If static electricity is an issue at your company or manufacturing facility, then electrostatic dissipative (ESD) flooring or Electrostatic conductive (EC) flooring may be the answer.
Energy discharge is especially problematic when working with sensitive electronic equipment or flammable gasses. ESD floor coverings and other ESD products allow static electricity to be dissipated in a controlled manner to avoid damage to equipment or people.
The human body can generate up to 35,000 volts of static electricity, depending on the type of clothing we wear, the type of upholstery we sit on, and the shoes and floor coverings we walk on. Most types of vinyl flooring claim to be anti-static.
This may mean that they do not contribute to the build-up of static electricity in the human body. However, they do not drain any static charge already built up. This means that the static electricity is still there to leap onto your project to possibly arc and damage sensitive electronics or ignite flammable gases.
Electrostatic flooring, on the other hand, facilitate the uniform flow of static electricity directly to a ground point. RNB Flooring can help you determine which of the two types of electrostatic floor covering is best for your situation.
Electrostatic Conductive (EC) Flooring
EC flooring contains carbon and discharges static electricity more quickly than standard vinyl flooring. C flooring may be used in less controlled environments. In controlled environments, they would be used in sensitive electrical and assembly areas, as well as explosive manufacturing areas.
Electrostatic Dissipative (ESD) Flooring
ESD flooring are chemically treated to discharge static electricity and must be used in a controlled environment with a relative humidity of above 40%. Typical areas of use would be operating theatres, computer areas, and instrument control rooms.
Installing ESD Flooring
Both ESD and EC floor coverings are usually laid on a cement subfloor. As concrete is a poor conductor of electricity, electrostatic flooring is laid using a conductive adhesive and grounded in order to drain the electricity discharge.
As a rule, the surface of electrostatic floor coverings are not sealed, as that would create a barrier between the floor covering and the human body, and so prevent discharge. Conductive sealers are available for specialized applications, if required.
RNB Flooring has extensive experience as an ESD and EC flooring installer, and can provide expert advice and estimates. We are pleased to partner with StaticSmart for premium ESD flooring options.
Contact us for more information about electrostatic floor installation services—our goal is to complete your project on time and within your budget.
All installed products come with manufacturer warranties, which we will review with you as you make your flooring selection. Contact RNB Flooring for a consultation today.
