Dissipative (antistatic) floor coverings

In certain applications, antistatic floor coverings with a defined electrical conductivity are required, e.g. if a static charge in potentially explosive areas can become a danger to life and health or if sensitive electronic components can be damaged or destroyed as a result of a static charge. The static charge of people arises, for example, when walking over their shoes or when sitting due to friction of clothing on the chair. Antistatic floor coverings are particularly necessary:

• in medical areas, especially in intensive care, e.g. in operating rooms,
• in installation, work and laboratory areas with particularly sensitive electronic components, e.g. in server rooms and
• in industry, both in the manufacture of electronic components and in the handling of flammable and explosive substances, e.g. in the form of exhaust air, fuel, solvents or dust.

Floor coverings are considered antistatic if they are so dissipative that no disturbing or dangerous electrostatic charges are to be expected in relation to the respective use.

*the value applies unless a different resistance value is required for the specific application. Alternatively, elastic and textile floor coverings are also considered antistatic according to DIN EN 14041 and RAL-RG 725/3 if a personal charge of ≤ 2.0 kV is proven in the walking test. In the case of textile floor coverings, the inspection test can also be simulated in the laboratory in accordance with RAL-RG 725/3: the floor covering is considered antistatic if the charge is ≤ 2.7 kV.

**in accordance with BGR 132 Annex 1 Section B: Zones 0, 1, 20 and in Zone 21 for fabrics with MZE < 3 mJ

Many ceramic, elastic and textile floor coverings can be designed with a defined conductivity, taking into account the manufacturer's product specifications. The conductivity can be achieved, for example, by:

• admixture of carbon or chemical antistatic agents in the case of elastic floor coverings,
• dissipative textile fibres in the case of textile floor coverings or
• conductive tiles or a conductive tile glaze in combination with conductive joints

In addition, a dissipative substructure is required, depending on the design, e.g. with a copper strip grid or a conductive paint/mortar. Every dissipative floor covering requires a connection to the equipotential bonding system by a qualified electrician.

The required resistance must be checked and documented after installation and must not increase due to use, e.g. due to floor care products, soiling, discarded foils or objects. It must therefore be checked regularly even after the start of use.

Source: bauwion