Test method

Exposure to electrostatic discharge (ESD)

Test conditions

In accordance with 2.7.3.1 Environmental conditions

Preconditioning of the load cell

Stabilise the load cell under constant environmental conditions

Test procedure in brief

The test comprises exposure of the load cell to electrical discharges.

An ESD generator as defined in the referred standard shall be used and the test set-up shall comply with the dimensions, materials used and conditions as specified in the referred standard. Before starting the tests, the performance of the generator shall be verified.

At least 10 discharges per preselected discharge location shall be applied. The time interval between successive discharges shall be at least 10 seconds.

This test includes the paint penetration method, if appropriate;

For direct discharges, the air discharge shall be used where the contact discharge method cannot be applied.

Contact discharge is the preferred test method. Air discharge is far less defined and reproducible and therefore shall be used only where contact discharge cannot be applied.

Direct application:

In the contact discharge mode to be carried out on conductive surfaces, the electrode shall be in contact with the EUT before activation of the discharge. In such case the discharge spark occurs in the vacuum relays of the contact discharge tip.

On insulated surfaces only the air discharge mode can be applied. The load cell is approached by the charged electrode until a spark discharge occurs

Indirect application:

The discharges are applied in the contact mode only on coupling planes mounted in the vicinity of the load cell.

For load cells not equipped with a ground terminal, the load cell shall be fully discharged between discharges.

Test severity

Level 3 (in accordance with IEC 61000-4 -2 (2008-12) Ed 2.0 Consolidated edition, No. 5). DC voltage up to and including for contact discharges and for air discharges.

Test load

The test shall be performed with no load or with one small test load ()