IEC 61340-4-3:2017 describes a test method for determining the electrical resistance of footwear (shoes, slippers or booties) used in the control of electrostatic potential on people. This document is suitable for use by the manufacturer of footwear as well as the end user. A method for measuring the electrical resistance of footwear alone is described and serves as a qualification test or an acceptance test for new footwear, or as a periodic test of in-use footwear.
Although this document does not include requirements for personal safety, footwear used within the scope of this document in all places of work is regulated by the relevant local statutory requirements regarding the health and safety of all persons.
Insulating footwear is not included within the scope of this document although the electrical resistance measurement techniques can be applicable.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) classification of footwear as electrostatic conductive or electrostatic dissipative has been removed - classification is not specified;
b) environmental classes for laboratory testing have been removed - one set of conditions for pre-conditioning, conditioning and testing is specified;
c) reference to IEC 61340-2-3 for measuring the resistance of the counter electrode inserted inside footwear has been removed.