Electrostatic sensitive devices (crossed hand in a triangle)
The standard’s wording, as the sources below reproduce it:
“To indicate packages containing electrostatic sensitive devices, or to identify a device or a connector that has not been tested for immunity to electrostatic discharge.”
IEC 60417-5134 · IEC TR 60878, as NE Scientific and Verathon cite it
What it means for you
Do not touch the pins of this connector (or the parts in this pack) without precautions against static. A static spark from your finger — the kind you feel after walking on carpet — can damage the electronics. On medical equipment the mark goes next to connectors whose pins have not been tested against electrostatic discharge; Biosense Webster’s glossary says the device may be damaged if a person without ESD protection touches such a receptacle.
Whether a device is right for you is a question for your pharmacist, nurse or doctor.
- What it looks like
- A triangle, point up, with a hand inside crossed by a diagonal stroke. It is often printed black on yellow.
- Where you see it
- Next to data, sensor and service connectors on monitors, catheters’ connection cables and generators, and on the anti-static bags that spare circuit boards and sensors come in.
- Other names
- ESD symbol; ESD sensitive; electrostatic discharge warning; do not touch connector
What it does not tell you
It does not warn of a shock to you — it protects the device. It does not say the connector is unsafe to use in the normal way, with the cable plugged in as the instructions describe.
Often confused with
To indicate that caution is necessary when operating the device or control close to where the symbol is placed, or to indicate that the current situation needs operator awareness or operator action in order to avoid undesirable consequences.
More symbols in “Marks on the device casing”
Sources
IEC 60417 and IEC 60601-1 are paid standards, so the wording above is quoted as 4 publishers’ public documents reproduce it; our drawing is not the IEC artwork. Each was fetched and read on the date shown:
- Integra LifeSciences: Symbols Glossary (1410819-2 Rev B) — “Protect against electrostatic sensitive devices (ESD) — To indicate packages containing electrostatic sensitive devices, or to identify a device or a connector that has not been tested for immunity to electrostatic discharge.”, IEC 60417 reference 5134. Checked 2026-09-28.
- NE Scientific: Master Symbol Glossary (CTF-100011 Rev 01) — Lists IEC TR 60878 reference 5134 “Electrostatic sensitive devices” with the same explanatory text. Checked 2026-09-28.
- Verathon: Symbol Glossary (0900-4757) — Row “Electrostatic sensitive devices — Indicates the package contains electrostatic devices.”, IEC TR 60878 reference number 5134. Checked 2026-09-28.
- Biosense Webster: BWI Symbols Glossary (FORM-3534 Rev C) — Page 7, IEC 60417 reference 5134: “The device may be damaged by electrostatic discharge (ESD) if a person without ESD protection touches a COMM receptacle. Do not touch without appropriate ESD protection.” Checked 2026-09-28.
Plain-language parts are in our own words; quotations are the sources’ wording.