ESD
ESD
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Flooring
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) floors are floors installed with ESD flooring systems to protect electronics from damage caused by static electricity which accumulates from traffic.
why esd
What is ESD?
Controlling electrostatic discharge begins with understanding how an electrostatic charge occurs in the first place.
An electrical charging process begins with a charge which is generated by the contact and separation of two surfaces. These surfaces can be in the form of solids, liquids or particles, such as gasses, dust or powder.
Busbar
What Are the Risks?
If ESD protection and control is not taken into consideration:
- Fire and explosions can happen in places where there are explosive atmospheres and substances (gas, vapor, spray, liquids, dust, explosives, fireworks)
- Devices could be damaged or completely destroyed in places where there are electrostatic sensitive devices
It is this potentially unseen, unfelt or unheard ‘micro lightning’ spark that can occur without warning, which must be prevented or controlled.
When it comes to flooring, a person who walks over a normal floor stores a negative charge, which may in turn lead to static electroshock. This spark may damage microelectronic parts or even trigger an explosion.
working process
How Does ESD Flooring Work?
To understand how ESD floors work in reducing the risks mentioned, it helps to understand conductivity and the inherent electrical resistance of materials.
Check out our knowledge article to learn more about the science behind electrostatic discharge and how ESD floors really work to “ground” an electrical charge.
does my project needs
Does My Project Need an ESD Floor?
In principle, ESD floors are needed in places with explosive atmospheres and substances (gas, vapor, spray, liquids, dust, explosives, fireworks).
In industries where electronic components or volatile chemicals are involved, static electricity can result in significant damage, injury and financial loss. All active electronic components and equipment, such as microchips, integrated circuits and machinery, are sensitive to ESD events. Even when areas and people are equipped to handle such static-sensitive devices, inadvertent contact and damage can still occur.
How to choose
How Does ESD Flooring Work?
There are many floor covering materials and systems which can provide different degrees of static-dissipative or antistatic (low charge-generating) properties.
The specification of flooring materials should be based on the architectural design, electrical code, standards and regulations for the specific project types and floor types.
