ESD chairs / ESD stools - the chair in the EPA must be ESD-compatible

In an EPA (“ESD protected area”), chairs and stools must also be ESD-compatible, i.e. ESD chairs or ESD stools, in order to reduce and dissipate electrostatic charges.

The following article explains the problem of electrostatic charges, what exactly an ESD chair or ESD stool is and why it is important in an EPA, what the criteria should be when selecting an ESD chair or ESD stool and where you can buy this ESD furniture in Switzerland.

Problem of electrostatic charge

One problem with the charging of objects and people by static electricity is when these charges discharge in an uncontrolled manner. These uncontrolled discharges can damage or even destroy ESD-sensitive components, for example.

Electrostatic charges are caused by movement, for example, when you walk across a carpet. Electrostatic charges can also be generated when sitting, as it is usually impossible to avoid moving around on a chair or stool.

What is an ESD chair and what is an ESD stool?

The difference between a normal chair or stool and a chair with ESD protection (ESD chair) or stool with ESD protection (ESD stool) is that ESD chairs and ESD stools are built in such a way that less static electricity can accumulate. At the same time, this ESD furniture is able to dissipate static electricity. This is because the seats, castors and glides of ESD chairs and ESD stools, as well as all plastic and steel parts, are conductive.

In certain production and assembly processes, so-called EPAs are set up, where EPA stands for “ESD protected area”, which means “ESD-protected area”, “ESD protection area” or “ESD protection zone”. The purpose of ESD protected areas is to protect electrostatically sensitive components from uncontrolled discharges, among other things. In this respect, the chairs and stools used in such EPAs must also be ESD-compatible.

Another advantage of ESD chairs and ESD stools is that they attract fewer dirt particles from the environment than normal chairs and stools thanks to the reduced electrostatic charge and the dissipation of charges.

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Criteria for selecting an ESD chair or ESD stool

When selecting an ESD chair or ESD stool, you should pay attention to several points, including the following:

Certification according to the ESD standard DIN EN 61340-5-1 as ESD-compatible
Ergonomics: chair can be individually adjusted, armrests
with or without footrest (foot ring)
with or without climbing aid
Possibility of easy cleaning
Robustness for longevity
Type of castors (hard castors for soft floors, soft castors for hard floors)
Preferred seat surface: e.g. fabric or imitation leather

Buy ESD chairs and ESD stools

ESD furniture, including ESD chairs and ESD stoolscan be purchased in Switzerland, for example, in the online store of ESD specialist wholesaler abovo.

ESD chairs at abovo

The abovo online store offers customers a large selection of ESD chairs, some of which are also recommended for certain cleanroom classes. Accessories such as ESD chair castors and armrests for ESD chairs can also be found at abovo. Below you will find a list of ESD chair models that can be ordered online from abovo:

ESD stool at abovo

There are also various ESD stools to choose from in the abovo online store, including several Bimos ESD stool models; the latter are recommended for certain cleanroom classes:

Advice on ESD chairs and ESD stools

If you have any questions about ESD chairs and/or ESD stools, we at abovo, the Swiss ESD specialist wholesaler, will be happy to answer them personally. We also offer you support in selecting the right ESD chair or ESD stool for your application.

The best way to contact the ESD experts at abovo is by telephone or e-mail: