The range of industrial flooring options is constantly expanding. The specific flooring choice depends on the production and technological processes. Requirements for wear resistance, resistance to harmful chemical influences, anti-slip properties, a non-absorbent and easy-to-clean surface, anti-static properties, as well as the absence of friction sparks, are the key factors considered by designers, investors, and builders when making their selection.
Определяне на електрическото съпротивление (ESD) на подови настилки е ключов аспект, който трябва да се вземе предвид при избора на подходящи материали.
During the performance of process and maintenance operations, electrostatic charges and partial discharges may occur. These are undesirable events; their occurrence could lead to spark discharges that ignite flammable vapor-air and dust-air mixtures.
Specialized antistatic flooring (antistatic and spark-dissipating floor coverings) helps prevent the buildup of static electricity. The charges are small and pose no danger to humans, but they can interfere with computers, high-precision equipment, and other electronics. In addition, static electricity attracts dust and other contaminating particles, which is unacceptable for work in cleanrooms.
A preventive measure to prevent ignition in explosive atmospheres is the use of antistatic and non-sparking floor coverings.
Depending on the type of sparks and measures to prevent them, flooring is classified as follows:
- antistatic flooring – prevents the occurrence of electrostatic sparks.
- non-sparking – do not allow the formation of sparks due to friction or impact.
Resistors, classified by their electrical resistance:
- conductive – electrical resistance 104Ω – 106Ω
- antistatic – electrical resistance 106 Ω – 108 Ω
- non-conductive – electrical resistance > 108Ω
Method for determining the electrical resistance of floor coverings
Triangular step method – defined by EN 1081:2018+A1:2020
- vertical drag
- ground resistance
- Surface resistance: A device for measuring electrical resistance with an accuracy (calibrated) of +/-5% in the range of 10–3Ω – 1011Ω и точност +/- 10% над 1011Ω.
The permissible voltage deviations for the device are:
- 10 V ± 0.5 V for resistance below 106 Ω
- 100 V ± 5 V for a resistance between 106 Ω и 1011 Ω
- 500 V ± 25 V for resistance greater than 1011 Ω
Vertical resistance control:
Ground resistance test
- electrode
- sample tests
- metal plate
- resistance meter
The electrical resistance of an installed floor covering is measured between a surface electrode and ground. For areas smaller than 10 m², at least three measurements are taken.
Surface resistance control:
The electrical resistance of a laid floor covering is measured at the surface between two electrodes. Experimental setup.
Determining the electrical resistance of floor coverings
Applications of antistatic flooring
When selecting flooring, both the operating conditions of the work environment and the flooring’s electrostatic and spark-generating properties should be taken into account.
List of applications for electrostatic and anti-static floor coverings:
Cement-based and cement-polymer composite flooring
- Recommended for: production processes with light to medium loads that do not exert impact forces on the floor.
- Anti-static rubber flooring
- Suitable for use in production processes with light to medium loads that do not exert impact forces on the floor.
- manufacturing processes involving minimal mechanical stress and impact on the floor.
- Antistatic flooring based on polymer resins.
- recommended –
manufacturing processes with light to medium loads that do not exert impact forces on the floor.
manufacturing processes involving heavy mechanical loads without impact on the floor.
manufacturing processes with increased requirements for chemical resistance; manufacturing processes with increased hygiene requirements
- Antistatic flooring made from thermoplastic polymers, available in rolls and sheets.
- recommended
manufacturing processes with heightened hygiene requirements
manufacturing processes with light to medium loads that do not exert impact forces on the floor
Regulatory requirements regarding the type and quality of floor coverings.
*REGULATION No. IZ-1971 OF OCTOBER 29, 2009, ON CONSTRUCTION AND TECHNICAL RULES AND STANDARDS FOR FIRE SAFETY*
Art. 285.(1) (Amended, State Gazette No. 75 of 2013) To prevent static electricity discharges and the generation of friction sparks in areas with an explosion hazard, the following requirements must be met:
1. Floor coverings shall be made of materials that prevent the generation of sparks caused by mechanical friction (friction sparks);
- Floor coverings, including those made of organic (synthetic) materials, shall be antistatic with a specific surface resistance of up to 109Ω.
The inspection body at LABPRO EOOD is equipped with professional technical equipment, calibrated to the appropriate inspection scope. The inspection body has developed an inspection procedure based on international BDS EN standards. Conformity assessment is performed according to the customer’s technical specifications or BDS EN standards. Measurements are taken for surface resistance R p-p [Ohm] and ground resistance Rg [Ohm]. The measurements fall within the scope of the inspection body's accreditation.