WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CONDUCTIVE AND DISSIPATIVE TILE?
The physical difference between Conductive and Dissipative tile is the range of resistance. The conductive tile resistance range is 2.5 x 10⁴ to 1.0 x 10⁶ . Dissipative tile has a higher resistance range going from 1.0 x 10⁶ to 1.0 x 10⁹. Our dissipative tile however stays between 1.0 x 10⁶ to 1.0 x 10⁸. Therefore conductive tile has less resistance and a more direct path to ground.

WHEN SHOULD CONDUCTIVE TILE BE USED AND WHEN SHOULD DISSIPATIVE TILE BE USED?
This is one of the most asked questions we have. To make it very simple, You can never go wrong using conductive tile however there is a perceived understanding that dissipative tile has value. Because conductive tile has the least resistance and best path to ground, it will also have the best decay ratio eliminating unwanted static charges. Again, to make it simple, for all areas of chip manufacturing, wafer fabs, semiconductors, assembly, test, any production area, packaging, pharmaceuticals, or where raw product can be exposed to ESD events, conductive tile should be used. Conductive tile should also be used in any explosive arenas. Dissipative on the other hand can be used in computer rooms, classrooms, training areas, offices, switching stations, low tech areas where the raw high tech parts are not exposed. Just remember, if conductive is specified do not try to break the spec.

HOW MUCH CONCRETE MOISTURE WILL WE WARRANTY AND ARE THERE ANY SOLUTIONS?
First and utmost, we do not warranty any moisture related failures. It is our responsibility to suggest ways to determine if we feel a proper bond will take place based on the present moisture level. We recommend using the calcium chloride test kit to determine the vapor emission that comes out of the concrete. This test will provide a quantitative method of measuring the vapor emissions and warn you if there might be a potential problem. Using our new solvent free epoxy adhesive system, moisture levels can be as high as 5 lbs of moisture per 1000 sf over a 24-hour period without jeopardizing the bond. Therefore we recommend that if the moisture level is above 5 lbs, do not lay the tile. Because we cannot control how the moisture levels can change in concrete and the fact that the test is only conclusive the time of the test, we cannot warranty moisture related failures. There are several concrete sealers on the market today that claim to seal in unwanted moisture as high as 12 to 15 lbs. Concrete Seal, Pro Seal, Sealflex Technologies, Viking, ParaSeal, and many other products are on the market, all having different types of warranties. We do not recommend any one sealer at this time but suggest working with the company that will provide the best warranty.

HOW DO I GROUND MY CONDUCTIVE TILE AND HOW OFTEN?
Whether it is conductive or static dissipative tile, both should be grounded to a known earth ground. This can either be specifically placed ESD ground points designed into the building, steel columns that are proven to be well grounded, or even the green wire ground in the wiring system. The key is to make sure that all the ground points are within equal potential of each other to not cause charges to seek the path of least resistance across the floor. We provide 1 copper strip 18 inches long for every 2000 square feet of tile. This strip is placed under the tile approximately 9 inches into the wet adhesive with the balance extending out to be mechanically connected to the ground point. A mechanical connection is a connector being of a clamp or screw nature.

THERE IS OLD ADHESIVE OR TILE ON THE FLOOR. CAN I GO OVER THE OLD TILE?
We do not recommend going over any existing floor covering. Also, if the old flooring is removed, we recommend removing the old a