Ensuring the operational integrity of measuring relays and protection equipment is critical for the stability and reliability of modern power systems. Among the various environmental threats, electrostatic discharge (ESD) represents a significant risk to the sensitive electronic components within this equipment. To address this, the International Standard IEC 255-22-2 provides a rigorous, repeatable framework for verifying equipment resilience against ESD events.

The primary objective of the tests specified in this standard is to confirm that the equipment under test (EUT) will not maloperate when it is energized and subjected to an electrostatic discharge. The requirements are specifically applicable to static measuring relays and protection equipment. The procedures outlined are considered type tests and are intended to be applied only to equipment in new condition.

To ensure consistent and reproducible results, the standard aims to formally define five key elements of the testing process:

1. Definition of terms used
2. Test severity classes
3. Test conditions
4. Test procedures
5. Criteria for acceptance

A common vocabulary is the foundation of any standardized procedure. The following section details the precise terminology mandated by the standard.