ESD Systems - Questions And Answers

Could you please advise what is moisture class of an ESD Floor. How is moisture class of an ESD floor determined? Is there any Standard applicable? - Anonymous, Santa Ana, CA

This is all dependent on what floor covering or treatment you are putting down, check with the manufacturer. In general, it is essential that moisture test be taken on all concrete floors regardless of the age of grade level with a minimum of three test for the first 1000 square feet. The test should be a calcium chloride test, such as Vapersision, Taylor or equivalent. One test should be conducted around the perimeter of the room, at columns and where moisture may be evident. The moisture emission from the concrete shall not exceed 5.0 lbs per 1000 square feet in 24 hours. There are a few standards for ESD floors: ANSI/ESD-S7.1, Resistive Characterization of Materials, Floor Materials, MIL-HDBK-263, Section 40.1.2, Protective flooring and Section 40.1.3, floor mats, and ESD DS20.20, Protection of Electrical and Electronic Parts, Assemblies and Equipment. The above standards in essence characterize the electrical properties of the floor for grounding and safety. For more information about guidelines and stances on floor preparation to minimize moisture problems, we would encourage you to contact the following associations: APA - American Plywood Association - (235) 565-6600 ACI - American Concrete Institute - (248) 848-3700 PCA - Portland Cement Association - (800) 868-6733 RFCI - Resilient Floor Covering Institute - (310)340-8580 ASTM - American Society for Testing and Materials - (610) 832-9500

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