How to specify static-free flooring in different types of spaces

Specifying anti static flooring for critical environments like 911 dispatcher communication rooms is different than for ESD protected areas (EPAs) in electronics manufacturing.

Static dissipative carpet tile versus ESD grade conductive carpet.

Question - I’m a construction specifier, and I’m confused about how to specify static-free flooring in different types of spaces. Some of the web sites I have visited recommend ESD grade carpet for any type of space. My client’s electrical engineer has told us to avoid ESD carpet tile in certain applications because it may be unsafe and also overkill. Can you please comment?
- Lisa, Architect, Interior Designer, LEED AP

Answer:

Hi Lisa,

Your engineer is correct on both counts. ESD grade carpet tile is extremely conductive (too few ohms resistance) and should be reserved strictly for use in specialized applications called ESD-protected areas (EPAs.) EPAs are segregated areas inside electronics manufacturing and handling facilities. They are easily differentiated from other spaces requiring a static-free environment. For example, people working in EPAs are required to wear special static-control footwear. Prior to entering the EPA, employees and visitors must test their footwear using a static- control footwear tester. Based on results of the testing, the person is either given a green light permitting entry or is prohibited from entering the area due to the ohms measurement of their shoe soles. Footwear testers sort out people who may be wearing wet shoes that are too conductive. Wet shoes could present a safety hazard if they are worn on a floor that is too conductive.

EPA protocols would never be used in critical environments (CEs) like 911 dispatcher areas, data centers, or networked offices.  Personnel in these spaces wear ordinary footwear in these spaces. For this reason, specifiers must utilize different specification criteria based on whether a space is a CE or an EPA. In the case of carpet, the specification should always err on the side of safety and good judgment.

We recommend that carpets never measure below 100,000 ohms and never above 100,000,000 ohms. Specifying this ohms range eliminates the need for 100% screening of footwear whenever someone enters a critical environment. Using this ohms range will also allow you to address the needs of both an EPA or a critical environment like a call center.

How to differentiate ESD grade carpet from other viable static-control carpet options:

ESD grade carpet is usually specified as having an ohm’s range beginning at 25,000 ohms, which is also represented as 2.5 X 10E4.  25,000 ohms offers personnel less protection from unlikely electrical shocks due to faulty grounding than 100,000 ohms resistance. 25,000 ohms of resistance is the bare limit amount of resistance approved by NFPA99. Additionally, 25,000 ohms does not meet telecommunications standards Motorola R56 and ATIS for use in applications like call centers and 911 dispatch communication areas.

The right flooring will have a resistance range of over 100,000 ohms. When reading spec sheets, do not assume a floor will meet the needs of the space based on a manufacturer stating that it meets Motorola R56 or ATIS. These claims are often incorrect due to recent changes on these standards. Instead, look at the exact stated ohms range. If it measures below 100,000 ohms, it should not be used in places where communication and computer equipment is plugged in and operating.

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ShadowFX Carpet Tile is recommended for all ESD-sensitive areas where static protective footwear is not likely to be worn - Ideal for use in civilian or government areas including data storage and mission critical command centers. The patented Helix Fiber yarn system engineered into our modular carpet tile ensures the consistent electrical performance of the floor, eliminating all risk of staticy carpet and static-induced malfunctions.

ShadowFX - First Carpet Tile to Cover It All:

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ShadowFX is the first anti-static carpet tile to provide permanent protection against ESD damage while meeting the latest safety requirements set by ANSI, FAA, Motorola, ATIS, and NFPA. It eliminates the need to choose between static dissipative and static conductive flooring options, instead it offers the best of both technologies.Read more

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