, OF ANY KIND WITH RESPECT TO SUCH CONTENTS. ESDA
DISCLAIMS ALL REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WITHOUT
LIMITATION, WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE OR USE, TITLE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.
ESDA STANDARDS AND PUBLICATIONS ARE CONSIDERED TECHNICALLY
DISCLAIMER OF SOUND AT THE TIME THEY ARE APPROVED FOR PUBLICATION. THEY ARE NOT A
GUARANTY SUBSTITUTE FOR A PRODUCT SELLER’S OR USER’S OWN JUDGEMENT WITH
RESPECT TO ANY PARTICULAR PRODUCT DISCUSSED, AND ESDA DOES NOT
UNDERTAKE TO GUARANTEE 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.
NEITHER ESDA, NOR ITS PRESENT OR FORMER MEMBERS, OFFICERS,
LIMITATION ON EMPLOYEES OR OTHER REPRESENTATIVES WILL BE LIABLE FOR DAMAGES
ESDA’s LIABILITY 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 © 2019 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: 1-58537-315-X
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ANSI/ESD S6.1-2019
(This foreword is not part of ESD Association Standard ANSI/ESD S6.1-2019)
FOREWORD
The single most important concept in the field of static control is grounding. Attaching all
electrically conductive and dissipative items in the workplace to ground allows built-up
electrostatic charges to equalize with ground potential. A grounded conductor (includes
dissipative items) cannot hold a static charge.
Electrically interconnecting all electrically conductive and dissipative items (bonding) allows
charge to equalize across these items without actual contact to ground. This provides static
control in areas where an actual connection to ground may not be accessible, such as in a field
service environment. Electrically bonded conductors and dissipative items share stored electrical
charge and therefore have no difference in electrical potential between them. Many types of
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) susceptible parts can be handled within a bonded system without
causing damage.
Grounding of conductors for static control purposes may not provide sufficient grounding for
Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) reduction or control. Low impedance electrical connections
are required for EMI grounding and bonding, while static grounding can be accomplished with
relatively high resistance in connection points as well as along the discharge path.
Users of this document need to consider the National Electric Code or other applicable laws and
electrical system designs and specifications in the country where an ESD control program plan is
being implemented.
This standard1 was originally approved on September 24, 1991, and was designated EOS/ESD-
S6.1-1991. ANSI/ESD S6.1-1999 was a reaffirmation, re-designation of EOS/ESD-S6.1-1991,
and approved on May 16, 1999. ANSI/ESD S6.1-2005 was a reaffirmation of ANSI/ESD S6.1-
1999 and approved on June 12, 2005. ANSI/ESD S6.1-2009 was a reaffirmation of ANSI/ESD
S6.1-2005 and was approved on May 18, 2009. ANSI/ESD S6.1-2014 was a revision of
ANSI/ESD S6.1-2009 and was approved on September 24, 2013. ANSI/ESD S6.1-2019 is a
revision of ANSI/ESD S6.1-2014 and was approved on June 19, 2019.
At the time ANSI/ESD S6.1-2019 was prepared, EOS/ESD Association, Inc.’s Technical and
Administrative Support Committee had the following members:
Kevin Duncan, Chair

Seagate Technology
Brett Carn Lorenzo Cerati Reinhold Gaertner

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Intel Corporation STMicroelectronics Infineon Technologies
John Kinnear Nathaniel Peachey Wolfgang Stadler

IBM Qorvo Intel Deutschland GmbH
Terry Welsher
Dangelmayer Associates
1 ESD Association Standard (S): A precise statement of a set of requirements to be satisfied by a material,
product, system or process that also specifies the procedures for determining whether each of the
requirements is satisfied.
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ANSI/ESD S6.1-2019
The following individuals contributed to the development of EOS/ESD-S6.1-1991, ANSI/ESD S6.1-

2005, ANSI/ESD S6.1-2009, and/or ANSI/ESD S6.1-2014:
Thomas Albano
Arizona Chapter Harold K. Aronson
Exelis, Inc. Geospatial
ESD Association Work Surfaces Corporation
Systems
Les Avery Godfrey (Ben) Baumgartner Michael T. Brandt
Sarnoff Corporation Lockheed Marketing Resources, Ltd.
Lawrence Burich Melissa Feeney Charles E. Gerdel

Lockheed TAOS International Sacramento Army Depot
Ronald Gibson
Steven Gerken Stephen Halperin
Advanced Static Control
United States Air Force SH&A
Consulting
James Horvat Don Hyman Harry Jolliff
US Air Force Storage Technology TRW
Raymond Kallman Mel Kamenir John Kinnear, Jr.

Pilgrim Electric ITT Avionics IBM
Whitson Kirk Stephen Koehn Adrienne Kudlish

Allied-Signal, Inc. 3M Digital Equipment
Johanna Morris
Charles Miller Gene Monroe
Components Intel
US Air Force NASA LARC
de Costa Rica
Howard Myers North Central Chapter Bob Parr
Motorola ESD Association Motorola GEG
Arvid Peterson Harley Richardson Jeffrey Scanlon

ECOS Electronics AT&T American Systems
David Swenson
Dale Tucker Roy Walker
Affinity Static Control
Flexco SAR
Consulting, LLC
Ed Weggeland Joel Weidendorf Anthony Wind, Jr.
Static Prevention IBM Wind Enterprises
John Winn Karen Yi

JES International Lockheed Martin
ii
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ANSI/ESD S6.1-2019
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 PURPOSE AND SCOPE......................................................................................................... 1
1.1 PURPOSE ............................................................................................................................. 1

1.2 SCOPE ................................................................................................................................. 1
2.0 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS ............................................................................................... 1
3.0 DEFINITION OF TERMS......................................................................................................... 1
4.0 PERSONNEL SAFETY ........................................................................................................... 2
5.0 TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS .............................................................................................. 2
5.1 ESD GROUNDING/BONDING REFERENCE SYSTEMS ................................................................ 2

5.1.1 AC Equipment Ground ................................................................................................. 2
5.1.2 Auxiliary Ground........................................................................................................... 2
5.1.3 Equipotential Bonding .................................................................................................. 3
5.2 CONNECTIONS TO THE ESD GROUNDING/BONDING REFERENCE POINT .................................. 3
5.2.1 Common Point Ground ................................................................................................ 3
5.2.2 Auxiliary Ground System ............................................................................................. 5
5.2.3 Equipotential Bonding .................................................................................................. 5
5.3 OTHER CONSIDERATIONS ...................................................................................................... 6
5.3.1 Metal Bench Tops ........................................................................................................ 6
5.3.2 Isolated Ground Receptacles ....................................................................................... 6
5.3.3 ESD Technical Element Conductors............................................................................ 6
5.3.4 Vehicles ........................................................................................................................ 7
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5.3.5 Mechanical Requirements ........................................................................................... 7
6.0 ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................ 7
6.1 INSTRUMENTATION ................................................................................................................ 7

6.1.1 DC Ohmmeter .............................................................................................................. 7
6.1.2 AC Circuit Tester (Impedance Meter) .......................................................................... 7
6.2 ESD GROUNDING SYSTEM VERIFICATION .............................................................................. 7
6.2.1 Equipment Grounding Conductor ................................................................................ 7
6.2.2 AC Equipment Ground and Auxiliary Ground Verification ........................................... 7
6.3 TECHNICAL ELEMENTS .......................................................................................................... 8
6.4 LEVEL 2 TECHNICAL ELEMENTS ........................................................................................... 10
7.0 TEST PROCEDURES ........................................................................................................... 10
7.1 RECEPTACLE WIRING VERIFICATION .................................................................................... 10

7.2 ESD GROUNDING/BONDING REFERENCE POINT TESTS ........................................................ 10
7.2.1 Facilities with AC Equipment Ground ........................................................................ 10
7.2.2 Facilities with AC Equipment Ground and Auxiliary Ground ..................................... 10
7.2.3 Field Service/Equipotential Bonding (Applications without AC Equipment Ground) . 11
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ANSI/ESD S6.1-2019
ANNEXES
Annex A (Informative): ESD Grounding Considerations .............................................................. 12
Annex B (Informative): ANSI/ESD S6.1 Revision History ............................................................ 13
FIGURES
Figure 1: Common Point Ground Concept (Simple) ..................................................................... 3
Figure 1A: Basic EPA Grounding System with Common Point Ground ......................................... 4
Figure 1B: Common Point Ground (Example Only) ........................................................................ 4
Figure 2: Workstation with Two Common Point Grounds to an Auxiliary Ground ........................ 5
Figure 3: Typical Field Service Situation using Equipotential Bonding ........................................ 5
Figure 4: Isolated Ground Receptacle .......................................................................................... 6
Figure 5: Main Service Equipment, Single Phase ........................................................................ 8
Figure 6: Typical ESD Ground Connection and Main Service Equipment ................................... 8
Figure 7: Typical ESD Protective Workstation with Common Point Ground ................................ 9
Figure 8: Example of a Common Point Ground Resistance Measurement .................................. 9
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ESD Association Standard ANSI/ESD S6.1-2019
ESD Association Standard for the Protection of Electrostatic Discharge Susceptible Items
– Grounding
1.0 PURPOSE AND SCOPE

1.1 Purpose
This standard specifies the parameters, materials, equipment, and test procedures necessary to
choose, establish, verify and maintain an Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Control grounding
system for use within an ESD Protected Area (EPA) for protection of ESD susceptible items. This
standard also specifies the criteria for establishing ESD bonding for the protection of ESD
susceptible items in field service or other remote operations.
1.2 Scope
This standard applies to bonding and grounding for the prevention of ESD in an EPA. The
procedures, materials, and techniques specified in this standard may not be applicable for
grounding of electrical sources operating at frequencies above 400 Hz. Electrically initiated
explosive devices and hazardous areas with flammable atmospheres may require additional
considerations that may not be adequately covered by these requirements.
2.0 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS

Unless otherwise specified, the following documents of the latest issue, revision or amendment
form a part of this standard to the extent specified herein:
ESD ADV 1.0 – Glossary of Terms2
ANSI/NFPA 70 – National Electric Code3
3.0 DEFINITION OF TERMS

The terms used in the body of this document are in accordance with the definitions found in ESD
ADV1.0, ESD Association’s Glossary of Terms, available for complimentary download at
www.esda.org.
AC equipment ground. a.) The ground point at which the equipment grounding conductor is
bonded to any piece of equipment at the equipment end of the conductor in a single-phase
120 VAC electrical service. b.) The 3rd wire (green/green with a yellow stripe) terminal of a
receptacle. NOTE: Wiring colors may vary in national electric codes. c.) The entire low
impedance path (electrically equivalent to the equipment grounding conductor) from a piece of
electrical equipment to the neutral bus at the main service equipment).
ESD grounding/bonding reference system. The ESD grounding system selected for use in a
facility or situation that best suits the application: a) AC equipment ground; b) auxiliary ground; c)
equipotential bonding.
ESD grounding/bonding reference point. The physical location where the common point
ground is connected to the selected ESD grounding/bonding reference system.
ESD technical elements. All of the items, materials, devices, tools, and equipment used within
an EPA for the control of static electricity.
level 2 technical elements. Any ESD technical element that is connected in series to common
point ground or to a common connection point (equipotential bonding) through another technical
element.
2 EOS/ESD Association, Inc., 7900 Turin Road, Bldg. 3, Rome, NY 13440, 315-339-6937, www.esda.org
3 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471
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ANSI/ESD S6.1-2019
4.0 PERSONNEL SAFETY

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 BOTH EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL POLICY. USERS
ARE CAUTIONED THAT THIS DOCUMENT CANNOT REPLACE OR SUPERSEDE ANY
REQUIREMENTS FOR PERSONNEL SAFETY.
GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTERS (GFCI) AND OTHER SAFETY PROTECTION
SHOULD BE CONSIDERED WHEREVER PERSONNEL MIGHT COME INTO CONTACT WITH
ELECTRICAL SOURCES.
ELECTRICAL HAZARD REDUCTION PRACTICES SHOULD BE EXERCISED, AND PROPER
GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS FOR EQUIPMENT SHALL BE FOLLOWED.
THE RESISTANCE MEASUREMENTS OBTAINED THROUGH THE USE OF THIS STANDARD
SHALL NOT BE USED TO DETERMINE THE RELATIVE SAFETY OF PERSONNEL
EXPOSED TO HIGH VOLTAGE SOURCES.
5.0 TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

All of the ESD technical elements used in the EPA shall be connected to a common point ground
or common connection point, which is bonded to the selected ESD grounding/bonding reference
system.
When using ANSI/ESD S6.1 in countries outside of North America, the equivalent of the country’s
local electric code should be used.
Measurements of the AC equipment ground are completed by the local facility’s organization or
equivalent.
If the country’s local electric code does not specify a requirement for auxiliary ground, then the
resistance between auxiliary ground and equipment grounding conductor or equivalent shall meet
the requirements of Section 5.1.2.
NOTE: AC equipment ground can also be referred to as protective earth.
NOTE: Auxiliary ground can also be referred to as functional ground.
5.1 ESD Grounding/Bonding Reference Systems

The application and the physical environment will dictate the choice of the actual grounding
system that will provide the best overall ESD protective system. The user of this document must
select from the following options in order to establish the ESD grounding/bonding reference
system (see Sections 5.1.1, 5.1.2, and 5.1.3).
5.1.1 AC Equipment Ground

Within an EPA, the AC equipment ground is the preferred ground system when it is available.
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The equipment grounding conductor electrically bonds the AC equipment ground to the ground
bus at the main service equipment panel of the facility. AC equipment within the EPA and all of
the ESD technical elements will be at the same electrical potential when this system is used. See
Figures 1, 1A, 2, 5, and 6.
5.1.2 Auxiliary Ground

Some facilities require the use of a separate ground system. When this is the case, the auxiliary
ground shall be bonded to the AC equipment ground when possible. In the event that it is not
possible to electrically bond the two ground systems, it should be noted that AC equipment and
the ESD technical elements bonded to the auxiliary ground might be at significantly different
electrical potentials (100 volts or more). See Figures 1, 1A, and 2.
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ANSI/ESD S6.1-2019
The US National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) allows an auxiliary ground system to remain separate
from the AC equipment ground but may not be used in place of the AC equipment grounding
conductor for equipment grounding. The auxiliary ground may be used to provide a local ground
reference connection for electrical equipment for specific purposes, such as lightning protection
(Section 250.54). For ESD grounding considerations, this standard will follow the rules stated in
Section 250.94 of NFPA 70. This section requires that separate but related grounding systems be
bonded together to avoid differences in potential from power surges or lightning strikes on one or
the other ground system. This ESD Association standard has established < 25 ohms as the
resistance between an auxiliary ground and the AC equipment ground to ensure equalized
electrical potential between the grounding systems.
5.1.3 Equipotential Bonding

Electrically interconnecting all of the ESD technical elements, the personnel within the work area,
and the equipment under service, will equalize electrical potential between the items to allow safe
handling of ESD susceptible items. See Figure 3.
5.2 Connections to the ESD Grounding/Bonding Reference Point

All ESD technical elements used in the EPA must be electrically connected to the selected ESD
grounding/bonding reference point.
5.2.1 Common Point Ground

All of the grounding conductors from each of the ESD technical elements (excluding level 2
technical elements) used within an EPA shall be terminated at the same electrically equivalent
point called the common point ground. The common point ground may be a terminal strip, bus bar,
or any other convenient configuration that is, within itself, electrically continuous to no greater
than 1 ohm measured from point to point with an ohmmeter as specified in Section 6.1.1. See
Figures 1, 1A, and 1B.
AC Equipment Ground
Auxiliary Ground
Metal Chassis or Conduit

(Common Point Ground)
Wrist Strap Worksurface

(example)
6.1.1.2014
Figure 1: Common Point Ground Concept (Simple)
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ANSI/ESD S6.1-2019
AC Equipment Ground
Auxiliary Ground
Metal Chassis or Conduit

(Common Point Ground)
ESD Floor/Mat Cart Shelf
Worksurface
Standing Chair
Person
(Level 2) Wrist Strap
(Level Cart
2) with Conductive
Wheels (Level 2)
6.1.1a.2014
Figure 1A – Basic EPA Grounding System with Common Point Ground
NOTE: The floor or floor mat may not have a distinct or identified electrical bonding connection to the
common point ground, AC equipment ground, or an Auxiliary ground as indicated by the dotted arrows in
Figure 1A. Measurements of electrical resistance from the surface of the floor or floor mat to the ground
reference system are necessary to confirm that an electrical bond is present.
Figure 1B – Common Point Ground (example only)

(Gp: Groundable Point)
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ANSI/ESD S6.1-2019
5.2.2 Auxiliary Ground System

An auxiliary ground should be bonded to the equipment ground to ensure that there is no
difference in electrical potential between the two systems. See Figure 2.
AC Equipment Ground
Auxiliary Ground
Metal Chassis or Conduit Metal Chassis or Conduit

Common Point Ground Common Point Ground
Shelf
ESD Floor/Mat Worksurface
Wrist Strap
6.1.2.2014
Figure 2 – Workstation with Two Common Point Grounds to an Auxiliary Ground
NOTE: The floor or floor mat may not have a distinct or identified electrical bonding connection to the
common point ground, AC equipment ground, or an Auxiliary ground as indicated by the dotted line arrows
in Figure 2. Measurements of electrical resistance from the surface of the floor or floor mat to the ground
reference system are necessary to confirm that an electrical bond is present.
5.2.3 Equipotential Bonding

Field service operations and other ESDS (ESD Susceptible item) handling situations may not
have access to ground. Equipotential bonding provides an ESD safe handling concept, as there is
no difference in electrical potential between interconnected items. See Figure 3.
Equipotential Bond
(Common Connection Point)
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Shelf
ESD Floor/Mat
Worksurface
Person with ESD

Footwear Wrist Strap
6.1.3.2014
Figure 3 – Typical Field Service Situation using Equipotential Bonding
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ANSI/ESD S6.1-2019
NOTE: An installed floor may not have a distinct or identified electrical bonding connection to the common
connection point, as indicated by the dotted line arrow in Figure 3. Measurements of electrical resistance
from the surface of the floor or floor mat to other technical elements are necessary to confirm that an
electrical bond is present.
5.3 Other Considerations

5.3.1 Metal Bench Tops
Metal benchtops such as stainless steel worksurfaces used in some operations must be
connected directly to AC equipment ground with no added resistance. In the event of an electrical
short to the conductive surface, safety devices such as fuses, circuit breakers, or a GFCI, in the
electrical system, are designed to open and thereby cut off current flow through that specific path
to ground.
NOTE: Caution should be exercised when using metal benchtops if charge device model (CDM) issues
exist. Additional process steps, such as adding ionization, may be needed to reduce charge levels on ESDS.
CAUTION: Safety devices, if used, may not function properly if the AC equipment ground and an auxiliary
ground, if used, are not electrically bonded together.
5.3.2 Isolated Ground Receptacles

Isolated ground receptacles should not be used to derive an ESD ground. The use of an isolated
ground for ESD purposes may compromise the function of the isolated ground system. See
Figure 4.
NOTE: Isolated ground receptacles are used to reduce electrical noise for a specific piece of equipment.
ESD technical elements may inject or generate unwanted electrical signals if bonded to an isolated ground.
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6.1.4.2014
Figure 4 – Isolated Ground Receptacle
5.3.3 ESD Technical Element Conductors

The grounding conductors (e.g. wires, conductive straps) from wrist straps, worksurfaces, flooring
or floor mats, tools, fixtures, storage units, mobile equipment such as carts or trolleys, seating,
garments, and other ESD technical elements may or may not contain added resistance. Where
6
ANSI/ESD S6.1-2019
added resistance is not present, a direct connection from the ESD technical element to the
common point ground or common connection point is acceptable and recommended.
NOTE: Manufacturers may add resistance to the grounding conductors for purposes other than ESD (e.g.,
current limiting). Added resistance is acceptable for the purposes of controlling ESD provided electrostatic
accumulation does not exceed specific EPA requirements. The typical added resistance in grounding
conductors is 1 megohm, although other values may be specified depending on end-user requirements.
5.3.4 Vehicles
The electrical system of vehicles, such as ships, aircraft, spacecraft, and surface vehicles, have a
self-contained electrical system that utilizes a neutral bus with equipment grounding conductors
that serve as an electrically zero reference point. A vehicular grounding system is acceptable for
establishing an EPA within the vehicle and is within the scope of this standard.
5.3.5 Mechanical Requirements
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Wires, when used as the conductor for electrical bonding between ESD technical elements and
the common point ground or a common connection point, and from the common point ground to
the ESD grounding/bonding reference point, shall be of sufficient strength not to be inadvertently
broken or disconnected. The wire shall be electrically insulated and, whenever possible,
mechanically supported to physical structures to limit mechanical damage.
6.0 ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS

6.1 Instrumentation
6.1.1 DC Ohmmeter
The meter shall be capable of measuring a DC resistance of 0.1 ohm through 1 megohm (or
other added resistance value) with an accuracy of  10% of the value being measured.
6.1.2 AC Circuit Tester (Impedance Meter)

The meter shall be capable of measuring the impedance of the equipment grounding conductor
from a receptacle (power outlet used for establishing the AC equipment ground) to the neutral
bond at the main service equipment panel. The meter shall also verify wiring orientation.
6.2 ESD Grounding System Verification

The grounding system must be periodically verified as established in a user-defined ESD Control
Program Plan.
6.2.1 Equipment Grounding Conductor

The impedance of the equipment grounding conductor from a receptacle (power outlet used for
establishing the AC equipment ground) to the neutral bond at the main service equipment panel
shall be less than 1 ohm. The hot, neutral, and equipment grounding conductor shall be verified
to be in the proper wiring orientation in accordance with the National Electric Code (ANSI/NFPA-
70). See Figures 5 and 6.
NOTE: Care is needed when evaluating GFCI outlets as the measurement method may cause the GFCI to
open. For electrical systems where GFCI’s are used, the organization must be able to demonstrate that the
installed electrical system meets the National Electric Code or local requirements.
NOTE: Impedance is a special resistance measurement and must not be confused with DC resistance.
6.2.2 AC Equipment Ground and Auxiliary Ground Verification

If both grounding systems are present, the resistance between the AC equipment ground and the
auxiliary ground shall be < 25 ohms. See Figure 2.
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ANSI/ESD S6.1-2019
6.3 Technical Elements

Many ESD technical elements are directly connected to the ESD grounding/bonding reference
point. The resistance shall be measured from the groundable point of the ESD technical element
to the ESD grounding/bonding reference point. The measured resistance shall not be greater
than 1 ohm unless the manufacturer of the ESD technical element includes a resistor in the
grounding/bonding conductor. In the case of an added resistor in the grounding/bonding
conductor (typically 1 megohm), the value of the resistor will be included in the measurement.
6.3.1 The resistance from the groundable point of the grounding/bonding conductor of any ESD
technical element (e.g., worksurface, floor, chair, wrist strap, etc.) to the common point ground or
common connection point shall not be greater than 1 ohm. Where a resistor is used in the
grounding/bonding conductor, the total resistance shall include the value of the resistor. See
Figure 7.
6.3.2 The resistance of the conductor from the common point ground to the AC equipment
ground shall not be greater than 1 ohm. See Figure 8.
6.1.5.2014
Figure 5 – Main Service Equipment, Single Phase
6.1.6.2014
Figure 6 – Typical ESD Ground Connection and Main Service Equipment
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ANSI/ESD S6.1-2019
6.1.7.2014
Figure 7 – Typical ESD Protective Workstation with Common Point Ground
6.3.3 Conductors used for electrical bonding between conductive items in a field service
application that do not include a resistor shall have a resistance not greater than 1 ohm. Where a
resistor is used in the bonding conductor, such as in a standard wrist strap ground cord, the total
resistance value shall include the value of the resistor (e.g., a wrist strap ground cord may be
considered a bonding cord in field service applications).
NOTE: Manufacturers of wrist straps and other grounding/bonding conductors may add resistance, typically
1 megohm, to ensure limiting of the current flow through that path to ground. This is of particular importance
where the grounding/bonding conductor is used to connect a person to ground.
6.1.8.2014
Figure 8 - Example of a Common Point Ground Resistance Measurement
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9
ANSI/ESD S6.1-2019
6.4 Level 2 Technical Elements

The resistance from a Level 2 technical element to the ESD grounding/bonding reference point
shall not exceed the resistance level established in a user-defined ESD Control Program Plan.
Level 2 items include those that rely on contact with a primary ESD technical element to function.
As an example, a cart used to transport items within an EPA may make electrical contact through
an ESD floor or a floor mat that is attached to ground. The resistance to ground measurement
must include the cart and floor in this example. Figure 1A shows the concept involved.
7.0 TEST PROCEDURES

7.1 Receptacle Wiring Verification
These tests check for proper wiring within the receptacle containing the equipment grounding
conductor used for ESD ground. Grounding procedures must remain consistent with the National
Electric Code (ANSI/NFPA 70) and other applicable codes. Qualified personnel must repair any
AC receptacle (outlet) that fails the following tests before further testing or any use of the AC
outlet. Generally, these tests are conducted during process qualification, after electrical system
maintenance, or as defined in the individual facility ESD control program plan.
Connect the AC circuit tester (impedance meter) to the AC outlet or receptacle containing the
equipment grounding conductor that will be used for ESD grounding/bonding reference point.
Verify the following wiring conditions:
a) Neutral and equipment grounding conductor wires are present and not connected to each
other at the receptacle (outlet);
b) Hot and neutral wires are not reversed;
c) Hot and equipment grounding conductors are not reversed;
d) The impedance of the equipment grounding conductor is less than 1 ohm.
NOTE: Conducting this test on an outlet that is part of a GFCI system may cause the GFCI to open.
7.2 ESD Grounding/Bonding Reference Point Tests

7.2.1 Facilities with AC Equipment Ground
The following tests are intended to check the integrity and adequacy of the ESD
grounding/bonding reference point. Using an ohmmeter as specified in Section 6.1.1, perform the
following measurements:
7.2.1.1 Connect the ohmmeter between the common point ground and the previously tested AC
equipment ground. The measurement connectors shall be placed to include the resistance of all
the interconnecting and securing devices. The total resistance shall not be greater than 1 ohm.
See Figure 8.
7.2.1.2 Connect the ohmmeter between the common point ground and the groundable point of
ESD technical elements. The measurement connectors shall be placed to include the resistance
of all the interconnecting and securing devices. The resistance shall not be greater than 1 ohm. If
a resistor is used in the grounding conductor from the ESD technical element, the total resistance
value shall include the value of the resistor. See Figure 7 for guidance.
7.2.2 Facilities with AC Equipment Ground and Auxiliary Ground

When both AC equipment ground and an auxiliary ground are present and electrically bonded
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together within a facility, the following measurement shall be conducted. Verify the AC equipment
ground using Section 7.1. Then, connect an ohmmeter between the AC equipment ground and
any auxiliary ground. The measurement probes shall be placed to include the resistance of all the
interconnecting and securing devices. The resistance shall be < 25 ohms. See Figure 2 for
guidance.
10
ANSI/ESD S6.1-2019
7.2.3 Field Service/Equipotential Bonding (Applications without AC Equipment Ground)

In field service applications that do not use the AC equipment ground, connect the ohmmeter
between the common connection point and the neutral bus or ground terminal of the item being
serviced. The total resistance shall not be greater than 1 ohm.
Connect the ohmmeter between the common connection point on the item being serviced and the
groundable point of ESD technical elements. The measurement probes shall be placed to include
the resistance of all the interconnecting and securing devices. The resistance shall not be greater
than 1 ohm. If a resistor is used in the grounding conductor from an ESD technical element, the
total resistance value shall include the value of the resistor.
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11
ANSI/ESD S6.1-2019
(This annex is not part of ESD Association Standard ANSI/ESD S6.1-2019)
ANNEX A (INFORMATIVE) – ESD GROUNDING CONSIDERATIONS

The principal consideration for establishing an ESD grounding system in any facility is to
electrically bond all of the required technical elements to a common point ground. The common
point ground is then bonded to the selected ESD grounding/bonding reference point as discussed
in section 5.0 of this document. A review of the National Electric Code or equivalent document in
the country in which the organization is operating will assist the user of this document in selecting
the appropriate ESD grounding/bonding reference system.
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ANSI/ESD S6.1-2019
(This annex is not part of ESD Association Standard ANSI/ESD S6.1-2019)
ANNEX B (INFORMATIVE) – ANSI/ESD S6.1 REVISION HISTORY
B.1 2009 Version

Two editorial changes were made in ANSI/ESD S6.1-2009: edited one sentence removing the
word “ground” from “groundable point ground”; and added a clarification sentence in paragraph
7.2.2 to reinforce the point that the ac equipment grounding conductor needs to be measured
while evaluating systems with both AC equipment ground and auxiliary ground.
B.2 2014 Version

1. General – Made changes in language to reflect changes in NFPA 70, US National Electric
Code, related to the terms supplemental ground, and auxiliary ground.
2. Section 3.0 – Changed definition of ESD Grounding/Bonding Reference System and
Reference Point to clarify the terms.
3. Added statement regarding Auxiliary Ground to clarify the use of that type of grounding
system in paragraph 5.1.2.1.
4. Figures 1A, 2, and 3 – Added notes regarding grounding of permanent flooring materials.
5. Section 5.3.2 – Added a note to Isolated Ground Receptacles.
6. Section 6.2.1 – Added a note regarding GFCI systems.
7. Section 6.4 – Added to the section on Technical Elements.
8. Section 7.1 – Added a definition on when to test grounding system.
9. Annex A – Added discussion on ESD Grounding Considerations.
10. Annex B – Added revision history of the document.
B.2 2019 Version

Clarification language was added to Section 5.0 for use in countries outside of North America.
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13
ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE ASSOCIATION
Setting the Global Standards for Static Control!
EOS/ESD Association, Inc. Document Comment Form

Document Designation (i.e., ANSI/ESD S20.20-2014) ________________________
Individuals or companies are welcome to submit document comments to EOS/ESD Association, Inc. All
comments will be collected and dispersed to the appropriate committee(s) for consideration.
Please return this form electronically to standards@esda.org.
1. I recommend changes to Section(s) ____________________________. My comment(s) is/are
____________________________________________________________________________
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___________________________________________________________________________.
My proposed change(s) is/are____________________________________________________
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___________________________________________________________________________.
2. Attached is information regarding this document, if applicable.
3. I am interested in participating more on this subject matter.
Date: _________________________
Name: ____________________________________________________________________________
Company: _________________________________________________________________________
Email: ____________________________________________________________________________
Phone Number: _____________________________________________________________________
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ANSI/ESD S6.

For the Protection of Electrostatic

Electrostatic Discharge Association

An American National Standard

Copyright ESD ASSOCIATION

ESD Association Standard for

Approved June 19, 2019

Copyright ESD ASSOCIATION

Electrostatic Discharge Association

Copyright © 2019 by ESD Association

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

Printed in the United States of America

Copyright ESD ASSOCIATION

(This foreword is not part of ESD Association Standard ANSI/ESD S6.1-2019)

Kevin Duncan, Chair

Brett Carn Lorenzo Cerati Reinhold Gaertner

Intel Corporation STMicroelectronics Infineon Technologies

John Kinnear Nathaniel Peachey Wolfgang Stadler

The following individuals contributed to the development of EOS/ESD-S6.1-1991, ANSI/ESD S6.1-

Lawrence Burich Melissa Feeney Charles E. Gerdel

Raymond Kallman Mel Kamenir John Kinnear, Jr.

Whitson Kirk Stephen Koehn Adrienne Kudlish

Arvid Peterson Harley Richardson Jeffrey Scanlon

John Winn Karen Yi

Copyright ESD ASSOCIATION

1.0 PURPOSE AND SCOPE......................................................................................................... 1

1.1 PURPOSE ............................................................................................................................. 1

2.0 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS ............................................................................................... 1

3.0 DEFINITION OF TERMS......................................................................................................... 1

4.0 PERSONNEL SAFETY ........................................................................................................... 2

5.0 TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS .............................................................................................. 2

5.1 ESD GROUNDING/BONDING REFERENCE SYSTEMS ................................................................ 2

6.0 ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................ 7

6.1 INSTRUMENTATION ................................................................................................................ 7

7.0 TEST PROCEDURES ........................................................................................................... 10

7.1 RECEPTACLE WIRING VERIFICATION .................................................................................... 10

1.0 PURPOSE AND SCOPE

2.0 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS

3.0 DEFINITION OF TERMS

4.0 PERSONNEL SAFETY

5.0 TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

5.1 ESD Grounding/Bonding Reference Systems

5.1.1 AC Equipment Ground

5.1.2 Auxiliary Ground

5.1.3 Equipotential Bonding

5.2 Connections to the ESD Grounding/Bonding Reference Point

5.2.1 Common Point Ground

Metal Chassis or Conduit

Wrist Strap Worksurface

Figure 1: Common Point Ground Concept (Simple)

Metal Chassis or Conduit

ESD Floor/Mat Cart Shelf

Figure 1A – Basic EPA Grounding System with Common Point Ground

Figure 1B – Common Point Ground (example only)

Copyright ESD ASSOCIATION

5.2.2 Auxiliary Ground System

Metal Chassis or Conduit Metal Chassis or Conduit

Figure 2 – Workstation with Two Common Point Grounds to an Auxiliary Ground

5.2.3 Equipotential Bonding

Person with ESD

Figure 3 – Typical Field Service Situation using Equipotential Bonding

5.3 Other Considerations

5.3.2 Isolated Ground Receptacles