Circuit & System Protection


ESD flooring

16 February 2011 Circuit & System Protection

Electrostatic discharge is a problem that electronic manufacturers should not ignore.

The scuff of a shoe or the scrape of a chair creates an electron imbalance and, although the resulting discharge may be so small that the human body cannot feel it, it can nevertheless have serious consequences. In electronics manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, ordnance manufacture and storage, ESD incidents can often cause material, component or system failures, which may prove costly and perhaps even dangerous.

The Polyflor ESD range, available from Actum Electronics, has been specifically engineered to combat this problem at source, by facilitating a uniform flow of static electricity directly to a ground point. The range covers all major applications, and includes static dissipative, electrostatic conductive and conductive ROF floorings, each of which combines static control properties with hardwearing and decorative qualities. All Polyflor ESD floor coverings are homogeneous in construction to ensure that these properties are present throughout the product, guaranteeing a consistent and effective appearance and performance. They have excellent abrasion and chemical resistance, and can be welded to create a completely impervious floor, offering no sanctuary to dirt or bacteria.

The closed surface and high vinyl content make Polyflor ESD floor coverings easy and economical to maintain. They can be used in conjunction with static control clothing, footwear and wrist straps, special workstations, ionisers and humidity controllers. They are available in sheet format or as 608 x 608 mm tiles.

It is important that the correct Polyflor product is selected to meet the specification required.

Polyflor static dissipative products are engineered for use where static control is required, but the resistance level of the floor does not need to be as low as that provided by a conductive floor. These floor coverings are ideal for use in telecommunications installations, computer rooms and healthcare facilities such as scanner rooms, X-ray suites and operating theatres, and are also suitable for use in electronics manufacturing.

Electrostatic conductive products have been engineered to meet the latest international standards for ESD protective floor coverings. Where the floor system including the footwear is the primary means of grounding personnel, the resistance of the combination is recommended in BSEN/IEC 61340- 5-1 as being between 7,5 x 105 and 3,5 x 107 Ω. Polyflor electrostatic conductive flooring, in combination with ESD control footwear, meets this requirement when tested to BSEN/IEC 61340-4-5. Recommended applications include electronics manufacturing, wafer fabrication, product assembly, inspection and storage, laboratories, clean rooms and defence establishments.

Polyflor Conductive ROF has been specifically engineered for use in ordnance factories, in manufacturing areas and where explosives and flammable agents are stored.

Since installation is critical, Actum Electronic also provides the service of ensuring that installation is done to the highest standards, including certification.



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