Nearly all electronic devices are susceptible to possible damage or degradation from ESD encountered in their operating environments. The sensitivity of the equipment, the potential consequences of a malfunction, and the expected environmental conditions all impact the level of ESD protection needed.

ESD shielding effectiveness test may be destructive, and units that have been tested should be considered unreliable for future use.

1.1 This test method is used to determine the electrostatic discharge (ESD) shielding effectiveness of a membrane switch assembly. This test method may be used to test a membrane switch to destruction, that is, to determine its maximum ESD shielding effectiveness, or it may be used to test the ability of a membrane switch to withstand a predetermined level of exposure.

1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use..