Static electricity is easy to ignore because most discharges are too small to feel. They are not too small to damage a semiconductor device, and the damage is often hidden: the part passes test and fails later in the field.
What surface resistance tells you
Surface resistance, measured in ohms per square (Ω/sq), describes how easily charge moves across the glove. If the resistance is very high, charge stays where it is and can build up. If it is in the static-dissipative range, charge bleeds away slowly and safely instead of jumping to the part.
ESD-safe gloves compared with ordinary nitrile
- BestSky cleanroom nitrile gloves – surface resistance 10⁵–10¹⁰ Ω/sq, triboelectric charge 20 V or less
- Ordinary nitrile gloves – not treated for static control, and usually far more insulating
When to use an ESD glove
- Handling bare PCBs, chips, wafers or other static-sensitive components
- Working inside an ESD-protected area
- Final assembly and inspection of electronic products
A glove is only one part of static control. It works together with grounded wrist or heel straps, ESD flooring and correct packaging; it does not replace them.
Both our Class 100 and Class 1000 gloves are ESD safe as standard, so you do not have to choose between static control and cleanliness.
Not sure which glove fits your process? Tell us your cleanroom class and we will recommend one, or see the full specification on the Products page.