How do conductive floors work?

When walking on vinyl floors (as with any other floor material), an electric charge is generated by friction. In order to be able to dissipate this charge without creating an electric shock, it is necessary to make the floor conductive.

Increased conductivity is achieved in two ways: by the laying system or floor composition.

Laying system

A specific laying system means, above all, conductive penetration, conductive adhesive and grounding copper strips, which must be installed under the vinyl and the entire grid connected to the grounding system of the respective building.

Floor composition

Vinyl flooring with a conductive layer, on the other hand, no longer needs to be glued with a special conductive adhesive, and copper strips are much less needed for installation, as their grid does not have to be as dense as for floors that do not have a conductive treatment.

  • Antistatic conductive homogeneous flooring

This flooring minimises the formation of electrostatic charge, or diverts it into the grounding. This is especially important for places with highly sensitive electronic devices or production halls for fine electronics and microchips, where electrostatic discharge could cause component damage. The standard specifies an electrical resistance for these spaces in the range of 5x10^4 – 5x10^8 Ω.

  • Electrostatic conductive homogeneous floors

This flooring prevents people moving on it from being charged with static electricity, which could create an explosion hazard. This factor is especially important in areas with a risk of explosion, in laboratories, at petrol pumps, storage of flammable substances, etc. For these places, the standard stipulates an electrical resistance in the range of 5x10^4 – 5x10^6 Ω.

Where are conductive floors suitable?

Antistatic and electrostatic conductive floors are prescribed for places that have clearly set restrictions in line with the relevant standards. These are usually places with a potential risk of explosion (laboratories, petrol stations, flammable substance storage) and also places with highly sensitive electronic devices or production halls for fine electronics and microchips, where electrostatic discharge could cause the destruction of components.