ESD Matting

A Guide to ESD Matting

What is Electrostatic Discharge Matting?

Antistatic mats are a layer of matting that shields people or equipment from static electricity discharge. ESD stands for electrostatic discharge, which is the uncontrolled transfer of static electricity. Typically, between two objects with different voltage potentials.

Electricity builds up because of various factors such as friction, contact, and much more. If not transferred, this build up can damage sensitive electrical components. Therefore, an antistatic floor mat can safely transfer this static electricity.

Is ESD harmful or poses a risk to the environment?

Humans can feel pain from ESD when the shock is at 3,000V or above. On average, ESD is around 5,000V. Therefore, it's important to provide protection from this.

ESD is also harmful to industries. It can cause things such as equipment failure. As well as physical harm to employees, economic loss, ignition of flammable materials and much more. Preventing this is important to ensure that customers don't receive faulty products, as well as to maintain safety measures.

How do ESD floor mats benefit your environment?

These mats work by providing a controlled path for static charge to drain to the ground. This is because of their construction, often using conductive or dissipative materials. This typically happens with a grounding lead, which connects the mat to the earth.

ESD equipment to create an EPA.

Technicians use ESD mats in electrostatic protected areas (EPAs). These are controlled environments which actively diffuse static electricity to prevent it from building up.

Here are the key pieces of equipment to put in your EPA:

• ESD Workbenches - These benches also work to protect sensitive electronic components from electrostatic discharge.
• ESD Matting - Allowing static electricity to transfer to the ground.
• ESD Chairs - Grounded via wiring and cords for electricity to dissipate.
• Wrist straps and clothing- These can also protect individuals from ESD.
• Signage and control - Make it clear this is a controlled area.
• Monitoring and testing devices - Ensure grounding systems are still working efficiently.

Our types of ESD Matting

Our anti-static safety matting also combines an anti-fatigue feature. The mat is perfect for industrial environments as a static dissipative material. It consists of an easy-to-clean surface, which is pebble textured for added grip.

Non-conductive electrical switchboard matting is ideal for use around switchboards and high-voltage equipment. We manufacture these from durable rubber, ribbed for added traction. This is available in various sizes to suit different requirements.

Available as an accessory is our UK earth bonding plug. This is ideal for use alongside our bonding cable. This is for connecting mats or workbenches for grounding electricity.

You can pair this plug with our Grounding cable to connect your matting to the plug. Allowing static electricity to dissipate.

How to install an ESD Mat

When installing an ESD Mat, it's important you measure your space prior, so you know what size you require. Once your mat has arrived, the set-up process is straightforward and easy.

Place the mat in your desired area and ensure it is flat with no creases. Then, connect the mat to the ground with your chosen cord or resistor. You can then use optional wrist straps or heel straps for further ESD protection.

Once installed, it's important you keep up with maintenance. You can do this by keeping it clean and regularly checking the resistance to ensure the mat is still working as it should.

Contact our team

If you have any questions about our product range or require assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our team is available via live chat, email, or phone to address all of your inquiries.