Electronics are everywhere — in our homes, our cars, and our pockets. As electronic devices continually become more prevalent, it’s essential that they function correctly, without causing interference that may affect other devices. 

What is IEC 61000-4-2

IEC 61000-4-2 is one of several standards that measures the level of electrostatic discharge (ESD) immunity of a device.

ESD is the release of static electricity that can occur when two objects come into contact with one another. For example, you might occasionally feel a small electric shock when you touch another person, or a metal object.

Although these small electric shocks might seem harmless to us, they can cause damage to electronic devices.

Electrostatic discharge immunity — the characteristic that’s measured under IEC 61000-4-2 — refers to a device’s ability to withstand these small releases of electricity without suffering any damage.

Below, we’ve explained more about what IEC 61000-4-2 is, as well as how you can achieve compliance with this IEC standard for your device.

For more information about product testing and regulatory compliance, contact our team via email or call us at 866-540-5287.

Why is IEC 61000-4-2 Important?

Imagine buying a brand new smartphone, only to have it stop working because you touched it on a dry day and caused a small electric shock? Not ideal, right? This is where IEC 61000-4-2 comes into play.

IEC 61000-4-2 provides requirements for electrostatic discharge immunity. The standard exists to ensure devices are able to continue functioning as normal if they’re exposed to electrostatic discharge in normal circumstances.

For electronics manufacturers, ensuring products are compliant with IEC 61000-4-2 can offer several benefits:

• Improved reliability. Achieving IEC 61000-4-2 compliance is an important step towards producing a reliable device, as it indicates your device is capable of withstanding normal levels of electrostatic discharge without malfunctioning.
  

• Higher levels of consumer trust. By achieving IEC 61000-4-2, consumers are aware that your product meets international standards for quality and performance.
  

• Access to global markets. Certain markets, such as the European Union, require that electronic devices are immune to reasonable levels of electrostatic discharge as part of the regulatory compliance process.

In the European Union, the equivalent standard for electrostatic discharge immunity is called EN 61000-4-2.

How to Achieve Compliance With IEC 61000-4-2

Understand the Requirements of IEC 61000-4-2

Before starting design and development of your device, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the specific requirements of IEC 61000-4-2. 

IEC 61000-4-2 classifies ESD protection in four levels, from Level 1 to Level 4. These levels all determine a specific level of protection from ESD, starting from 2 kV (kilovolts) through contact discharge and air discharge to 8 kV via contact and 15 kV via air discharge.

The specific ESD requirements for your device can vary based on its type. For example, if your product is intended for use in a residential environment, or in an industrial environment close to devices with a high risk of ESD, it may require a high level of protection. 

Our team can help you determine the optimal level of ESD protection for your device. Contact us online or call us at 866-540-5287 to talk to our engineers. 

Design With Electrostatic Discharge Immunity in Mind

From the beginning of the design process, make sure your product design process includes and prioritizes electrostatic discharge protection.

This could mean choosing materials and/or components that offer resistance to ESD, or making use of special ESD protection circuits in the design of your device. 

Complete Thorough ESD Testing

After designing your product, it’s important to test it against the IEC 61000-4-2- standards via an accredited testing laboratory..

As specialists in regulatory compliance testing, we can test your device to ensure it’s compliant with IEC 61000-4-2. Contact us to talk to our team about testing and learn more about the steps required to achieve compliance for your device. 

Carry Out Ongoing Monitoring for Your Device

If your device design or manufacturing processes change over time, you may need to carry out additional testing to remain compliant with IEC 61000-4-2. 

Changes to your product’s design or components may affect its ESD immunity. Monitoring may include retesting your device after design changes, carrying out supplier audits and other steps to ensure your device remains compliant.

Talk to Our Expert Team About IEC 61000-4-2 Compliance

IEC 61000-4-2 is a key standard that ensures your electronic device can tolerate normal levels of electrostatic discharge. It’s an important industry standard for regulatory compliance in some markets, including the European Union.

As specialists in lab testing and regulatory compliance, we can help you complete testing and achieve compliance with IEC 61000-4-2 for your device.

We can also ensure your product achieves compliance with regulatory standards, including CE and FCC regulations for electronic devices. 

To ask a question, request a quote or learn more about achieving compliance, contact us online or call our team on 866-540-5287.