How Well Is Your ESD Flooring and Footwear System Working? – Guest Blog

Figure 1: System Resistance Test

by Craig Zander, Transforming Technologies

Craig’s latest Q Source Resource Guest Blog looks at how a Walking Voltage Test reveals how well your ESD flooring & footwear system is working.

The ESD flooring and footwear system is an effective way to ground people that need to be on the move in a factory. ESD footwear, when worn properly, is designed to drain the voltage from a person to the floor and then to ground. Periodic testing of both the floor and the footwear is required to verify proper functioning.

Until recently, a System Resistance Test (ANSI/ESD STM97.1) was all that was needed to qualify an ESD control flooring and footwear system. If the resistance was less than 35 megohms, it was assumed that the person’s voltage would not exceed 100 volts (the upper limit for ANSI/ESD S20.20). However, this testing is done with the person stationary and having both feet flat on the ground. What happens when the person starts moving and the entire foot is not making contact with the floor?

Figure 2: The Walking Test Pattern

The most recent version of ANSI/ESD S20.20 now requires a Walking Voltage Test (ANSI/ESD STM97.2) be performed when qualifying flooring and footwear systems. The test consists of measuring body voltage generated during a six-step pattern used to simulate moving throughout a facility. This test will determine the actual voltage on the person while moving. Research has shown that when tested separately, ESD floors and footwear systems may pass the resistance test, but when used together, can greatly exceed the 100-volt threshold.


Determining the maximum voltage generated by people moving on the factory floor is very valuable information. By knowing the maximum voltage generated you will know that your flooring and footwear investment is performing as designed. You may also be pleasantly surprised to find out that the system is working quite well and you are able to handle devices with much lower Human-Body Model (HBM) damage thresholds.

WT5000

Equipment is available to accurately measure and record the walking voltage. One such instrument is the WT5000. The WT5000 Walking Test Kit (Warmbier WT5000 Electrometer Walking Test Kit) measures and records the walking voltage while providing a graphical readout. The instrument connects to a PC using any Windows version for easy data collection. The WT5000 identifies the peak voltages per the requirements in the standards.

The two-in-one EFM51WT (Transforming Technologies 7100.EFM51.WT Warmbier EFM51WT Field Meter Walking Test Kit) meter holds the PEAK value of the measured body voltage, as well as the LIVE static voltage measured on the operator’s body. The kit includes the EFM51 static field meter, walking test adapter plate, hand probe and conductive carrying case. The EFM51 is a fully functional field meter that, in addition to the Walking Test, measures and detects electrostatic fields, surface potentials, and discharge times (with optional charge plate accessory (part number 7100.EFM51.CPS.SET).

EFM51

You have made the investment in an ESD flooring and footwear system so that people can be mobile while still protecting your products from ESD events. Determining your actual walking voltage generated is critical to knowing that your products are being protected.

CLOSING: Thanks, Craig! We appreciate you filling us in about the necessity of Walking Voltage Tests to ensure proper ESD protection for flooring and footwear systems. Your expertise is invaluable to our Q Source community.

For information about Transforming Technologies and their ESD control/monitoring products (including walking test kits), please visit QSource.com. you.

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SCS’ New Air Ionizers Offer Reliable Static Control

These two reliable ionizers feature built-in automatic emitter point cleaners, adjustable fan speeds, and steady-state DC ionization. If you’re looking for a dependable solution for ionization, these units are a smart choice.

SCS 9110-NO - BENCHTOP AIR IONIZER

The SCS 9110-NO 100-240 VAC Benchtop Air Ionizer w/Power Source helps eliminate the build-up of static charges on insulative materials. It has an easy access cover for maintenance, a white powder-coated metal housing, and an illuminated power switch. In addition, it features the following specifications:

• AC/DC Power Adapter Power Input: 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz - Power Output: 24 VDC, 2.5A
• Operating Voltage: 24 VDC, 1.8 A maximum
• Power Consumption: 14 watts (normal operation) 42 watts (auto cleaning operation)
• Fuse: 2 QA, 250V, 5.2 x 20 mm glass tube
• Ion Emission: Steady-state DC
• Balance Voltage: ± 15 volt (25 ± 5°C, 45 ± 10% RH)
• Decay Time: ≤ 2 sec
• Air Speed: 500' per min (152 m/min)
• Audible Noise: High fan speed: 54 dB (sustained), 57 dB (auto cleaning)/Low fan speed: 48 dB (sustained), 55 dB (auto cleaning)
• Ozone Level: < 0.05 ppm
• Certifications & Approvals: cULus, CE, RoHS, WEEE

SCS 9310-NO - OVERHEAD AIR IONIZER

The SCS 9310-NO 100-240 VAC Overhead Air Ionizer w/Power Source includes most of the same features as the 9110-NO Benchtop unit. In addition, its specifications include:

• Operating Voltage: 24 VDC, 2.5A maximum
• Power Consumption: 43 watts (normal operation) 60 watts (auto cleaning operation)
• Fuse: 5 A, 250V, 5.2 x 20 mm glass tube
• Decay Time: ≤ 3.5 sec
• Air Speed: 200' per min (61 m/min)
• Audible Noise: High Fan Speed: 57 dB (sustained), 60 dB (auto cleaning)/Low Fan Speed: 46 dB (sustained), 51 dB (auto cleaning)

Please Note: Neither unit includes a power cord. The compatible SCS 770000 North America Power Cord is available separately.

Please visit QSource.com to purchase one of these new SCS Air Ionizers. You may also contact us by phone (800-966-6020), email, or via our Web site.

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Ergomat Infinity Mats: Could Be the Last Mat You'll Ever Buy

Ergomat wants to sell you the last mat you'll ever need to buy. Their Ergomat Infinity line of ergonomic floor mats is being touted as the "first ever ergonomic mat available with up to a lifetime warranty" and as a true "green" ergonomic mat.

The Ergomat Infinity Mat (coming soon to QSource.com) is available in smooth or bubble style with ESD versions for both and was created to offer a Polyurethane mat with both ergonomic comfort and unbeatable durability. And with a nod toward being green and protecting the planet, these long-lasting mats meet Ergomat's goal of "Reduce, Re-use, and Recycle."

Infinity Mats can be manufactured in custom shapes and sizes to fit the footprint of your workstation. And because they feature a very high chemical and UV resistance, they are perfect for use in the health care and pharmaceutical industries. Ergomat's Infinity line is also appropriate in critical areas for general industries.

In addition to their long-lasting durability and anti-fatigue characteristics, Ergomats Infinity Mats also feature:

• Molded beveled edges
• Mats will never curl up, thus eliminating tripping hazards
• Virgin raw material only
• Silicone & latex-free
• The closed cell/non-porous surface allows for easy wash down/cleaning
• Anti-static properties
• Cleanroom ISO Class 5 (100)

The regular warranty, for normal usage, of the Ergomat Infinity is 12 years. Ergomat offers the lifetime warranty option for dry or retail type environments under a service agreement. Regular usage relates to a user standing or walking on the mat while wearing regular footwear. Environmental requirements are a temperature under 77 degrees F (25 C) with humidity below 80%. The warranty covers the replacement of the mat (no direct or indirect costs are covered). So, under acceptable, regular use the Infinity Mat will truly be the last mat you'll ever need.

For more information, or to purchase an Ergomat Infinity Mat, please call Q Source at 800-966-6020 or contact us via email. To place an order for other Ergomat products please visit our Ergomat Department at QSource.com.

If there's a product or topic you'd like to see The Q Source Resource write about please let us know. We'd also appreciate if you share this blog post with your friends and colleagues via the social media links below. And, as always, feel free to leave us a message in the comments section.

A Closer Look at CCI's Corstat Conductive Corrugated Material

Eliminating ESD from your manufacturing and handling processes is vital to creating a static-safe environment for workers and sensitive electronic devices. Conductive Containers Inc.'s (CCI) Corstat technology was created to help you meet this goal.

Corstat, first manufactured in 1978, has become an ESD solution for some of the biggest names in the Electronics, Defense, Automotive, Space, and Medical industries. Let's take a closer look at how this innovative technology addresses the challenges of ESD.

ESD Consistent Shielding
During the manufacturing process, a conductive shielding layer is applied to both sides of the Corstat corrugated paperboard material. This shielding layer is put-down at a 10³ ohms to 10⁴ ohms resistivity. CCI indicates that it is the combination of the shielding layers and the "air gap" locked between the layers that provides excellent ESD shielding that is better than industry standards. Materials that do not have the "air gap" will not perform as well. This is true of impregnated materials and solid conductive plastics. CCI believes it is much easier to control a product's ESD/electrical consistency during the coating process than it is by using loaded fiber materials to make ESD products.

Protective Sealer
After shielding layer is created, CCI also applies a proprietary sealing layer over the Corstat coatings. This is done with the aim of making Corstat the most effective conductive corrugated material available. This second coating accounts for several very important factors:

• Controlled Discharge: Corstat raises the surface resistivity to 10⁴ to 10⁵ ohms to assure the material's surface will provide a slow enough drainage of static from a part that may have static build-up on it. This is done to protect delicate components from damage. The ESD standard for this function is 10⁴ up to 10¹⁰ ohms.
• Low Sulfur: This second coating also controls sulfur out-gassing. Regular brown corrugated paperboard is made using sulfur as a manufacturing agent, but sulfur residue can cause lead contamination and build up on sensitive parts and solder areas. According to CCI, their dissipative over coating controls/negates this affect and non-coated conductive corrugated does not offer this very important protection.
• Clean Surface: Regular brown kraft or coated but "unsealed" conductive corrugated can generate particulates in the manufacturing environment. These Foreign Objects & Debris (FOD) are a major problem in the electronics industry. Corstat's protective layer provides the end user with what CCI calls the "cleanest conductive corrugated on the market."
• Recyclable: Corstat is manufactured to be 100% Old Corrugated Containers (OCC) recyclable. OCC means that Corstat is the same as any brown box you might recycle at home. This is the largest family of recyclable corrugated items. The term "recyclable" can be misleading since it may simply mean that you can produce black roofing paper from it because you cannot remove the "black" color. The key is the OCC standard.

Physical Strength
CCI says that coated Corstat does not change the strength of the corrugated substrate, whereas other impregnated products might add enough carbon to the structure to weaken the physical properties of the corrugated material. Corstat is manufactured to provide stronger and longer lasting physical protection.

If you'd like to learn more about CCI's Corstat ESD packaging material line, or if you'd like to order a custom-designed ESD handling and shipping solution, please contact Q Source at 800-966-6020 or via email. Our helpful expert staff can help you find the best solution to meet your ESD protection needs.