Electrical Discharge Experiment Service

Electrical Discharge Experiment Service – Accredited ESD, Surge, and Burst Immunity Testing for Electronic Equipment

For Brazilian manufacturers, importers, and quality engineers in the consumer electronics, industrial automation, automotive, medical device, and telecommunications sectors, ensuring that electronic equipment can withstand electrostatic discharge (ESD), electrical fast transients (burst), and surge voltages is a fundamental requirement for product reliability, safety, and regulatory compliance. Electrical discharge events – whether from human contact, cable discharges, lightning strikes, or switching transients – can cause immediate failure, data corruption, or latent damage that reduces the service life of electronic products. Our ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory offers a comprehensive electrical discharge experiment service that simulates real‑world electrical stress conditions and quantifies the immunity of equipment to these transient phenomena, using state‑of‑the‑art ESD simulators, burst generators, and surge generators, in full compliance with IEC 61000‑4‑2, IEC 61000‑4‑4, IEC 61000‑4‑5, and their Brazilian adoptions (ABNT NBR IEC 61000). With decades of experience in electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing and product certification, we provide precise, repeatable, and fully documented test results that are accepted by INMETRO, ANATEL, and Brazilian notified bodies, supporting your product approval, market access, and customer confidence.

Products and Equipment We Regularly Test

We accept a wide range of electrical and electronic products, from small handheld devices to large industrial systems, covering all categories that require electrical discharge immunity testing. Common samples include:

• Consumer electronics – smartphones, tablets, laptops, wearables, and audio/video equipment.
• Automotive electronics – ECUs, sensors, infotainment systems, and lighting modules.
• Industrial controls and automation – PLCs, drives, HMIs, robotics, and measurement instruments.
• Medical devices – patient monitors, infusion pumps, diagnostic imaging systems, and laboratory analysers.
• Telecommunications equipment – routers, switches, base stations, and network interface devices.
• Power supplies and battery chargers – for consumer and industrial applications.
• Lighting and LED luminaires – for indoor, outdoor, and street lighting.
• Household appliances – refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, and microwave ovens.

Core Test Methods – ESD, Burst, and Surge Immunity

Our electrical discharge experiment service covers the three most important transient immunity tests, each designed to simulate a specific type of electrical stress that equipment may encounter during its lifetime. All tests are performed in accordance with the IEC 61000‑4 series standards, adopted in Brazil as ABNT NBR IEC 61000, and are calibrated to ensure reproducibility:

• Electrostatic discharge (ESD) – according to IEC 61000‑4‑2 and ABNT NBR IEC 61000‑4‑2 – We simulate the discharge of static electricity from a human body or other charged object. Using an ESD simulator (also called an ESD gun), we apply contact discharges (up to ±8 kV) and air discharges (up to ±15 kV) to all accessible surfaces and conductive points of the equipment. The test is performed on powered‑on equipment, and we monitor for any malfunctions, resets, or permanent damage. The results are classified according to the performance criteria (A, B, C, or D) defined in the standard. This test is mandatory for many consumer, medical, and automotive products in Brazil.
• Electrical fast transient (EFT/Burst) – according to IEC 61000‑4‑4 and ABNT NBR IEC 61000‑4‑4 – We simulate the fast‑rise‑time transients caused by the switching of inductive loads, relay contacts, or motors. Using a burst generator, we inject trains of pulses (amplitude up to 4 kV, repetition rate 5 kHz or 100 kHz) into the AC/DC power lines, signal lines, and control lines of the equipment. The test is performed under various coupling modes, and we assess the equipment's performance during and after the burst application. This test is essential for industrial and automotive electronics.
• Surge immunity – according to IEC 61000‑4‑5 and ABNT NBR IEC 61000‑4‑5 – We simulate the high‑energy transients caused by lightning strikes or large power‑system switching. Using a surge generator, we apply a 1.2/50 µs voltage wave and an 8/20 µs current wave (combination wave) to the AC and DC power lines, and to signal and communication lines. The test levels range from 0.5 kV up to 4 kV (or higher, depending on the product category). We verify that the equipment continues to operate correctly without damage or dangerous failures. This test is mandatory for telecom, power supply, and building‑automation equipment in Brazil.
• Combined tests – we can perform ESD, burst, and surge tests sequentially or in combination, as specified by the product standard or the customer’s request – This is especially important for products that must withstand multiple types of transients in their real‑world environment.
• Environmental conditioning – in some cases, we perform the electrical discharge tests after pre‑conditioning the equipment at elevated or low temperatures, humidity, or vibration, to simulate extreme service conditions – This provides a more realistic assessment of the equipment's robustness.

Test Setup, Coupling/Decoupling, and Monitoring

The accuracy and repeatability of electrical discharge tests depend on proper test setup, coupling/decoupling networks, and continuous monitoring of the equipment under test (EUT):

• Grounding and test table configuration – we follow the standard's requirements for the ground reference plane, the insulating table, and the horizontal and vertical coupling planes – This ensures consistent test conditions and minimises variations between tests.
• Coupling/decoupling networks (CDNs) – for burst and surge tests, we use certified CDNs to inject the disturbances into the power and signal lines while preventing the transients from affecting the auxiliary equipment – The CDNs are selected based on the line configuration (single‑phase, three‑phase, DC) and the current rating of the EUT.
• For ESD testing, we apply discharges to direct contact points (conductive surfaces) and indirect contact points (via coupling planes) as required by the product standard – We also perform air discharges to non‑conductive surfaces, using the specified approach speed and angle.
• Real‑time functional monitoring – we monitor the EUT’s operation during the entire test sequence using a dedicated monitoring system that detects any degradation, loss of function, or deviation from normal performance – We record the time and type of any failure, and we classify the performance according to the criteria of the standard.
• Data logging and waveform verification – we capture the applied voltage and current waveforms using high‑voltage probes and oscilloscopes, and we verify that they meet the specified tolerances (e.g., rise time, pulse duration, peak amplitude) to ensure test validity – All waveforms are stored as part of the test record.

Performance Criteria and Interpretation of Results

After each electrical discharge test, we evaluate the performance of the equipment and provide a clear classification according to the criteria defined in the standards. This classification is essential for determining whether the product meets the required immunity level:

• Criteria A – normal performance within the manufacturer’s specifications; no degradation or loss of function during the test – This is the most desirable outcome, indicating excellent immunity.
• Criteria B – temporary loss of function or degradation of performance, but self‑recovering after the test without operator intervention – Acceptable for many applications, but may require additional testing or design improvements.
• Criteria C – loss of function that requires operator intervention (e.g., reset, power cycle) to recover after the test – Often unacceptable for critical equipment; may require a design review.
• Criteria D – permanent damage or loss of function that cannot be recovered by resetting or power cycling – The product fails the test and requires significant design changes to meet the standard.
• We provide a detailed report that includes the test conditions, the applied discharge levels, the observed performance, and the final classification – Based on the results, we offer recommendations for improvement, such as adding filtering, shielding, grounding, or transient protection components (e.g., varistors, TVS diodes, spark gaps).

Compliance with Brazilian and International Regulations

Our electrical discharge experiment services support your conformity assessment under the key Brazilian regulations and standards, as well as international requirements:

• ABNT NBR IEC 61000‑4‑2, 61000‑4‑4, 61000‑4‑5 – adopted versions of the international standards, mandatory for INMETRO and ANATEL certifications – Our tests are performed according to these Brazilian standards, ensuring acceptance by local authorities.
• ANATEL – Resolutions 950/2022 and 1120/2020 for telecommunications equipment – Require ESD, burst, and surge tests as part of the approval process.
• INMETRO Portaria 233/2011 – for electrical and electronic products under compulsory certification – Many product categories (e.g., power supplies, lighting, medical devices) require electrical discharge immunity testing.
• Automotive – ABNT NBR ISO 7637‑2 and OEM specifications (e.g., VW, Fiat, GM, Ford) – While not directly based on IEC 61000‑4, these standards define specific transient test profiles for vehicles; we offer these tests as complementary services.
• Medical devices – IEC 60601‑1‑2 and its Brazilian adoption ABNT NBR IEC 60601‑1‑2 – Specify immunity test levels for ESD, burst, and surge, tailored for medical equipment.
• Industrial equipment – IEC 61000‑6‑1 (immunity for residential, commercial, and light‑industrial) and IEC 61000‑6‑2 (immunity for industrial environments) – These are often required for machinery and control systems sold in Brazil.

Calibration, Traceability, and Quality Assurance

All electrical discharge tests are performed under our ISO/IEC 17025 accredited quality system, with full traceability of voltage, current, and time measurements:

• Calibration of ESD simulators, burst generators, and surge generators – using high‑voltage probes, oscilloscopes, and certified calibration standards traceable to Inmetro – The measurement uncertainty is < 5% for peak voltage and < 5% for peak current.
• Calibration of coupling/decoupling networks – with impedance and attenuation checks using a network analyser and calibrated resistors – The attenuation and coupling factors are verified to be within the specified tolerances.
• Verification with reference devices – we test a known reference device (e.g., a calibrated transient generator) at regular intervals to confirm the stability and reproducibility of the system – Results are monitored on control charts.
• Interlaboratory comparisons (ILC) – we participate in proficiency testing schemes for ESD, burst, and surge testing – Our results are periodically validated against other accredited laboratories.

Reporting and Accreditation

All electrical discharge tests are performed under our ISO/IEC 17025 accredited quality system, with full traceability of all measurement parameters. Our Inmetro‑accredited reports are recognised by INMETRO, ANATEL, ANVISA, and various Brazilian certification bodies. Each report includes:

• A complete description of the equipment under test (model, serial number, configuration, and software version).
• Detailed test conditions (temperature, humidity, test level, discharge points, coupling modes).
• The observed performance and the final performance criteria (A, B, C, or D).
• Waveforms of the applied transients (voltage and current).
• A clear pass/fail determination against the specified immunity requirements.
• Calibration certificates for all test equipment and measurement uncertainty statements.
• Recommendations for design improvements, if the product fails to meet the criteria.

Our reports provide the confidence you need to certify your electronic products, obtain regulatory approvals, and ensure reliability in the demanding Brazilian and international markets.

Why Choose Our Electrical Discharge Experiment Service?

We understand that electrical discharge events are among the most common causes of electronic product failures in the field, and that demonstrating robust immunity is essential for customer satisfaction, warranty reduction, and regulatory compliance. Our team offers rapid turnaround, flexible test programmes (from single‑test screening to comprehensive multi‑standard certification campaigns), and clear, practical interpretation of results – we do not just give you a pass/fail; we explain the underlying mechanisms of any failures, provide actionable recommendations for improvement, and support you throughout the certification process. We work closely with your design, EMC, and quality teams to tailor the test plan to your specific product, its intended environment, and the applicable standards. With state‑of‑the‑art test equipment, traceable calibrations, and a highly experienced team, our electrical discharge experiment service delivers the precision, reliability, and regulatory acceptance you need to ensure your products are immune to the transient threats of the real world. Contact us to discuss your product and its certification requirements – we will develop a customised test programme that provides the definitive evidence of your product’s electrical robustness.