ESD vs Anti-Static vs Electrical Hazard (EH) Boots: Which Do You Need?
Three terms — ESD, anti-static, electrical hazard — sound related and are constantly confused in procurement. They are not the same, they are tested differently, and specifying the wrong one can fail a site audit or a customer’s quality standard. This guide gives buyers the resistance ranges, the standards, and a use-case matrix so you can specify with confidence.
The One Number That Matters: Resistance
All three properties are about how the boot handles electrical current, measured as resistance in ohms (Ω). The bands are what separate them:
| Property | Resistance band | Governing standard | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESD (electrostatic dissipative) | Typically 0.1–35 MΩ (often 10⁵–10⁸ Ω) | IEC 61340-5-1 | Safely dissipate charge to protect sensitive electronics |
| Anti-static | 0.1–1000 MΩ | EN ISO 20345:2022 (marker A) | Limit static build-up to avoid sparks in gassy/explosive areas |
| Electrical Hazard (EH) | Insulating — tested to 18 kV for 1 min | ASTM F2413 (EH); separate from EN ISO 20345 A | Reduce risk of shock from live circuits |
Key Point: Anti-Static and EH Are Opposites
This is the most common mistake. Anti-static (A) is designed to conduct a small, controlled current to the ground. EH is designed to insulate the wearer from the ground. A boot cannot be both at the same time. If your workers are around live electrical equipment, EH is specified; if they are in a petrochemical or gassy environment where a spark is the danger, anti-static (A) is specified.
Which Workers Need Which?
Use this matrix to map the property to the workplace:
| Workplace | Specify | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics / semiconductor assembly | ESD (IEC 61340-5-1) | Protect components from static discharge |
| General industrial, warehousing | Anti-static (A) | Controlled static dissipation, baseline safety |
| Petrochemical, oil & gas, explosive atmospheres | Anti-static (A) | Prevent ignition from static spark |
| Utilities, electrical maintenance | EH (insulating) | Reduce shock risk from live parts |
| Food / cleanroom (dry) | ESD or anti-static per process | Match the line’s ESD control plan |
Compliance: Don’t Claim ESD Without the Test
Anti-static is part of EN ISO 20345:2022 and marked with A on the certificate. ESD is a separate standard (IEC 61340-5-1) and must be tested and documented on its own — a boot marked only “A” is anti-static, not ESD. If a customer requires ESD, ask for the IEC 61340-5-1 test report; do not accept an anti-static certificate as a substitute. Litai’s oil & gas range is built and documented to the EN ISO 20345 anti-static (A) level; ESD-specific models require their own IEC 61340 test evidence.
Internal Links for Buyers
- Browse the range: oil & gas / petrochemical safety boots
- Decode the markings: EN ISO 20345 boot codes (SB–S5)
- Certificate evidence: certifications page
- Request a quote: contact our team
Frequently Asked Questions
Can ESD boots replace anti-static boots?
ESD boots sit inside the anti-static resistance band, but “anti-static” under EN ISO 20345 is a specific marking (A). If the site requires EN ISO 20345 A, confirm the boot carries that marker; if it requires IEC 61340 ESD, confirm that separate test. Don’t assume one certificate covers both.
Is EH the same as anti-static?
No — they are opposite. Anti-static conducts a controlled current to ground; EH insulates the wearer. A boot cannot be both, and the markings come from different standards.
Which standard applies to electronics manufacturing?
ESD control per IEC 61340-5-1. The boot should be tested and certified to that standard, not just labelled “anti-static.”
Does EN ISO 20345 include ESD?
No. EN ISO 20345:2022 covers anti-static (A) and conductive (C) properties. ESD is governed by IEC 61340-5-1 and needs its own test report.
