a. In order to avoid electrostatic discharge, the following critical voltages and electric fields shall be used.
1. To avoid an electrostatic discharge in normal potential gradient (i.e. between a dielectric and a conductor at a more positive potential), a maximum differential voltage between a dielectric and an adjacent conductor of -1000 V.
2. To avoid electrostatic discharges, a maximum electric field within the dielectric of 107 V/m.
3. To avoid an electrostatic discharge in inverted voltage gradient (i.e. between a dielectric and a conductor at a more negative potential), a maximum differential voltage between a dielectric and an adjacent conductor exposed to the vacuum of +100 V.
NOTE Maximum permitted voltages specified for scientific missions including field or plasma measurement can be lower than the limits above to limit contamination of environmental measurements.
b. If the limits specified in 6.2.1a are not met, the assembly shall be submitted to charging tests as described in clause 6.6.