Forbo Flooring Systems
Answer three quick questions to identify whether your project needs standard, dissipative or conductive flooring.
Question 1 of 3
Will people or equipment be generating or exposed to static in this space?
Question 2 of 3
Does the floor need to be earthed (grounded)?
Earthing requirement — not just the presence of electronics — is what determines whether ESD flooring is actually needed. A comms room full of IT equipment often doesn't need to be earthed, in which case standard antistatic flooring (any Forbo product) is sufficient.
Question 3 of 3
What resistance level does the equipment manufacturer specify?
No specialist ESD system is required for this space — all Forbo flooring has been tested against the EN 1815 walk test and meets antistatic performance, so any Forbo floor covering complies.
Got a server room or comms room on the brief? Most standard comms rooms only require antistatic performance, meaning any Forbo floor works. Full ESD systems are typically reserved for high-availability datacentres where equipment sensitivity is formally specified. Always confirm and consult with the client or their electrical engineer before upgrading to a full system.
Below 10⁶ Ω calls for a fully conductive floor — the strictest level of static control, typically used in semiconductor production, electronics manufacturing and ISO cleanrooms.
10⁶–10⁹ Ω is typical for pharmaceutical labs, MedTech, healthcare and operating theatres, and data centres — protecting sensitive equipment and personnel without full conductivity.
In the meantime, here's how the two categories generally apply: