We are using ESD anti-fatigue floor mats at a few standing workstations. However, after continuous use for approximately one year, the point-to-ground resistance of some mats has increased to >10⁹Ω which is not acceptable as per our ESD requirements.
If we see physical condition of these mats which is good, however, due to the high resistance readings, we are currently scrapping them.
Could you please suggest whether there is any method to improve or restore the point-to-ground resistance of these existing mats without providing external ground wire connection? This would help us reduce replacement costs and avoid recurring ESD-related concerns.
Cleaning?
I cannot see botom surface - but there could be any problem. I think the mat is laying onto any kind of the floor, is good conductive any time?
Greetings of the day from India to all the members on the forum
Mr. Rahul ,
I would wish to have following few inputs if you can.
Can you please share the data sheet of the item under question orpreferablydetailedPQ report which you must have got either from the supplier or from a third party or from your own IQC lab before it was put into use in your EPA.
2.Was it supplied as an Anti fatigue ESD or ESC mat ?
Are you using them on a normal floor or a grounded ESD floor at the standing work station?
4.What is the P-P resistance of top and bottom layers ?
5.What is the usual average Rh% and the temperature maintained in the area where the ESD safe work station is positioned ?
6.What is the overall thickness of the mat ?
Are there any grounding rivets or buttons from top to the bottom layer ?
Are the footwear your are using to stand on this mats have got PQ pass report and have you checked the Footwear- Flooring system resistance in combination with the personnel per ANSI ESD STM 97.1 and the walking voltage per ANSI ESD 97.2 ?
Can you please share a clear picture of the work station and the positioning of the anti fatigue ESD safe floor mat ?
However; following are few suggestions that you may try out and please put in your comments.
In the event you are using it on an ESD safe grounded floor , try with one mat putting a 35 micron thick x 12 or 18 mm width copper foil network below the mat connected through rivets or grounding buttons from the top layer at all the four corners.
1.a If your work stations chassis are properly grounded then from one corner of the anti fatigue ESD floor mat connect it to the chassis with a small length of 6 mm dia grounding wire or even with a copper foil strip at an invisible corner not disturbing with your foot movement
Ensure no dust and dirt collection below the anti fatigue mat.
3.Ensure to use regularly water soluble ESD surface cleaner both on the base floor (if ESD safe and grounded) and the top of the anti fatigue ESD floor mat . Regular surface cleaning of any work surface or floor is very essential ( with water soluble ESD safe cleaner only but not with any normal commercial surface cleaning solutions available in the market ).
Ensure that the footwear is also regularly cleaned on parallel terms above .
Ensure that the socks if used with the ESD footwear does not act as a dielectric media but there is enough ventilation to develop foot contact with the inner sole of the footwear.
If your ESD floor mat’s point-to-ground resistance has increased, first check the grounding connection, mat surface, and contact points for dirt, residue, corrosion, or loose hardware. Cleaning the mat with an ESD-safe cleaner and retesting can often help identify the issue.
It’s also useful to measure point-to-point resistance separately. If the mat itself is still within specification but point-to-ground resistance is high, the problem may be with the grounding path rather than the mat. Avoid adding conductive coatings or making modifications, as these can alter the mat’s intended ESD characteristics.
