Installation of ShadowFX static-dissipative ESD carpet tile at Seabox

FAQs: ShadowFX Static-Dissipative (ESD) Carpet Tiles

Background image is a photo of a completed ShadowFX static-dissipative (ESD) carpet installation in a call center facility. In the foreground at the bottom are two boxes. The top is a bright blue and includes the StaticWorx logo. The second is a dark blue-gray and includes the text in white: "ESD Carpet Designers Love"
Play Video about Background image is a photo of a completed ShadowFX static-dissipative (ESD) carpet installation in a call center facility. In the foreground at the bottom are two boxes. The top is a bright blue and includes the StaticWorx logo. The second is a dark blue-gray and includes the text in white: "ESD Carpet Designers Love"
Background image is a photo of a completed ShadowFX static-dissipative (ESD) carpet installation in a call center facility. In the foreground at the bottom are two boxes. The top is a bright blue and includes the StaticWorx logo. The second is a dark blue-gray and includes the text in white: "ESD Carpet Designers Love"
Play Video about Background image is a photo of a completed ShadowFX static-dissipative (ESD) carpet installation in a call center facility. In the foreground at the bottom are two boxes. The top is a bright blue and includes the StaticWorx logo. The second is a dark blue-gray and includes the text in white: "ESD Carpet Designers Love"

Can I use ShadowFX ESD carpet tile on stairs?

Yes, but, achieving electrical continuity over stair treads and risers requires a special strategy. For most stair installations we provide a self-adhesive copper tape that is adhered over each tread and down each riser with no breaks. The tape is either electrically bonded to the main ESD floor or grounded separately to an approved ESD ground like an AC outlet. Conductive adhesive is spread over the tape and then the flooring is installed on top of the adhesive. Because the tape is contiguous from the top step to the bottom, all treads and risers are electrically connected to the same ground connection. This can be verified using an ohm meter with ESD flooring test probes.

Can ShadowFX be installed as a floating floor?

Yes, StaticWorx has developed a simple process that allows any of our ESD carpet options to be installed with no adhesive. This makes it easy to install ShadowFX in leased spaces and then remove the tiles and reinstall them at a new location. Contact Staticworx to learn more about TacTiles and GroundBridge.

Can ShadowFX carpet be installed one-to-one over raised floors?

Yes, ShadowFX can be installed using the Tate PosiTile® positioners for use over Tate ConCore® panels. ShadowFX can be installed one-to-one over Global IFS TecCrete concrete panels using the CarpetLok™ system. The PosiTile system is created by ultrasonically welding four positioning buttons on the bottom of each ShadowFX carpet tile at the Tate factory. CarpetLok positioning devices are installed by the Global IFS access floor contractor during construction of the floor.

Photograph of ShadowFX static-dissipative ESD carpet installed over raised access flooring. The floor uses PosiTile so tiles are easily removed to access the floor below as seen in the photo.
ShadowFX static-dissipative ESD carpet installed over raised access flooring. The floor uses PosiTile so tiles are easily removed to access the floor below as seen in the photo.

Do I need a special adhesive?

ShadowFX carpet requires the use of either releasable conductive adhesive or TacTiles adhesive strips with a GroundBridge underlayment. Either option is stocked and shipped from our warehouse.

Installation of ShadowFX ESD carpet with TacTiles

Do I need copper wire under all the carpet tiles?

No. You do not need to install a copper grid system under ShadowFX ESD carpet tile. Copper strips are installed at the perimeters of the room. ShadowFX installations require only one 24-inch copper strip per 1000 sq. ft. carpet.

Do you have authorized ShadowFX installers?

StaticWorx works with hundreds of flooring installers across all of North America. Contact your StaticWorx representative for a list of professional installers.

Does ShadowFX cost more to install than regular carpet?

No. Installation and labor costs should be about the same. ShadowFX carpet tile can be installed using conductive adhesive or glue free with easy-peel TacTile®  corner connectors. The only additional cost is for copper strips to ground the installation. Copper strips cost $6 per strip and only 1 strip is required per 1000 sq.ft. installation.

How do I know if my ESD carpet works? It looks like regular carpet.

The only way to know if a static-dissipative ESD carpet is doing its job is by testing the floor with an ohmmeter. StaticWorx created the GroundSafe™ program to help clients get their floor tested and certified at no cost at the completion of the installation. All you need to do is write the following into the specification:

Upon project completion, the flooring manufacturer or their representative shall measure the resistance of the finished floor with a calibrated ohm meter and provide certification in writing that the floor measures in the static dissipative range (1.0 x 10E6 – < 1.0 x 10E9) per either the ASTM F150 test method or the ANSI/ESD STM7.1.

Photo is of a completed ShadowFX static-dissipative (ESD) carpet installation in an electronics manufacturing and assembly facility.
Completed installted of ShadowFX ESD carpet tile (Vermont Planx collection) at Qorvo, Inc.

How does ShadowFX carpet tile get installed?

ShadowFX carpet is installed like any carpet installation, except that you must use conductive rather than regular adhesive. It can also be installed using TacTile®  adhesive strips, which attach tiles to one another at all four corners, with GroundBridge conductive underlayment. Copper ground strips are laid at the perimeter of the room, over the adhesive or GroundBridge, and attached to an outlet or other earth ground. One 24” copper strip is required per 1000 sq.ft. installation.

Background image is a photo of someone in the middle of grounding an ESD floor. In the foreground at the bottom are two boxes. The top is a bright blue and includes the text “Static Shorts With StaticWorx: Right from the den” and the StaticWorx logo. The second is a dark blue-gray and includes the text in white: “Grounding an ESD Floor is Quick and Easy”
Play Video about Background image is a photo of someone in the middle of grounding an ESD floor. In the foreground at the bottom are two boxes. The top is a bright blue and includes the text “Static Shorts With StaticWorx: Right from the den” and the StaticWorx logo. The second is a dark blue-gray and includes the text in white: “Grounding an ESD Floor is Quick and Easy”
Background image is a photo of someone in the middle of grounding an ESD floor. In the foreground at the bottom are two boxes. The top is a bright blue and includes the text “Static Shorts With StaticWorx: Right from the den” and the StaticWorx logo. The second is a dark blue-gray and includes the text in white: “Grounding an ESD Floor is Quick and Easy”
Play Video about Background image is a photo of someone in the middle of grounding an ESD floor. In the foreground at the bottom are two boxes. The top is a bright blue and includes the text “Static Shorts With StaticWorx: Right from the den” and the StaticWorx logo. The second is a dark blue-gray and includes the text in white: “Grounding an ESD Floor is Quick and Easy”

How is ShadowFX installed over the FreeAxez GRIDD® flooring system?

ShadowFX over GRIDD makes for an easy installation. There is no need for conductive adhesive. Simply attach all corners of ShadowFX to each other using TacTile connectors. The combination of the metal in the floor and the dissipative backing in the tiles provides the static-dissipative ground path needed to meet both ANSI and ASTM resistance properties for a static-dissipative floor.

Is ShadowFX carpet tile compatible with raised access panels?

Yes. ShadowFX carpet tile comes in standard 19 cm x 19 cm or 2’ x 2’ for installation over any raised access and/or low profile cable management floor. ShadowFX with TacTile connectors offers the easiest, least expensive installation method for tile placement over any raised floor system. Simply lock the bottom corners of tiles together with TacTile connectors.  When you need access to the space under the panels simply pull the tile corners apart and remove the panel. In most cases you can reuse the same TacTiles when you put the tile back in place.

What colors/styles does it come in?

All our available colors can be seen on each individual style page. ShadowFX ESD carpet tile is available in the following collections: Chenille Warp, Cubic, Fields & Stone, Furrows II, Parks, Patterns, Peaks, Solids, Treez, Vermont Planx, Vermont Slate. 

Carpet Tile for Access Flooring Applications

Looking for easy installation of Staticworx ESD Carpet Tile over your bare access floor panels?


ShadowFX SDC with TacTiles® is your solution.


  • Installation economy – no adhesive required
  • Guaranteed to meet all ESD standards for any application
  • ShadowFX carpet tiles with dissipative backing are grounded upon contact with metal panels Carpet tiles are easily lifted and replaced
ShadowFX Solids

With its simple, subtle texture and diversity of color options, Shadow FX SDC Solids is a popular choice for many styles of interior. It’s also ideal for mixing and matching with other Shadow FX SDC carpet tiles, to create accents, inserts, borders or checkerboard effects – a really useful, versatile tool for designers.


ShadowFX Patterns and Cubic Collections

After two or three years of use, carpet tiles exposed to chair casters and heavy traffic used to be prone to pile crush, making them look different from adjacent tiles. The main factor contributing to this problem was the pattern designs used in typical ESD carpet tile. All of these systems were either a solid pattern with slightly mottled colors or linear patterns with directional lines. Because carpet tiles appear seamless, like one large continuous floor, worn areas would stick out like a coffee stain on a white shirt.

 

The solution: Learning from nature.

 

Based on biomimicry – the study and imitation of nature’s best ideas to solve human problems – Staticworx ShadowFX static-dissipative (SD) carpet tiles mimic the organic design of nature. Tiles vary in patterns and colors within one style and colorway – all but eliminating the ability to observe pile crush or other forms of wear between tiles.

 

Because there’s no need to worry about matching dye lots, you need less attic stock and selective replacement is more effective. Replacement tiles are almost indistinguishable from older – original – tiles in the same installation.

 

Non-directional Installation for Less Installation Waste

 

ShadowFX SDC Patterns and Cubic Collections offer the added benefit of non-directional installation, meaning that tiles can be laid in any order or orientation. With no set pattern to maintain and no need to align tiles in a certain direction, there is significantly less installation waste. In fact, the average ShadowFX non-directional installation produces only 1.5% waste versus an average of 14% for other carpet styles. That means more of your floorcovering investment is on your floor, not in a dumpster.

 

And the best part, ShadowFX carpet tiles can be installed without glue, as a floating floor over any hard surface.

 

 
ShadowFX SDC Treez

Simplicity Meets Style


Treez, our latest ShadowFX carpet tile collection, marries timeless style with the simplicity in nature. Tufted, textured loop construction adds dimension, creating a look as natural and stately as the bark on a tree. As appealing and comfortable in an uptown financial services space or high-tech lobby as in a workhorse application such as a data center or manufacturing facility.


ShadowFX SDC Parks Series

In sophisticated tones with threads of complementary colors in varying widths, our Parks Series carpet tile puts an earthy twist on classic linear design. A low-profile face uses less material for a tailored, upscale aesthetic.


ShadowFX SDC Peaks Collection

Like the stately summits of Vermont, our Peaks series carpet tile combines natural beauty with zen-like tranquility. Elegant in pattern and texture, with colorways in both warm and cool tones, our Peaks collection gives you a floor with dimension, functionality, and character.


ShadowFX SDC Fields & Stone Collection

Humans instinctively crave a connection to nature. Time spent in holistic places like Vermont provides a sense of comfort and wellbeing while promoting physical and mental health.


Inspired by the natural world, our ShadowFX Vermont Fields and Stone Carpet Tile Collection brings nature into the workspace, evoking feelings of serenity and refuge. A fusion of organic design and neutral color palette makes this dynamic collection as ideal for urban as for country or rural environments.


ShadowFX SDC Chenille Warp Carpet

ShadowFX SDC Chenille Warp Carpet is a tufted patterned level tip-sheared pile carpet tile, with SD backing. The pile material is made from recycled solution-dyed nylon. The fundamental aesthetic of Chenille is stripes which have been interpreted in a bold and textural way without relying on heavy face weight. Shadow FX Chenille Warp is available in colorways. The tiles can be installed in a variety of ways including quarter-turn, ashlar, brick fashion and parquet, with the potential to provide an unconventional appearance.


ShadowFX SDC Furrows II Carpet Tile

Linear precision, softened by texture and offset shapes.


As its name suggests, Furrows II has a resilient patterned loop pile carpet, reflecting the linear regularity of ploughed fields. Its textured, structured loop pile creates the three-dimensional impression of an aerial view of a cultivated landscape.


Designed for heavy contract performance, ShadowFX Furrows II maintains its distinctive appearance even in high-traffic areas. Pile yarn and backing contain pre-consumer recycled material, minimizing environmental impact.


Vermont Slate Carpet Tile

Built to withstand heavy traffic and abuse and designed to address the most stringent static control requirements – making Vermont Slate ideal for any application from electronics manufacturing to labs to 24/7 critical environments.


StaticWorx Vermont Slate carpet-tile collection provides the durability and high performance you expect from StaticWorx floors in a design that transports you to the mountains of Vermont. Warm, monochromatic earth tones promote a peaceful environment, inspiring creativity and a sense of wellbeing and connectedness.


The rock-like etchings in our Vermont Slate carpet tiles flow seamlessly across the surface of the floor in a non-directional or monolithic installation. Merge-ability enables mixing dye lots and saves money by allowing you to add new or replace worn or damaged tiles without worrying about dye lot compatibility.


  • Mergeable design – eliminates worry about matching dye lots
  • No fade – solution-dyed yarn prevents fading
  • Non-directional install method – easy to install and replace
  • Durable – rated for high traffic
  • Superior static control performance – meets the most stringent ESD standards including ANSI/ESD S20.20 and IEC 61340-5-1:2016*
    • Lifetime warranty for static control.
  • Static dissipative – meets standards for electronics manufacturing, telecom and government spaces**

Vermont Planx™

ShadowFX™ Planx offer a more expressive visual vocabulary.


Our 25cm x 1m Shadow FX ESD Planx bring new proportion and scale to carpet tile, giving you power to create fresh, exciting floor designs. The scale and directionality of Shadow FX ESD Planx creates floors that better reflect the geometry and flow of the surrounding space.


Planx or squares, our tiles all work together.


Use square tiles with contrasting Skinny Planks for large-scale tile patterns, provide wayfinding cues, or for work and activity zones. And this is just the beginning!


StaticWorx modular carpet tile and Planx work together in any combination, giving you a carpet tile design platform with unparalleled options.


A shape that’s better at hiding seams.


Want the benefits of carpet tile without the look of carpet tile? Use Shadow FX ESD Planx, same style and color, laid in an ashlar pattern. They’ll blend near seamlessly across the floor, giving you the benefits of modularity and the continuous look of broadloom.


A soft hard surface.


Love the look of wood plank flooring? Think luxury vinyl plank flooring is stunning? Patterns—like herringbone or ashlar—give ShadowFX Planx the visual appeal of other plank floors, with the patterning possibilities. You also get a floor covering that’s soft, quiet and much more economical than hard surfaces.


What levels of protection do you have?

There are no industry-recognized “levels” of static control. The term “levels” is used for marketing purposes because it is easy to understand and remember. “Levels” are not recognized in ASTM or ANSI formats and are not used in CSI specifications. ESD flooring is rated by range of conductivity, measured in ohms.  

Ohmmeter showing a reading of 1.5E06
Resistance test after a completed ShadowFX ESD carpet installation for Jane Street

There are 3 ANSI and ASTM ranges of conductivity: They are called Conductive, Insulative and Static Dissipative. The term conductive refers to carpet that measures under 1.0 x 10E6 ohms, using a resistance meter and following the procedure outlined in industry standard test method ANSI/ESD STM S7.1.  Static dissipative tile measures 1.0 x 10E6 to 1.0 x 10E9 ohms. And insulative measures above 1.0 x 10E9. There is very little to no conductivity in an insulative floor and an insulative floor will likely generate some amount of harmful static electricity.

ASTM, CRI, AATCC and ANSI/ESD have never used the term “levels” to categorize flooring options or describe the efficacy of an antistatic carpet. The efficacy of all ESD flooring can be clearly described and specified by citing results of recognized industry-standard test methods. These tests measure the electrical resistance (in ohms) and charge generation properties (volts or kV) of the floor. The results of both resistance and body voltage testing should be included in all specifications.

To specify ShadowFX or any ESD carpet tile, always refer to the electrical resistance standard test method for that industry and application. Standards vary significantly by industry, so be sure you refer to the correct standards and not product branded terms. Electrical standards measure resistance in ohms, using an ohm meter. Most standards also require you to measure body voltage, aka charge generation, in volts using a charge plate monitor.

There are no industry-recognized “levels” of static control. The term “levels” is used for marketing purposes because it is easy to understand and remember. “Levels” are not recognized in ASTM or ANSI formats and are not used in CSI specifications. ESD flooring is rated by range of conductivity, measured in ohms.  

Ohmmeter showing a reading of 1.5E06
Resistance test after a completed ShadowFX ESD carpet installation for Jane Street

There are 3 ANSI and ASTM ranges of conductivity: They are called Conductive, Insulative and Static Dissipative. The term conductive refers to carpet that measures under 1.0 x 10E6 ohms, using a resistance meter and following the procedure outlined in industry standard test method ANSI/ESD STM S7.1.  Static dissipative tile measures 1.0 x 10E6 to 1.0 x 10E9 ohms. And insulative measures above 1.0 x 10E9. There is very little to no conductivity in an insulative floor and an insulative floor will likely generate some amount of harmful static electricity.

ASTM, CRI, AATCC and ANSI/ESD have never used the term “levels” to categorize flooring options or describe the efficacy of an antistatic carpet. The efficacy of all ESD flooring can be clearly described and specified by citing results of recognized industry-standard test methods. These tests measure the electrical resistance (in ohms) and charge generation properties (volts or kV) of the floor. The results of both resistance and body voltage testing should be included in all specifications.

To specify ShadowFX or any ESD carpet tile, always refer to the electrical resistance standard test method for that industry and application. Standards vary significantly by industry, so be sure you refer to the correct standards and not product branded terms. Electrical standards measure resistance in ohms, using an ohm meter. Most standards also require you to measure body voltage, aka charge generation, in volts using a charge plate monitor.

What non proprietary performance requirements should I include in my project specification to ensure that I am describing a compliant product without showing brand bias?

The following language describes ESD carpet tile that would be suitable for any ESD carpet application ranging from 9-1-1 call centers, flight towers or control rooms to electronics manufacturing and R&D.

  1. Carpet tile to measure less than 1,000,000,000 (< 1.0 and 10E9) ohms per the test method ASTM F150 and ANSI/ESD STM 7.1
  2. Carpet tile must generate less than 1.0 kV per the test method AATCC-134
  3. Carpet tile must generate less than 100 volts per ANSI/ESD S97.2 when tested with static control footwear.

Find electrical standards here.

As a simple rule when writing a specification, ANSI and ASTM require any ESD floor to measure below 1 billion ohms. Less than one billion ohms is often written numerically as either < 1,000,000,000 ohms or < 1.0 x 10E9 ohms. That’s all there is to it.

Where does ShadowFX carpet tile ship from?

ShadowFX carpet tiles ship from one of our warehouses in Georgia and Mississippi.

Get in Touch

The form below will help us better understand your needs and get you as quickly as possible to the right person. We look forward to helping you solve your static problem! 

You can expect a response within 24 hours. For faster service, please give us a call: 617-923-2000

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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.

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Email: [email protected]

“I’m so glad we were able to find an attractive solution that didn’t leave us with some run-of-the-mill ugly disaster.”

Unless otherwise stated, standards referenced are the most up-to-date versions.

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The FAA has updated its standard for facilities and electronic equipment. StaticWorx meets all requirements for ESD flooring.

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“I’m so glad we were able to find an attractive solution that didn’t leave us with some run-of-the-mill ugly disaster.”

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Get in Touch

East Coast: 617-923-2000
Email: [email protected]

subscribe to newsletter

Sign up for our newsletter and occasional updates.

The FAA has updated its standard for facilities and electronic equipment. StaticWorx meets all requirements for ESD flooring.

Unless otherwise stated, standards referenced are the most up-to-date versions.

Get in Touch

East Coast: 617-923-2000
Email: [email protected]

“I’m so glad we were able to find an attractive solution that didn’t leave us with some run-of-the-mill ugly disaster.”

Share This

subscribe to newsletter

Sign up for our newsletter and occasional updates.

The FAA has updated its standard for facilities and electronic equipment. StaticWorx meets all requirements for ESD flooring.

Unless otherwise stated, standards referenced are the most up-to-date versions.

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