ESD and Dielectric Insulating Mat Testing

Professional ESD and Electrical Insulating Mat Testing

Creative IT provides professional testing and evaluation of ESD control mats, ESD flooring and electrical insulating rubber matting for businesses and organizations throughout Burbank, Los Angeles, Southern California and nationwide across the United States.

ESD control mats and high-voltage electrical insulating mats perform different safety functions and therefore require different types of testing.

ESD mats are designed to control electrostatic charges that could damage sensitive electronic components. Electrical insulating rubber matting, on the other hand, is designed to provide supplementary electrical protection for personnel working around energized electrical equipment.

Creative IT can evaluate these materials using appropriate electrical test equipment and procedures based on the type of mat, its intended application and applicable standards.

ESD Mat Testing – ANSI/ESD S20.20 and IEC 61340-5-1

Electrostatic discharge can damage sensitive electronic components, assemblies and equipment. An effective ESD control program is therefore essential in environments where static-sensitive electronic devices are manufactured, repaired, tested, stored or handled.

ANSI/ESD S20.20 provides requirements for establishing and maintaining an electrostatic discharge control program, while IEC 61340-5-1 provides requirements for protecting electronic devices from electrostatic phenomena.

Testing ESD mats and flooring helps determine whether the installed materials provide the intended electrical resistance and controlled path for electrostatic charge.

Our ESD Mat Testing Services

Depending on the equipment and application, Creative IT can perform tests and evaluations including:

• Surface resistance testing
• Point-to-point resistance measurements
• Resistance-to-ground measurements
• Electrical resistance evaluation
• Grounding system verification
• ESD mat and flooring inspection
• Evaluation of static-dissipative surfaces
• Evaluation of conductive surfaces
• Environmental condition documentation
• Testing against applicable ESD control requirements

Why ESD Mat Testing Is Important

Static electricity can accumulate on personnel, equipment, work surfaces and flooring. A discharge that may be too small for a person to notice can still damage sensitive electronic components.

Properly designed and maintained ESD control surfaces help provide a controlled path for electrostatic charge to dissipate safely.

Periodic evaluation can help identify:

• Incorrect resistance levels
• Damaged ESD surfaces
• Poor grounding connections
• Contamination affecting electrical performance
• Worn or deteriorated mats
• Changes in electrical resistance
• Problems with grounding hardware

Electrical Insulating Rubber Mat Testing – ASTM D178

Electrical insulating rubber matting is designed for use as a floor covering to provide supplementary protection for workers around electrical equipment.

In the United States, ASTM D178 – Standard Specification for Rubber Insulating Matting establishes requirements for electrical insulating rubber matting.

ASTM D178 classifies insulating matting according to its electrical protection characteristics and addresses electrical, physical and material requirements.

Electrical insulating matting should not be confused with ordinary ESD flooring. ESD mats are intended primarily to control static electricity, while ASTM D178 rubber insulating matting is intended to provide protection against electrical hazards.

ASTM D178 Insulating Mat Classes

ASTM D178 provides five classes of electrical insulating rubber matting:

• Class 0
• Class 1
• Class 2
• Class 3
• Class 4

The appropriate class of insulating matting must be selected according to the electrical hazard, voltage exposure and applicable workplace requirements.

Dielectric Insulating Mat Evaluation

Depending on the type of mat and testing requirements, evaluation may include:

• Electrical resistance measurements
• Dielectric electrical testing
• Visual inspection
• Inspection for cracks, cuts and deterioration
• Thickness measurements
• Surface condition inspection
• Identification and classification review
• Documentation of test results

Inspection of Electrical Insulating Matting

Electrical insulating matting should be maintained in a safe and reliable condition.

Regular inspection is important because matting may become damaged through normal use, exposure to equipment, chemicals, oils, heat, environmental conditions or mechanical wear.

Conditions that should be investigated include:

• Cuts and punctures
• Cracking
• Surface deterioration
• Excessive wear
• Oil or chemical contamination
• Heat damage
• Loss of flexibility
• Physical deformation
• Damage caused by equipment or furniture

Testing and inspection requirements should always be determined according to the applicable OSHA requirements, ASTM standards, manufacturer instructions and the employer's electrical safety program.

Testing for Electronics and Manufacturing Facilities

ESD testing is particularly important in facilities where electrostatic-sensitive devices are handled.

Creative IT's testing services are suitable for organizations including:

• Electronics manufacturers
• Semiconductor companies
• Electronic repair facilities
• Aerospace and defense companies
• Medical device manufacturers
• Automotive electronics companies
• Telecommunications companies
• Data centers
• Research laboratories
• Engineering facilities
• Universities
• Government organizations

Testing for Electrical and Industrial Facilities

Electrical insulating mat testing and evaluation may be appropriate for organizations operating around energized electrical systems, including:

• Electrical contractors
• Utility companies
• Industrial facilities
• Manufacturing plants
• Electrical rooms
• Switchgear installations
• Power distribution facilities
• Data centers
• Facilities management departments
• Hospitals
• Schools and universities
• Government facilities
• Renewable energy facilities
• EV charging infrastructure operators

ESD and Insulating Mat Testing in Los Angeles

Creative IT provides professional ESD and electrical insulating mat testing from our Burbank, California facility.

We serve businesses throughout Burbank, Los Angeles, Glendale, Pasadena, North Hollywood, Hollywood, the San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles County and Southern California.

Local businesses can contact us to discuss testing individual mats, larger installations and recurring ESD control testing requirements.

Nationwide ESD and Insulating Mat Testing

Creative IT also provides testing services for customers throughout the United States.

Portable mats and other suitable equipment can be shipped to our Burbank facility for evaluation and testing.

For companies with multiple facilities or larger ESD control programs, contact Creative IT to discuss your testing requirements.

Professional Test Documentation

Testing documentation can provide valuable records for safety programs, ESD control programs, quality assurance and internal compliance requirements.

Depending on the testing service performed, documentation may include:

• Equipment identification
• Test performed
• Measured electrical values
• Test equipment used
• Environmental conditions where applicable
• Test results
• Applicable test criteria

Contact Creative IT for ESD and Dielectric Mat Testing

For ESD mat testing, ANSI/ESD S20.20 testing, IEC 61340-5-1 evaluation, ASTM D178 electrical insulating mat testing and dielectric mat evaluation, contact Creative IT.

Creative IT
547 North Catalina Street
Burbank, CA 91505
United States

Phone: (213) 986-4855
Email: info@creativeitusa.com
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Local Service: Burbank, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County and Southern California
Nationwide Service: Testing services available to customers throughout the United States.

Contact Creative IT today to discuss ESD control mat testing, electrical insulating mat testing, turnaround times and volume testing requirements.