Glossary: What is ASTM F150?
The ASTM F150 test method is designed to measure the electrical conductance or resistance of resilient flooring either in tile or sheet form “for applications such as hospitals, computer rooms, clean rooms, access flooring, munition plants, or any other environment concerning personnel-generated static electricity.”
From ASTM.org: ASTM F150-06(2018)
Standard Test Method for Electrical Resistance of Conductive and Static Dissipative Resilient Flooring
Significance and Use
4.1 Conductive and static dissipative floors (static control flooring) serve as a convenient means of electrically connecting persons and objects together to prevent the accumulation of electrostatic charges. A static control floor is specified on the basis of controlled resistance values. The surface of the floor provides a path of moderate electrical conductivity between all persons and equipment making contact with the floor to prevent the accumulation of dangerous electrostatic charges. Static control footwear will need to be used in conjunction with the floor for the floor to perform effectively with personnel.
4.2 The resistance of some flooring materials change with age. Floors of such materials should have an initial resistance low enough or high enough to permit increase or decrease in resistance with age without exceeding the limits prescribed in the product specifications.
Scope
1.1 This test method covers the determination of electrical conductance or resistance of resilient flooring either in tile or sheet form, for applications such as hospitals, computer rooms, clean rooms, access flooring, munition plants, or any other environment concerning personnel-generated static electricity.
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Learning Center Articles
- 7 Common Mistakes Selecting an ESD floor
- A Guide to ESD Flooring Selection
- Avoid Costly Failures: What You Need to Know When Specifying ESD Flooring
- Choosing ESD Flooring for:
- ESD Footwear: What Is It and When Is It Necessary?
- ESD Footwear for Electronics Manufacturing and Handling Applications
- Facility Managers’ Guide to Selecting ESD Flooring
- The Need for Due Diligence in Specifying Static-Free Flooring
- Standard of Care for Specifying Floors in Mission-Critical Spaces
- Understanding the Hidden Costs of ESD Flooring
- The Case Against Overly Conductive Flooring
- Conductive vs Dissipative
- Electrical Resistance
- Electrical Resistance in Mission-Critical Spaces
- Ensuring Accuracy: Why It’s Critical to Clean Floors and Probes Before ESD Testing
- ESD Standards and Test Methods
- Resistance, Resistivity, and Real World Application
- Walking Body Voltage
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.
