ESD shoes by BAAK
In recent years, BAAK has developed into an ESD specialist. All ESD safety shoes of the BAAK brand have been optimised for ESD capability down to the smallest detail. For example, they have electrostatically conductive insoles and footbeds. This ensures that the recommended leakage resistance is reliably maintained even if the shoe is not in full contact with the earthed floor.
ESD (electrostatic discharge)
In recent years, BAAK has developed into an ESD specialist. All ESD safety shoes of the BAAK brand have been optimised for ESD capability down to the smallest detail. For example, they have electrostatically conductive insoles and footbeds. This ensures that the recommended leakage resistance is reliably maintained even if the shoe is not in full contact with the earthed floor.
What does ESD (electrostatic discharge) mean?
Each of us “gets a jolt“ from time to time when touching a doorknob, other people etc. The reason is that you were charged electrostatically, for example while walking on a carpet. But sometimes the “friction” of your body at the air is sufficient. If you come close to an uncharged or differently charged object, a spontaneous discharge takes place, comparable to a mini-lightning. Human beings feel those discharges starting at a voltage of about 2,000V. Each of us causes small discharges every day, but they are not perceptible because most of them are considerably below 2,000V.
But if you are in touch with an electronic element, it might even be damaged due to the non-perceptible discharges. Besides this damage, the of this element could decrease, and as a consequence, your claim rate might raise.
But also in areas with an increased danger of fire or explosion, electrostatic discharges have to be avoided. They could fan flames or spark explosive gases.
There are various possibilities to avoid uncontrolled electrostatic discharges. Probably the most practical and flexible one is to wear ESD shoes on a grounded floor. The target is to be charged with a voltage at a maximum of 100 volts (currently recommended limit). Of course, your clothing and your entire workplace should have ESD properties, too.
With safety shoes from Baak, you don´t have to waste any more time thinking about ESD. Better keep an eye on other subjects, such as:
- Health keeping
- Lightness
- Breathability
- Outstanding full-surface damping
- Option for the use of orthopedic in socks
You can find our ESD safety shoes here
Test our know-how. If you have further questions, we will be delighted to support you.
Tips for ESD safety shoes
15 Min
If possible, put on your ESD safety shoes 15 minutes before starting work. Thus the conductive contact of your feet to the safety shoe can be established by the natural foot moisture and the optimal protection exists from the 1st minute of your work.
Care
Keep the sole of the shoe clean. Impurities can increase the leakage resistance. Remove coarse dirt with a brush and wash off with water if necessary. Important: Do not allow shoes to dry on the heater after cleaning.
Certified
Only use the original footbeds. Orthopedic Insoles should only be used if exactly this type is certified with your safety shoe. ESD shoes certified for orthopedic insoles can be found here.
Conversion table:
| 103 Ohm = 0,001 MOhm = 1 kOhm |
| 104 Ohm = 0,01 MOhm = 10 kOhm |
| 105 Ohm = 0,1 MOhm = 100 kOhm |
| 106 Ohm = 1 MOhm = 1.000 kOhm |
| 107 Ohm = 10 MOhm |
| 108 Ohm = 100 MOhm |
| 109 Ohm = 1.000 MOhm = 1 GOhm |
ESD and Standards
The recommended discharge resistance of the unit human/shoe/floor 35 MOhm (ESD):
100 kOhm – 35 MOhm = 105 – 3,5 x 107 Ohm
Laboratory test
according to DIN 61340 – 4 – 3
There is only one parameter in the norm which must be complied with. The discharge resistance of a shoe is determined using pebble beds; the resistance of one shoe must be between 100 KOhm and 100 MOhm.
Workplace test
according to DIN 61340 – 5 – 1
But in practice it is the resistance of the unit human/shoe/floor which is relevant. This can be evaluated by different methods of measurement (single/parallel measurement), set to different, individual limits.
We would like to optimize our know-how for you, therefore we depend on your help. The more information we get from companies about their measuring methods and limit values, the better we can adapt our developments to the requirements in the practical use. If you want to support us, we would be delighted if you forward this questionnaire to us:
BAAK GmbH & Co. KG
Hubertusstr. 3 · D-47638 Straelen
Fax +49 (0) 2834 94241-69
Mail info@baak.de
Thank you very much.
Dependence on the climate
The electrostatic charge and discharge depend strongly on the air humidity and thus on the climate at the location. The lower the air humidity,the lower the discharge. At the same time, the charge increases strongly at a low level of air humidity.
The laboratory test (DIN 61340 – 4 – 3) is classified into 3 climate categories:
- Climate class 3 = 50% air humidity
- Climate class 2 = 25% air humidity
- Climate class 1 = 12% air humidity
In all 3 classes, the discharge resistance levels must be the same; the classes only differ in the air humidity.
| Produced charge at air humidity | ||
|---|---|---|
| Source | 10–20 % | 65–90 % |
| Walking on a carpet | 35.000 Volt | 1.500 Volt |
| Walking on linoleum | 12.000 Volt | 250 Volt |
| Work at a work bench | 6.000 Volt | 100 Volt |
| Paper in plastic bag | 7.000 Volt | 600 Volt |
| Plastic bags | 20.000 Volt | 1.200 Volt |
| Upholstered chair | 18.000 Volt | 1.500 Volt |