Conductive and Dissipative Flooring – Understanding the Difference

At Power Rubber, we have years of experience in manufacturing high-quality ESD flooring. Our products play a vital role in managing electrostatic discharge (ESD) in sensitive environments. They are the ideal solution for specialised, high-tech areas where safety and operational reliability are critical.

What is Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)?

Static electricity occurs through friction between different materials, resulting in one becoming positively and the other negatively charged. Everyday activities such as walking across a carpet or touching a metal object can generate static charges. These charges remain until they are discharged to another person or grounded object.

Sudden transfer of this electricity is known as electrostatic discharge (ESD) – a brief but powerful pulse that can ignite explosive atmospheres, cause fires, damage sensitive electronics, or even injure personnel.

ESD Risks in the Workplace

Common static-generating sources include clothing, shoes, furniture, and flooring. Low humidity environments increase the risk of ESD due to reduced dissipation of charges. A worker walking across synthetic carpet, for example, builds up electrons that can discharge when contact is made with another surface.

The Hazards of ESD

Electrostatic discharge can:

• Cause explosions and fires in hazardous zones (ATEX environments)

• Damage sensitive electronic components (ESDS)

• Lead to data loss, equipment failure, and product defects

• Result in electric shocks harmful to workers

How to Prevent ESD Hazards?

Effective ESD control begins with proper flooring. Installing ESD vinyl flooring or anti-static mats helps reduce static build-up and safely dissipates charges to the ground.

What is ESD Flooring?

ESD floors are designed to safely discharge static electricity. They are classified by electrical resistance measured in ohms (Ω):

• Conductive Flooring (EC): Allows fast charge dissipation

• Dissipative Flooring (SD): Slows down discharge for controlled flow

Both reduce static build-up and protect sensitive equipment and personnel.

Why Choose ESD Flooring?

• Essential in explosion-risk zones and electronic manufacturing

• Prevents equipment failure due to static charges

• Enhances worker safety and comfort

• Durable, easy to clean, and suitable for heavy-traffic areas

Where Are ESD Floors Used?

Our PowerFloor PVC ESD tiles are perfect for:

• Operating rooms, hospitals, doctor’s offices

• Manufacturing lines and cleanrooms

• Data centres, computer service points

• Laboratories, pharmaceutical and chemical plants

• Car workshops, electronics production, and more

Dissipative vs Conductive Flooring – What's the Difference?

The key lies in electrical resistance:

• Conductive Floors: Resistance < 1.0 × 10⁶ Ω (quick discharge)

• Dissipative Floors: 1.0 × 10⁶ Ω < Resistance < 1.0 × 10⁹ Ω (controlled discharge)

ANSI requires ESD floors to have resistance below 1.0 × 10⁹ Ω. Too conductive = shock risk; too dissipative = insufficient protection.

The optimal range: 1.0 × 10⁵ to 1.0 × 10⁸ Ω.

Grounding and Installation

Proper ESD floor performance requires correct grounding and professional installation. Only then can static be safely directed away from personnel and equipment.

Where to Buy ESD Flooring?

We offer high-performance PVC ESD flooring and top-quality rubber ESD mats in various colours and finishes. Designed to minimise static during movement and contact.

Certified ESD Flooring from Power Rubber

Our flooring solutions are ideal for explosive environments (e.g., petrochemical plants), offering:

• Antistatic and conductive properties

• High durability and mechanical resistance

• Resistance to chemical exposure and sparks

Contact Us

Let our specialists help you select the right ESD flooring. Contact us at +48 22 292 40 24 or +48 505 16 03 03, or email Power@PowerRubber.com.