For facility managers overseeing factories where sensitive electronic components or equipment are in use, static electricity isn’t just a nuisance—it’s a liability. One small discharge can damage expensive machinery, disrupt production, or compromise data integrity. That’s where ESD flooring (Electrostatic Discharge flooring) comes in.
At Preferred, Inc. – Fort Wayne, we specialize in electrostatic discharge installation for industrial and commercial environments. Whether you manage a manufacturing plant, electronics facility, or data center, understanding how ESD flooring works is key to maintaining safety, compliance, and performance.
What is ESD Flooring?
ESD flooring, or electrostatic discharge flooring, is a specialized surface designed to safely ground static electricity before it can build up and cause damage. These floors are made with conductive materials that allow static charges to dissipate into the ground in a controlled way.
You’ll typically find ESD floors in:
- Electronics manufacturing plants
- Cleanrooms and laboratories
- Aerospace and defense facilities
- Data centers and server rooms
- Pharmaceutical and medical device facilities
By installing ESD flooring, you help protect both your products and your people.
How ESD Flooring Works
The goal of electrostatic discharge installation is to create a continuous pathway for static electricity to travel safely from the surface to the grounding point.
An ESD flooring system typically includes:
- Conductive or static-dissipative floor materials (vinyl, epoxy, or urethane)
- Copper grounding grids or grounding strips installed beneath the surface
- Grounding points connected to the building’s electrical system
- ESD-safe adhesives and sealants to maintain conductivity
When properly installed, this system ensures that static charges are safely and consistently discharged, protecting your sensitive equipment and reducing the risk of costly downtime.
Benefits of ESD Flooring for Industrial Facilities
ESD flooring offers several long-term advantages for facilities that rely on precision and safety:
- Equipment Protection – Prevents damage to sensitive electronics, sensors, and microprocessors.
- Worker Safety – Reduces the risk of accidental static discharges that could harm operators or ignite flammable materials.
- Regulatory Compliance – Meets industry standards such as ANSI/ESD S20.20 and ISO requirements for electrostatic control.
- Durability – High-quality conductive coatings and finishes provide long-lasting protection, even in high-traffic areas.
- Clean, Professional Appearance – Available in a range of finishes and colors that enhance your facility’s look while maintaining functionality.
The ESD Flooring Installation Process
Proper electrostatic discharge installation is essential for long-term performance. At Preferred, our trained technicians follow a precise process to ensure each floor meets both functional and aesthetic requirements.
- Site Evaluation - We begin by assessing your facility’s layout, electrical grounding capacity, and environmental conditions. This ensures compatibility with the chosen flooring system.
Surface Preparation - Concrete surfaces are cleaned, repaired, and profiled to achieve optimal adhesion. Any contaminants like oils or coatings are removed to ensure conductivity.
Grounding System Installation - Copper grounding grids or strips are strategically placed to connect the flooring system to the facility’s electrical ground.
Floor Coating or Tile Application - We install conductive or static-dissipative materials, such as ESD epoxy or vinyl tile, depending on your application.
Testing and Certification - After installation, we perform electrical resistance and continuity testing to verify compliance with ESD standards.
Contact Us for an ESD Flooring Quote
If your facility handles sensitive electronics or precision manufacturing, ESD flooring is a must. Let our experts guide you through material selection, electrostatic discharge installation, and long-term maintenance planning.
Contact Preferred, Inc. – Fort Wayne today to schedule a consultation with an experienced Indiana flooring contractor and get a free quote for your next ESD flooring project.
