The product-qualification walking test under ANSI/ESD STM97.2-2016 requires at least ten six-step cycles, with a two-second pause between cycles. Walking continues until the recorded body voltage reaches equilibrium, so completing ten cycles does not necessarily finish the test (sections 5.2.3.8–5.2.3.9).
How long the walk continues
Pauses and minimum cycles
The tester pauses for two seconds between each six-step test cycle, and a minimum of ten test cycles must be performed (clause 5.2.3.8).
Walking until equilibrium
The tester continues walking on the flooring sample until the body voltage recorded on the recording device reaches equilibrium (clause 5.2.3.9). The ten-cycle count is a minimum, not a fixed endpoint.
How the walk starts
Footwear, starting positions, and instrument checks
The tester wears the static control footwear under test (shoes or other devices) on both feet for 10 minutes. Stand on the flooring sample in the starting foot positions prescribed in Figure 1 of ANSI/ESD STM97.2-2016. The tester holds the hand-held electrode (clauses 5.2.3.5 and 5.2.3.6). Before each test, the tester touches ground to remove body charge and checks that the instrumentation is zeroed (clause 5.2.3.7).
How each step is taken
Foot lift and contact
With each step, the tester raises the foot approximately 7.6 cm (3 inches) from the floor surface (clause 5.2.3.8). The tester attempts to keep the feet parallel to the floor during the test and does not scuff or drag the feet.
Pace
The pace should be greater than one step per second (clause 5.2.3.8).
Frequently Asked Questions
Ten cycles is a minimum, not a fixed endpoint: STM97.2-2016 requires at least ten test cycles and continued walking until the recorded body voltage reaches equilibrium. The tester pauses for two seconds between six-step cycles.
With each step, the tester raises the foot approximately 7.6 cm (3 inches), attempts to keep the feet parallel to the floor, and does not scuff or drag them. STM97.2-2016 says the pace should be greater than one step per second.
Before each test, STM97.2-2016 directs the tester to touch ground to remove body charge and check that the instrumentation is zeroed.