Introduction

At first glance, ESD clothing and normal workwear may look similar. However, their function, materials, and performance are fundamentally different.

This article explains why ordinary workwear cannot replace certified ESD garments in sensitive environments.

1. Material Composition

Normal workwear:

• Cotton or synthetic blends

• No conductive fibers

ESD garments:

• Polyester filament fabric

• Integrated carbon or conductive yarn

Only ESD garments can control static charge accumulation.

2. Static Charge Generation

Normal clothing can generate:

• Thousands of volts through movement

ESD garments:

• Minimize charge generation

• Dissipate charge safely

3. Electrical Resistance Control

ESD garments are engineered to maintain:

• Controlled surface resistance

• Stable performance over time

Normal workwear has no defined electrical properties.

4. Compliance with Standards

Normal workwear:

• ❌ Does not meet IEC 61340-5-1

• ❌ Not suitable for EPAs

ESD garments:

• ✅ Designed for ESD control programs

• ✅ Tested for compliance

5. Impact on Product Quality

Using normal clothing in ESD-sensitive environments can result in:

• Latent component damage

• Reduced product reliability

• Increased warranty costs

Conclusion

While normal workwear may appear similar, it lacks the electrical control required for ESD protection. Certified ESD garments are essential for any ESD-protected area.

👉 Explore our range of IEC 61340-5-1 compliant ESD garments.