How should I test my ESD mats?

[Rodion15]

I have 4 ESD mats at the workshop I work. The ESD mats are interconnected and one of them is connected to ground through a earth bounding point (the resistive socket that connects the mat to ground). Yesterday I did this test: I used a voltmeter set to AC voltage, negative probe touching the ground in a socket, the other one between my fingers. I measured 2 volts. Then I put on the ESD wrist-band and I was surprised to find that not only did the voltage go down, it rose to 2.2volts!. It looks like this mat isn't working, am I right?

 

[kanewolf]

If your work depends on them, then you should send them to a calibration service that can certify them. If a customer's device is damaged because your ESD mats aren't functional then you are liable. Buy one or two new mats to use while the ones you have are out for cal. If you work with ESD sensitive devices, you should also have a recording humidity meter to document that you weren't working in a too dry environment.

 

[Rodion15]

If your work depends on them, then you should send them to a calibration service that can certify them. If a customer's device is damaged because your ESD mats aren't functional then you are liable. Buy one or two new mats to use while the ones you have are out for cal. If you work with ESD sensitive devices, you should also have a recording humidity meter to document that you weren't working in a too dry environment.

Where could we get this certification?. It sounds interesting: could I get this certification myself?. I've created another thread about this (Is there some certification to mount ESD safe equipment at computer workshops and other ESD sensitive places?)

We repair laptops, tablets, etc. I guess this certification isn't cheap. I'd rather try to improve the anti-ESD equipment myself. Thanks for your answer, very informative, I'll consider that.

 

[kanewolf]

If your work depends on them, then you should send them to a calibration service that can certify them. If a customer's device is damaged because your ESD mats aren't functional then you are liable. Buy one or two new mats to use while the ones you have are out for cal. If you work with ESD sensitive devices, you should also have a recording humidity meter to document that you weren't working in a too dry environment.

Where could we get this certification?. It sounds interesting: could I get this certification myself?. I've created another thread about this (Is there some certification to mount ESD safe equipment at computer workshops and other ESD sensitive places?)

We repair laptops, tablets, etc. I guess this certification isn't cheap. I'd rather try to improve the anti-ESD equipment myself. Thanks for your answer, very informative, I'll consider that.

I work for a large aerospace/defense company and ESD training is mandatory. You should search for "calibration service" . A calibration service should be able to tell you who can certify your mats. I don't know what the process is so I can't give any more insight. I just know that ALL our mats have to be certified. We also DO have recording humidity monitors at all ESD work stations. You should also have a wrist strap tester at your ESD station and record that your tested your wrist strap before using it. I know all this sounds EXCESSIVE. I just know what the "pros" require.

 

[Rodion15]

If your work depends on them, then you should send them to a calibration service that can certify them. If a customer's device is damaged because your ESD mats aren't functional then you are liable. Buy one or two new mats to use while the ones you have are out for cal. If you work with ESD sensitive devices, you should also have a recording humidity meter to document that you weren't working in a too dry environment.

Where could we get this certification?. It sounds interesting: could I get this certification myself?. I've created another thread about this (Is there some certification to mount ESD safe equipment at computer workshops and other ESD sensitive places?)

We repair laptops, tablets, etc. I guess this certification isn't cheap. I'd rather try to improve the anti-ESD equipment myself. Thanks for your answer, very informative, I'll consider that.

I work for a large aerospace/defense company and ESD training is mandatory. You should search for "calibration service" . A calibration service should be able to tell you who can certify your mats. I don't know what the process is so I can't give any more insight. I just know that ALL our mats have to be certified. We also DO have recording humidity monitors at all ESD work stations. You should also have a wrist strap tester at your ESD station and record that your tested your wrist strap before using it. I know all this sounds EXCESSIVE. I just know what the "pros" require.

Interesting answer. Thanks.