Vinyl flooring
Anti-static, dissipative or conductive flooring: what is the difference?
Published 6 min read
“Anti-static” is used loosely, but anti-static, static dissipative and conductive floors are three different performance levels, measured by two different tests.
Knowing which one a room needs avoids both under-specifying a theatre and over-paying for a ward.
The three levels
| Level | What it does | How it is judged |
|---|---|---|
| Anti-static | Limits charge building up as people walk on it | Walk test, EN 1815: at or below 2 kV is considered anti-static |
| Static dissipative (SD) | Drains charge to earth at a controlled rate | Electrical resistance to earth, EN 1081 |
| Conductive (EC) | Drains charge to earth quickly | Electrical resistance to earth, EN 1081; a lower resistance band than SD |
Resistance limits differ between sources and standards (for example the conductive limit is quoted as 10⁵ or 10⁶ ohms), so confirm the exact band in your project specification.
Two tests, two questions
EN 1815 is a walk test: it measures the voltage a person generates while walking on the floor. EN 1081 measures the resistance of the floor to earth.
A floor can pass the walk test and still not be a dissipative or conductive floor. A resistance-controlled floor is what a theatre or a room with sensitive equipment usually needs, not just a low walking voltage.
Choosing by room
Wards, corridors, offices
Standard or anti-static is normally enough. Static control is not usually required.
Operating theatres
Usually a resistance-controlled (dissipative or conductive) floor. The requirement comes from national and hospital guidance, so confirm it with the electrical engineer and the hospital.
Labs and equipment rooms
Dissipative where instruments or electronics need protection. Too low a resistance can let charge move so fast it damages components, so match it to the equipment.
Pharma production and solvents
Dissipative or conductive, depending on the process and the flammable materials present.
Installation matters as much as the product
Static control floors usually need a conductive adhesive and an earthing connection, installed and tested to the manufacturer’s method. A good product installed badly will not perform.
Frequently asked questions
Is anti-static the same as ESD flooring?
No. Anti-static means low charge generation under the walk test. ESD flooring is resistance-controlled (dissipative or conductive) and drains charge to earth.
Do all hospital floors need static control?
No. It is mainly for theatres, areas with flammable agents or sensitive equipment, and some labs and pharma zones.
Who decides which level is needed?
The project specification, the equipment manufacturer and the electrical engineer. We supply and install to what they specify.
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