Circuit & System Protection


Clearing the Static: ESD dissipative floor mats

23 November 2022 Circuit & System Protection


Greg Barron, Actum Group director

Static dissipative floor mats are designed to protect sensitive equipment, such as computers and explosive chemicals, by quickly drawing the static electricity off workers before they touch such items.

When walking and moving, people tribocharge; a build-up of static charge on one’s bodies due to touching or rubbing of surfaces in specific combinations of two dissimilar materials. Even the slightest touch can pass electricity onto sensitive equipment, which can destroy processors or cause flammable chemicals to ignite. The body’s static charge can safely be drained to ground by wearing conductive shoes when walking on a dissipative floor mat.

Benefits of ESD dissipative floor mats:

• Vinyl lasts longer (10+ years) and there’s no need for regular maintenance.

• Low reflection.

• Vinyl comes in a variety of decorative styles.

• Easy to repair damage or cracks.

• Rubber and vinyl are pliable and very popular for use in medical facilities to cover skirtings.

• Rubber can withstand extreme temperatures.

To prevent static charge problems, static dissipative mats should be used. All conductive matting and dissipative matting needs to be grounded to function properly. A bench mat needs to be used in conjunction with grounding devices to provide a continuous path to ground and remove static build-up before it discharges.

Actum provide custom capabilities for ESD bench mats including size, grounding snaps, custom shapes, and rounded corners.


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