FAQ: How long do conductive and static-dissipative properties last in ESD flooring?

In a properly designed flooring material, static-control properties should last as long as the floor itself. Most conductive and static-dissipative floors are manufactured using elemental conductive or dissipative materials like carbon, graphite and silver. As long as these additives are bonded to the flooring in adequate concentration, they should provide static dissipation forever.

Illustration demonstrating how ESD flooring works. The diagram shows cut off legs/foot standing on a conductive tile (labelled conductive tile with carbon pathways). A zoomed in cross-section is labelled "tile cross section: carbon veins". The next layer down is labelled "conductive adhesive". The next layer is labelled "concrete". From the conductive adhesive, copper stripping is shown with a grounding symbol and the label "connect to AC or bldg. ground". The diagram shows an electrical charge being carried from the person throw the conductive tile to the conductive adhesive and then along the copper stripping to ground.
Illustration demonstrating how ESD flooring works. The diagram shows cut off legs/foot standing on a conductive tile (labelled conductive tile with carbon pathways). A zoomed in cross-section is labelled "tile cross section: carbon veins". The next layer down is labelled "conductive adhesive". The next layer is labelled "concrete". From the conductive adhesive, copper stripping is shown with a grounding symbol and the label "connect to AC or bldg. ground". The diagram shows an electrical charge being carried from the person throw the conductive tile to the conductive adhesive and then along the copper stripping to ground.

Some ESD flooring materials lose their ability to eliminate static because of outside influences like maintenance. Dirt and debris can insulate a static-control floor, for example, causing performance failure. ESD vinyl tile will become a static generator if it is polished with generic floor waxes.

Illustration showing feet standing on a dirty floor with debris
Dirt and debris can act as an insulator, separating shoe soles from the static protective properties (or conductive elements) in an ESD floor.
Illustration showing feet standing on a dirty floor with debris
Dirt and debris can act as an insulator, separating shoe soles from the static protective properties (or conductive elements) in an ESD floor.
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Background graphic is a still from the StaticWorx GroundSafe ESD Flooring – Your Trusted Partner explainer animation. In the foreground at the bottom are two boxes. The top is a bright blue with the StaticWorx logo and "GroundSafe ESD Flooring" underneath in white. The second is a dark blue-gray and includes the text in white: “GroundWorx ESD Flooring – Your Trusted Partner”
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StaticWorx high-performance static-control floors protect electronic components, explosives, and high-speed computers from damage caused by static electricity. ESD flooring is part of a system. Choices should always be based on objective, researched evidence. When you partner with us, we look at all possible items that may need to integrate with the floor, and, focusing on your goals and objectives, help you find the right floor for your application.