724-657-9940
Select Page

DO-160-Section-25-Electrostatic-Discharge

RTCA DO-160 Section 25.0 Electrostatic Discharge Test

The RTCA DO-160 Section 25 covers electrostatic discharge testing, also known as ESD testing. The ESD test relates to airborne equipment exposed to static electricity discharges from human contact. There are several factors that contribute to electrostatic discharge. One factor is low humidity. Another factor is temperature. The use of low conductivity carpets can create ESD. These are usually made of artificial fibers. Lastly, vinyl seats and plastic structures can also create ESD.

DO 160G ESD testing is applicable for all equipment and surfaces which are accessible during normal operation. Equipment and surfaces accessible during maintenance of the aircraft should be tested as well. ESD testing is not applicable to connector pins. There is only one category of equipment.

The DO-160 electrostatic discharge test is designed to determine the ESD immunity of equipment. Immunity is the ability of equipment to perform as expected. It must perform its intended function without permanent degradation of performance resulting from an air discharged electrostatic pulse.

ESD testing is one of several EMC tests included in the RTCA-DO-160. Electrostatic discharge is a common occurrence on aircraft. Ensuring that equipment is immune to its effects is crucial.

Keystone Compliance is one of the leading ESD test labs in the country. With seven EMC chambers and multiple ground planes, we offer short lead times on scheduling. In addition to ESD, our EMC testing capabilities include EMC, shielding effectiveness and indirect lightning. We also offer icing, temperature, humidity, thermal shock, blowing rain and solar radiation testing. Other testing areas include vibration, shock, ingress protection and package testing.

Our engineers provide communication throughout the test program. If challenges arise, our engineers provide engineering guidance. Our ESD test lab is ISO 17025 accredited to RTCADO-160 testing. In addition to providing RTCA-DO-160G testing, Keystone is also accredited to all previous versions of this military test standard as well.

Our electrostatic discharge test lab can accommodate small and large items. Please contact us to see firsthand why so many manufacturers rely on Keystone Compliance to be their RTCA DO-160 ESD test lab.

Looking for other testing to other sections of RTCA DO-160 testing? Click on the links below:

Modifications from one Version of RTCA DO-160 to the Next:

Changes from DO-160C ESD Testing to DO-160D ESD Testing

A new section was added to address device level susceptibility issues for ESD.

Changes from DO-160D ESD Testing to DO-160E ESD Testing

No significant changes were made.

Changes from DO-160E ESD Testing to DO-160F ESD Testing

No significant changes were made, except correcting typographical errors in the figures.

Changes from DO-160F ESD Testing to DO-160G ESD Testing

Added note that ESD connection point is not applicable to connector pins.  Added expansion of type and of the list of test points to be considered. Address case of no discharge.