Clothes Antistatic
What Are Antistatic Clothes?
Antistatic clothes are garments designed to prevent or dissipate electrostatic charges from the human body and clothing. These charges, if not controlled, can cause damage to sensitive electronic components, ignite flammable substances, or attract dust in clean environments.
They are also called:
ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) garments
Antistatic uniforms
Cleanroom suits (in special environments)
How Do They Work?
Antistatic garments are typically made by weaving conductive fibers (such as carbon or metal filaments) into the fabric. These conductive fibers:
Conduct static electricity away from the body
Discharge it safely to ground, or to a neutral potential surface
Prevent static buildup that would otherwise occur from movement or contact
They do not generate or retain static charges, making them safe for environments with ESD-sensitive equipment or materials.
Technical Specifications
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Surface Resistance | 10⁵ to 10⁹ ohms/square |
| Static Decay Time | Less than 0.5 seconds |
| Fiber Type | Carbon filament, metallic thread |
| Conductive Fiber Spacing | 5 mm – 10 mm (depending on standard) |
| Garment Resistance to Ground | ≤ 10⁹ ohms (typically measured) |
Materials and Fabric Construction
Polyester (main) – lightweight, durable, low-lint
Conductive Yarn – carbon fiber or stainless-steel thread
PU Coating (optional) – for resistance to chemicals, water, or oil
Grid/Stripe Patterns – conductive fibers arranged in checkered or striped form to maximize ESD control
Common Styles of Antistatic Clothing
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Coverall | Full-body suit with hood; used in cleanrooms or high-risk zones |
| Two-piece suit | Shirt + pants; suitable for electronics assembly |
| Lab coat | Ideal for laboratories and quality control areas |
| Jacket/trousers | Often used in flexible industrial settings |
Colors often include white, blue, pink, green, and gray – each suited to different environments.
International Standards and Compliance
| Standard | Region/Body | Description |
|---|---|---|
| GB/T 12014-2019 | China | National standard for antistatic workwear |
| IEC 61340-5-1 | International (IEC) | Protection of ESD-sensitive devices |
| ANSI/ESD S20.20 | USA (ESDA) | Standard for ESD control programs |
| EN 1149-5 | EU | Antistatic clothing for flammable environments |
| ISO 14644 | Global | Cleanroom compatibility standards |
Garments that meet these standards ensure safe and reliable discharge performance.
Applications of Antistatic Clothing
Electronics assembly and testing (e.g., PCBs, chips)
Cleanrooms (ISO Class 3–9)
Pharmaceuticals & biotechnology
Aerospace and aviation industries
Medical device manufacturing
Chemical and petrochemical industries
Laboratories and research centers
Key Benefits
Prevents electrostatic discharge damage to sensitive equipment
Reduces risk of ignition in flammable environments
Maintains cleanroom integrity by reducing dust attraction
Enhances worker safety and product quality
Lightweight and comfortable for long-term wear
Maintenance and Care
| Item | Best Practice |
|---|---|
| Washing | Use industrial laundry with ESD-safe detergents |
| Drying | Air dry or low-temperature tumble |
| Ironing | Avoid high heat – it may damage conductive fibers |
| Inspection Frequency | Every 3–6 months for conductivity & damage |
| Storage | Store in clean, dry, low-static environments |
Damaged or excessively worn clothing may lose conductivity and should be replaced.
What Antistatic Clothes Are Not ?
Not flameproof (unless explicitly treated)
Not electrically insulated (they conduct static, not block current)
Not suitable for high-voltage electrical protection
Not universal – must be matched to proper ESD or cleanroom class