What is antistatic linoleum and what is it for?

Nowadays, the problem associated with the use of a large number of different electrical appliances remains very pressing, as a result of which static electricity accumulates in the room. As a result, there are malfunctions in computers, fax machines and telephone exchanges, and in addition, even touching a simple door handle often gives a fairly noticeable electrical discharge. This problem can be solved with the help of a special coating — antistatic linoleum.

This type of linoleum is manufactured specifically to combat excess electrification of flooring, both residential and non-residential. The anti-static coating reduces dust accumulation, fire and explosion hazards, significantly preventing the negative impact of static on highly sensitive devices.

Antistatic linoleum is a PVC floor covering with antistatic properties, that is, it allows to minimize the formation of static charges when in contact with another material, the friction of one material against another, etc.

The main advantages of antistatic linoleum is the ability to use it in rooms with high-precision equipment, in which the use of other types of linoleum is unacceptable. In addition, this floor covering is highly reliable, resistant to external influences, hygienic and unpretentious in maintenance. Also, antistatic linoleum has high sound insulation and resistance to high temperatures. This coating has a wide variety of colors, which makes it possible to choose the right option for any room design. The service life of antistatic linoleum is comparable to marble or tiles.

There are three types of antistatic PVC, depending on the conductivity:

— antistatic linoleum has an electrical resistance of at least 109 ohms. Linoleum can be considered antistatic, provided that walking on it causes no more than 2 kilovolts of voltage. These coatings are sometimes called insulating. He will note that almost any commercial coating has antistatic properties and all the above characteristics, therefore, if there are no special requirements for the floor, then you can safely apply it. This type of linoleum is often used in computer rooms, service rooms and call centers.

-dissipating current linoleum has a resistance of 106-108 ohms. In order to give linoleum such properties of current dissipation, special additives (carbon particles or carbon threads) are included in its composition. In this case, the electric charge generated when walking on the floor is quickly dispersed on the floor, and the static charges become harmless. Dissipative coatings are used in X-ray rooms, server rooms, etc.

— conductive linoleum has a resistance of 104-106 ohms.The composition of such coatings includes graphite additives, due to which excellent conductivity and instant discharge of electric charge from the floor is ensured. Such linoleum is used in rooms with expensive and highly sensitive industrial equipment.

There is often a bit of confusion and anti-static batum refers to all three types of flooring. However, this is wrong, because there is a big difference between them, both in characteristics and in the peculiarities of production and assembly methods. In an ordinary office space, as a rule, it is sufficient to use the first type of coating, but rooms saturated with equipment and electronics (PBX rooms, operating rooms, test laboratories, etc.) already require the use of the third type of talum. One way or another, you should not choose the cover yourself, it is best to consult with experienced specialists.

As you can see, the scope of application of antistatic linoleum is wide. To ensure the safety of work in industrial facilities, it is important that the resistance is the same at all points of the floor covering. In addition, the resistance value of the floor covering throughout the service life must be unchanged, because human life depends on the quality of the floor covering in industrial facilities.

The laying of antistatic linoleum is carried out according to a long-established technology. The old coating is removed, a layer of glue is applied, on which the linoleum is laid. It will also be necessary to use copper tape mesh and conductive adhesive to mount the conductive coating.

Thus, antistatic linoleum is an indispensable material for finishing works in domestic and industrial premises. Its price is slightly higher, but in terms of functionality it is much ahead of conventional types of linoleum.