Predicting Durability of ESD and Static Control Carpet Tile: Comparing Static Conductive and Static Dissipative Properties
How does ESD tile work?Is it possible to predict the long-term performance of static control carpet tile?
The best way to test the durability of static control properties in any textile based ESD floor is by performing destructive testing using a rotating caster chair to simulate the abuse caused by lab and office chairs. The chair caster test method is often called either the swivel chair test or the Phillips chair Caster Test. Learn more about the perception that carpet lacks durability, here >
In lieu of this type of sample preparation, there is a simple measurable indicator to quantifiably identify questionable conductive properties. One method for uncovering potential vulnerabilities is to measure point to point resistivity in two directions across a tile using an ohm meter. First measure the resistivity between two points along the Y axis and then measure two points across the X axis. If either measurement differs by a factor of 10 or greater, it is likely that the carpet has been loaded with conductive mono-filament fibers in only one direction. Uni-directional loading yields a product with long and short term performance liabilities. Over time, traffic and abuse will fracture carbon fibers. When the fibers are loaded in only one direction, a fractured line becomes an open circuit. An open circuit means that the carpet has lost the conductive path it needs to take a static charge to ground. Bi-directional loading prevents this possibility because it enables infinite alternate pathways for conducting static charges even when carbon fibers become damaged.
When comparing carpet samples and evaluating to select one to specify or purchase, be sure to test the carpet samples for uni-directional loading versus multi-directional loading.
Illustrated below, are carpet tile samples showing how to test samples:
(The readings should be the same in all directions).
- Make sure the top, carpeted side of the tile is facing up. You will test the top of the carpet tile..
- Connect one weight of the Resistance Meter to one end of the carpet tile topside. Connect the second weight to the opposite end of the carpet tile topside.
- Turn on meter and record reading.
- Repeat for each additional sample.
Compare the Results
- All measurements should be above 1.0 X 10 to the 5th (>100,000 ohms)
- All measurements should be below 1.0 x 10 to the 8th (<100,000,000 ohms)
- No measurement should differ by more than 100 x
- Measured readings should be the same in both directions
Learn more about Staticworx ESD Carpet tile options.
The Perception of Lack of Durability in Carpet: A Misconception
Perceived lack of durability is a common misconception about static control carpet tile. The likely reason for this misperception involves the vulnerability of most static control carpet to heavy traffic and chair caster abuse. Staticworx eliminates durability concerns by loading high denier Helix carbon fibers into every single carpet tuft. The Helix fiber has been used successfully for almost 20 years since its introduction in the early 1990s by David Long former executive VP at United Technical Products (UTP.). When UTP dissolved, Long negotiated the buyout of their remaining carpet tile inventory. As president of Staticworx, Long renegotiated supply agreements with UTP’s former suppliers enabling the continued availability of Helix loaded static control carpet tiles for applications ranging from electronics assembly to R&D labs to municipal police department E-9-1-1 dispatch centers. Today, Staticworx supplies two lines of ESD carpet tiles: The Conductors and Shadow Effects. Both lines are a continuation of the original UTP modular Computile design. All Staticworx carpet tile comes with a lifetime static control warranty.
How does Staticworx Carpet tile compare against other carpet in the chair caster abuse test?
In side by side durability testing, Staticworx ESD carpet tile lasted up to 5 times longer than other static control carpet tiles. Testing proved that Staticworx tiles retain their ability to remove static electricity even after 100,000 cycles using the Phillips chair caster test method. Staticworx carpet tile will meet ANSI/ESD 20.20 regardless of abuse.
All carpet tiles were tested for resistive properties at the outset of the durability comparison. Resistive properties were measured in ohms using ESDA test method ANSI/ESD S7.1. Staticworx Conductors and Shadow Effects were the only carpet tiles that consistently met the static control flooring requirements of ANSI/ESD S-20.20-2007 without posing a safety threat to personnel. One particular carpet tile marketed as "ESD Grade" (produced with a recycled thermoplastic backing) exhibited extremely inconsistent and potentially dangerous electrical properties. Within the same batch, randomly selected thermoplastic tiles measured in the static dissipative range while others measured in the conductive range. Industry standard calls for a floor to measure either in the static dissipative range or in the static conductive range - not across both ranges within the same installation. Several of the inconsistent thermoplastic backed tiles measured in the danger zone - under 25,000 ohms to ground while other tiles from the same batch exhibited too much resistance.
Read more in our Knowledge Center in the article: Procedures for the Design, Analysis, and and Auditing of Static Control Flooring
