Protect Sensitive Machinery Against Electrostatic Discharge
Laboratories, clean rooms, hospitals, computer rooms, and manufacturing facilities all working with sensitive components are at an increased risk of electrostatic discharge when the flooring is not properly installed to mitigate naturally occurring static charges. If this electrostatic discharge is not properly mitigated, serious damage can occur to the electronic components and machinery. Moore Engineering Services provides performance ESD testing services of ESD flooring and other flooring types to determine compliance with static dissipation and grounding requirements necessary for routine facility maintenance.

What is ASTM F150 ESD Testing

Testing ASTM F150 measures the electric conductivity and resistance of resilient flooring. For our purposes, electrostatic dissipation, otherwise known as ESD floor testing, is a characteristic of a flooring surface measured by its ability to dissipate static electricity so that the electronic machinery is protected. Similar flooring types may be conductive and grounded to provide a dissipation of static charge in this way. Manufacturers often require testing of flooring following installation to confirm its effectiveness, and doing so prevents costly repairs down the line.

Purpose for ESD Floor Testing

You may ask, why is ESD testing required? Most manufacturers of ESD flooring and similar materials require testing following installation to ensure the product is working as intended, often for warranty coverage. The installation and maintenance of ESD flooring is done with the purpose of protecting the equipment to ensure electricity dissipates appropriately to prevent damage. When done correctly, the floor provides a path for the electric current between people and objects that won’t disrupt the sensitive machinery and equipment in the room. Therefore, performance testing quantifies the dissipation and conductivity characteristics necessary to receive the full value of the product installed.

Benefits of Testing - ESD Prevention

ESD flooring systems are expensive, and testing confirms that the installation was done correctly to prevent long term damage. Knowing and monitoring these results informs us of the ongoing effectiveness of the flooring and whether it provides adequate ESD protection or if a repair or replacement is necessary. When ESD occurs without proper mitigation, it can slowly damage equipment within the room. Clean rooms, telecommunication, and manufacturing facilities are just some of the environments that benefit from ESD testing.

When to Test - Electrostatic Discharge Testing

Property owners and contractors should perform Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) testing following installation as required by the manufacturer, as well as at regular intervals based on application, use, and manufacturer’s recommendations to confirm ongoing performance. By routinely testing, any issues can be dealt with immediately rather than the equipment failing without understanding why.

What to Expect - ESD Testing Procedure

Standards in the industry have long defined the characteristics necessary for conductive flooring systems. Our quick and non-destructive ESD testing services utilizes ESD testing equipment with an AEMC Megohmmeter to place leads at least three feet apart for testing the voltage of current running through the flooring from negative to positive resistance points. ASTM F150 for Standard Test Method for Electrical Resistance of Conductive and Static Dissipative Resilient Flooring informs our testing and ANSI STM97.1 and STM97.2 further defines that there must be a grounded copper strip for every 1000 sq. ft of ESD flooring less than 1.0 x 109 ohms and the accumulation of body voltage must be less than 100 volts.

More recently is the update of ANSI/ESD STM7.1 for point-to-point and point-to-ground ESD testing and the ANSI/ESD STM97.2 walking test of the ability of the flooring and footwear to dissipate static electricity. We use the Prostat PGA-710 Walking Test System Kit that is comprised of all Prostat brand Electrostatic Field Meter (PFM-711B), Charge Plate Monitor Assembly (CPM-720B), and Autoanalysis System (PGA-710B). This new process connect via USB and involves a technician performing several six-step maneuvers that are recorded on the Prostat Autoanalysis software to determine if the footwear and flooring system are within the provided parameters or not. Testing does not damage the environment, and it provides thorough results necessary to keep your facility running smoothly.

Contact us below for a full overview of our ESD testing services!

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