Predicting Durability of ESD Carpet Tile:
Comparing Static Conductive Properties
Is it possible to predict the durability of ESD carpet tile?
The best way to test the durability of ESD properties in an 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 preperation, 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 carbon fiber in only one direction. Uni-directional loading yields a product with serious potential 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 if a carbon fiber becomes 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 below 1.0 x 10 to the 7th
- No measurement should differ by more than 10 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 ESD 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 withstand chair caster abuse?
In side by side durability testing, Staticworx ESD carpet tile lasted 5 times
longer than other carpet tiles including StaticStop, OhmStyle, Statguard
and Interface Cubic and Furrows anti static carpet tile. Testing shows that
Staticworx ESD carpet tile retains its conductivity even after 100,000 cycles
using the Phillips chair caster test method. Staticworx ESD carpet tile will
meet ANSI/ESD 20.20 regardless of abuse.
Before beginning durability testing all carpet tiles were tested for resistive properties using ESDA test method ANSI/ESD S7.1. Staticworx Conductors and Shadow Effects were the only carpet tiles that met the requirements of conductive flooring from the outset for resistance to ground (RTG < 1.0 X 10 E6 or 1 meg ohm resistance) properties. All other carpet tiles exhibited resistive properties in excess of 1 million ohms before durability testing initiated.
Read more in our Knowledge Center in the article: Procedures for the Design, Analysis, and and Auditing of Static Control Flooring
