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INSTRUMENTATION RANGE FROM TBA ECP MEETS BS IEC 61340-2-3:2000 AUDIT REQUIREMENTS - 16/09/2003

The latest range of test instrumentation from static control specialist, TBA Electro Conductive Products (ECP), meets all the requirements for auditing ESD protected areas (EPAs) according to BS IEC 61340-2-3:2000.

The ECP 1600 series comprises a wristband checker, system checker, surface resistivity meter, surface resistivity and resistance to ground test kit, continuous workstation monitor and static monitors. Together, these instruments enable accurate and efficient testing of individual components in an EPA to be carried out regularly ensuring that the requirements of BS IEC 61340-2-3:2000 are met.

A prime example of the range is the ECP 1600 wristband checker that automatically tests wristband, cord and operator. Featuring a large LCD readout plus two-colour low current LEDs, the ECP 1600 enables personnel to see instantly whether the wristband system passes or fails the preset limits. By providing instant results, the ECP 1600 fully meets the requirements of the standard and offers an improvement compared with some competitive devices which have a 3 or 4 second delay in providing the reading.

TBA's ECP 1601/1601EUR units are systems designed to check the operator, cord and matting elements of a workstation. ECP 1601 is BT approved and is ideal for BT subcontractors while the ECP 1601EUR variant features the addition of an audible alarm and can be configured as a heel strap test station.

The ECP 1602 is a handheld instrument for measuring resistance to ground and surface resistivity. It comes complete with a test lead kit and static dissipative carrying pouch and is ideal for carrying out quick checks on working surfaces etc.

Like ECP 1602, the ECP 1603 test kit is designed to perform surface resistivity and resistance to ground tests but with ECP 1602, measurements are made precisely as defined in Annex A of BS IEC 61340-2-3:2000. Kit components encompass a Megger BM80 insulation tester, test lead kit, test probes and 2.5kg weight as specified in the standard.

TBA's ECP 1604 is a continuous workstation monitor that constantly monitors both operator and workstation. The system carries out an "on-line" check of the operator and workstation connections in use together with the earth bonding system. Should a failure be detected, the monitor automatically provides instant visual and audible alarms.

The ECP 1604 unit monitors the integrity of equipment used in the prevention of ESD and uses only a small DC voltage (<2V) for analysis, relying on resistance measurement to detect failure. Apart from the small DC power supply, it does not generate any high voltages or currents and does not interfere with any other electrical equipment. Therefore, it does not pose a loading or corrupted signal danger that might cause other equipment to malfunction.

A power fan-out box is also available for the unit, allowing up to eight monitors to be run from a single power supply. There is also a calibration tester that enables users to ensure the monitor is regularly tested for correct operation.

Completing TBA ECP's line up of instruments are the ECP1606 and ECP1606E static monitors. Both instruments offer reading of surface voltage in kV at 100mm with the 1606 having a range of 100kV at 100V resolution while the more accurate 1606E measures 20kV at 10V resolution. Specifications include zero stability within 100V, drift of less than 1% FSD in 10s and accuracy of better than ±5%. Earth bonding is achieved via a 10mm earth stud on the bottom plate for connection to a coiled earth lead. The instruments feature a 3½-digit LCD with polarity and low battery indication. Power is provided by a single PP3 9V replaceable battery that delivers up to 500 hours continuous use.

TBA ECP's instrumentation product line is complemented by one of the widest ranges of static control products available from a single source. The company is capable of delivering floor-to-ceiling static control solutions encompassing everything required in ESD protection areas. Products available include flooring, ionisers, packaging and storage systems, grounding products, work surfaces and work stations, instrumentation, coatings and complementary services such as quality audits.

TBA Electro Conductive Products is a specialist manufacturer of high quality electro static protection (ESP) and electro magnetic interference (EMI) shielding products.

Ref: P3781

For more information, please contact: TBA Electro Conductive Products, Unit 3 Transpennine Trading Estate Gorrells Way Rochdale OL11 2PX. Tel: 01706 647718, Fax: 01706 646170. Email: info@tbaecp.co.uk

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