What is ESD?

Man in white suit walking on white shiny ESD protected area floor in lab

 

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.

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
Black vector icon triangular warning sign with exclamation point
Fireman extinguishing the fire

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.

How Does ESD Flooring Work?

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.

Sikafloor® ESD (Electro Static Discharge) and Sikafloor® ECF (Electrically Conductive Flooring) Systems can safeguard your entire process. These systems can be used to design and produce a floor that is tailor-made to meet your specific needs.

Warehouse with electronic devices, workers and white ESD flooring

How to Choose an ESD Floor?

Guide to selection of ESD protection for floors
Graphic showing ESD protection floor selection criteria

 

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.  

Standards To Which You Can Refer

ESD Protection Standards in North America
Icon of certificate showing product to meet high standards
  • UFGS-09 97 23
  • NFPA 77
  • ASTM F 150
  • ANSI/ESD S20.20
ESD Protection Standards in Europe
Icon of certificate showing product to meet high standards
  • DIN VDE 0100-600
  • DIN EN IEC 62485-2
  • DIN EN 14041
  • DIN EN 1081
  • IEC 61340-5-1
  • ATEX 153 ED 99/92/EC (also known as ATEX 137)
    • UK: DSEAR Regulations
    • CH: IVSS-Broschure "Gasexplosionen" (No. 2032)
      IVSS-Broschure "Staubexplosionen" (No. 2044)
    • AT: ExSV 1996
    • DE: TRGS 727
ESD Protection Standards in Asia Pacific
Icon of certificate showing product to meet high standards
  • SJ/T 10694-2006

Sika ESD Flooring Products and Systems

Standard Buildup

Examples of ESD Flooring Systems

Sikafloor® MultiDur ES-56 ESD
Sikafloor® MultiDur ES-55 ESD
Sikafloor® MultiDur ES-57 ESD

Latest Development - Sikafloor®-2350 ESD as Final Layer

Low
odor during application
Free
of carbon fibers
Meets
ESD requirements even at low air humidity
Outstanding appearance, like a
mirror

 

  • Low odor during application
  • Free of carbon fibers
  • Free of ionic/ antistatic agent
  • Volume conductivity
  • High compressive strength and hardness
  • Suitable for permanent water load
  • Meets ESD requirements even at low air humidity: BVG < 30 V
  • Outstanding appearance, “like a mirror”

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