Antistatic linoleum: advantages and installation nuances. What is antistatic linoleum and how does it come? Installation of antistatic linoleum with copper tape

Nowadays, a very pressing problem is the use of a large number of different electrical appliances, as a result of which static electricity accumulates in the room. As a result of this, malfunctions occur in the operation of computers, faxes and telephone exchanges, and, in addition, even touching an ordinary door handle often produces a fairly noticeable electrical discharge. Decide this problem possible by using a special coating - antistatic linoleum.

This type of linoleum is produced specifically to combat excess electrification of floor coverings, both in residential and non-residential premises. The antistatic coating reduces the accumulation of dust, fire and explosion hazards significantly prevent the negative effects of static on highly sensitive devices.

Antistatic linoleum is a PVC floor covering characterized by antistatic properties, that is, allowing to minimize the formation of static charges upon contact with another material, friction of one material against another, etc.

The main advantages of antistatic linoleum is the ability to use it in rooms with high-precision equipment, in which the use of other types of linoleum is unacceptable. In addition, this flooring is highly reliable, resistant to external influences, hygienic and easy to maintain. Also antistatic linoleum has high sound insulation and resistance to high temperatures. This coating has a wide variety color range, which makes it possible to choose suitable option any room design. The service life of antistatic linoleum is comparable to marble or tiles.

There are three types of antistatic PVC, depending on conductivity:

Antistatic linoleum has electrical resistance not less than 109 Ohm. Linoleum can be considered antistatic provided that walking on it causes no more than 2 kilovolts of voltage. These coatings are also sometimes called insulating coatings. It will be noted that almost any commercial coating has antistatic properties and all the above characteristics, therefore, if the floor special requirements is not presented, then you can safely use it. This type linoleum is often used in computer classes, service rooms and call centers.

Current-dissipating linoleum has a resistance of 106-108 Ohms. To give such linoleum current-dissipating properties, special additives (carbon particles or carbon filaments) are included in its composition. In this case, the electrical charge generated when walking on the surface quickly dissipates throughout the floor, and static charges become harmless. Current dissipative coatings are used in X-ray rooms, server rooms, etc.

Conductive linoleum has a resistance of 104-106 Ohms. These coatings contain graphite additives, which ensure excellent conductivity and instant removal of electrical charge from the floor. This linoleum is used in rooms with expensive and highly sensitive industrial equipment.

There is often a little confusion, and antistatic linoleum refers to all three types of coatings. However, this is wrong, since there is a big difference between them, both in characteristics and production features and installation methods. In an ordinary office space, as a rule, the use of the first type of coating is sufficient, but rooms saturated with equipment and electronics (PBX rooms, operating rooms, testing laboratories, etc.) require the use of the third type of linoleum. One way or another, you should not choose the coating yourself; it is best to consult with experienced specialists.

As you can see, the scope of application of antistatic linoleum is extensive. To be sure of the safety of work at industrial facilities, it is important that the resistance is the same at all points of the floor covering. In addition, the resistance value of the floor covering throughout its entire service life must remain unchanged, since human lives depend on the quality of the floor covering in industrial facilities.

Laying antistatic linoleum is carried out using long-established technology. The old coating is removed, a layer of glue is applied, on which the linoleum is laid. To install the current dissipative coating, you will also need to use a mesh of copper tape and conductive adhesive.

Thus, antistatic linoleum is an indispensable material for finishing works in household and production premises. Its price is slightly higher, however, in terms of functionality it is far superior to conventional types of linoleum.

Currently, antistatic coating is an irreplaceable thing in any house or apartment. In modern homes there are many different devices that are sources of static electricity. Highest value have computers, televisions, microwave ovens and other equipment. To protect yourself from harmful effects electrostatic electricity, antistatic linoleum is successfully used. Under normal conditions, contact with metal appliances in the home can be dangerous to humans. Very often, cases of mild electrical discharges occur, and residents feel this on their bodies.

Of great importance is the fact that high levels Static electricity can negatively affect the operation of equipment. Malfunctions and breakdowns often occur. In addition, static electricity contributes to the accumulation of dust, which is especially noticeable on the floor. Antistatic linoleum allows you to cope with all of the above problems. Let us consider in more detail how antistatic linoleum is laid, the main stages of work, necessary tools and materials.

Read also:

Peculiarities .

Advantages of antistatic linoleum

The colors of linoleum can be quite varied.

Pretty simple. What are the advantages of this material over others? Antistatic linoleum, which everyone loves so much, is a floor covering that prevents the formation and accumulation of static electricity. Simple materials upon contact and friction with objects they are easily electrified. This valuable linoleum is made from polyvinyl chloride. The advantage of linoleum is that it is widely used both in residential buildings and in production. TO positive aspects it can be used in rooms with high-precision equipment.
In this case, it is practically irreplaceable. It is also important that antistatic linoleum is reliable and safe material, which can last for many years. It is resistant to mechanical stress, that is, there are no problems when cleaning and washing it. Laying antistatic linoleum is also good because it creates excellent sound insulation.

The advantage of PVC flooring is its resistance to high temperatures.

Thanks to this property, it is less dangerous in terms of fire. In terms of durability, it is not inferior to tiles and marble.
Antistatic linoleum is widely used in rooms with high voltage equipment.

Modern technologies for its production make it possible to choose linoleum of any color and design for your home or apartment. TO technical specifications This floor covering has good elasticity and wear resistance. Linoleum can withstand the effects of acids, alkalis, and oils. It does not change its shape under mechanical influence (from pressure from the legs of chairs or a table). A very big advantage of it is the possibility of flooring with electric heating.

Return to contents

Types of antistatic linoleum

Linoleum can be divided into several types: antistatic, current dissipative and conductive. They are all somewhat different from each other. To lay linoleum, you will need to select a material. So, antistatic linoleum can be called a PVC-based material that has a high resistance to electric current. When a person walks on it, a voltage of no more than 2 kV is generated. This material is great for computer classes.

Due to its structure, conductive linoleum has a resistance of 1000 MegaOhms.

As for the current-dissipating coating, the resistance it creates is 100-1000 MegaOhms. It differs from the previous version in that it contains carbon particles. With their help, the resulting electric current quickly dissipates throughout the material. This reduces the danger of the material to humans. This coating is often used in X-ray rooms. The third type is conductive linoleum, which has a resistance of 10 kiloOhm-10 MegaOhm. It includes graphite additives that promote better current dissipation from the coating. This type of linoleum is used in laboratories and other premises with a large number of complex equipment.

Return to contents

Preparatory work

The technology for laying this type of flooring includes 2 main stages: preparation of the base and installation itself. insulating material. To lay linoleum, you need to carefully select materials and prepare the coating.

The floor must be leveled as best as possible before laying linoleum. Of course, it is best to make a screed.

Firstly, for normal installation, a certain microclimate must be maintained in the room. The temperature should not be lower than 18 degrees, the optimal relative humidity is 30-60%. Before laying, the sheets are left in the room for some time. Laying the coating also includes marking the material. To do this, use a tape measure to measure the area of the room and determine required quantity sheets. Linoleum can be cut with a knife or scissors.

The subfloor must be dry, clean and level. If there are defects and unevenness, it is recommended to use a primer or putty. To give the foundation flat surface, suitable for chairs on wheels, apply putty with a layer of 1.5-2 mm. If installation is planned on water-sensitive materials, the putty layer should be at least 2 mm thick.

Laying antistatic and conductive coatings

Installation of a conductive mesh made of copper tape and a conductive primer for floor coverings
Laying in clean rooms, operating rooms with plinth planted on the wall, computer rooms and server rooms
Laying conductive coatings in rolls and tiles
Dismantling of old coatings with recycling
Preparation of the grounds self-leveling floors, screed repair

Preparation

Grid device

Seam welding

Conductive and antistatic coatings

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Scheme for laying conductive coatings in rolls (linoleum, carpet)

Scheme of laying conductive coatings in tiles (conductive PVC tiles)

BASE PREPARATION:

The base for laying antistatic and conductive coatings must meet the same requirements as for laying any floor coverings:

dry - base moisture content is not more than 2.0%, measured using the carbide method;

durable - must have surface strength, should not crumble when parallel scratches are applied, strength must correspond to the expected loads;

flat - according to GOST, on a 2m base the gap between the ruler (rule) and the base should not exceed 2 mm;

monolithic;

clean - dust-free, without traces of dirt, oils, etc.

SURFACE PREPARATION:

Before laying antistatic and conductive coatings it is necessary to prime the base with a conductive dispersion primer Eurocol FORBO 041 Europrimer EL. In this case, the removal potential is carried out by self-adhesivecopper tapeEurocol FORBO801 . The discharge potential is grounded into the grounding bus (by an electrician) and glued deep into the room 1.5 - 2 meters over an area of up to 30 m². In rooms of a larger area, it is necessary to carry out several potentials (depending on the area) in such a way that there is a grounding for every 30 m². If 041 Europrimer EL is not used, it is necessary to lay a mesh of copper tape over the entire area of the room.

For roll coverings: copper tapeis glued to the base under each roll along its entire length approximately in the middle of the roll. Next, a discharge potential is made from copper tape across the glued strips. This potential is pasted on the basis that the charge is removed from a distance of no more than 10 m. For example, if you step back from the wall 9.9 m and stick a strip, the distance to the next strip of copper tape will be 19.9 m, etc. In rooms up to 40 m² there are two discharge potentials. All potential discharges (transversely glued copper tapes) must be grounded into the grounding bus (by an electrician).

For materials made in the form of tiles, it is necessary to lay copper tape under each row of tiles. Discharge potentials are carried out in the same way as in the case of roll coatings.

After the conductive dispersion primer has dried(after approximately 30 minutes) or after completing a grid ofcopper tapeEurostrip EL , prepare and lay the floor covering using appropriate adhesives:

All these adhesives are characterized by exceptionally high initial and final adhesive strength. After opening the can, the glue should be thoroughly mixed and applied to the base using a notched trowel.

The glue should be applied with a special notched trowel to the entire surface of the base, carefully and evenly, in a circular motion, without leaving any accumulations of glue on the base. After applying a certain amount of glue, you need to smooth out the “roundings” of the glue with a spatula. You should try to apply the glue in straight lines, because... in places of rounding, the formation of magnetization zones and malfunctions in the operation of the current-conducting system are possible.

Work is done with only one side of the spatula - the other side should always remain clean. Excess glue is collected with a spatula back into the jar and closed. have a special “shark tooth” shape.

It is necessary to change the side of the rack every 50 m².

WORKING CONDITIONS:

the room temperature must be stable for at least 48 hours before installation;

indoor air temperature - not lower than 18 degrees C;

base temperature - not lower than 15 degrees C;

relative humidity should not exceed 75%.

rolls must be acclimatized in the given room for at least 24 hours before installation;

rolls must be acclimatized in a vertical position;

labels on prepared rolls must be easy to read - to control the article, color, roll number and batch number;

If more than one roll of the same color is stacked in a given room, you must ensure that all rolls are from the same batch.

LAYING COATINGS:

natural linoleum is laid strictly in one direction, according to the arrows on inside or marks that must be placed before starting work;

vinyl and PVC coating laid using the reverse method. The first sheet of coating is laid in one direction, the next one should be laid in the opposite direction (rotated 180˚) due to the peculiarities of the production of many PVC coatings.

LAYING ORDER:

unwind the rolls directly in front of the wall on which it will take place

gluing, cutting to the required length;

in order to ensure accurate marking of the seams, it is first necessary to place

sheets overlap by 1.5 - 2 cm;

BONDING COATINGS:

It is possible to glue several panels at a time, or one panel at a time.

on the base, mark the border of the roll - the border of applying glue;

if the width of the room is small, lay out all the canvases, trim along the walls;

wrap the roll to the middle of its length;

to prevent the glue from being applied layer to layer in the middle of the roll, at the border of the wrapped covering sheets, mark a line with a pencil or construction lace;

using an appropriate notched trowel (TKV), glue is applied to the base, strictly observing the previously marked glue application boundary;

glue is applied from the wrapped covering to the wall (from the covering);

glue 234 Eurosol EL can be applied by contact; for this it is necessary to apply glue to both the base and the back of the coating;

For high-quality “welding” of linoleum, it is necessary to use only a professional one, in particular, a professional one with step-by-step air temperature control, special knives, devices, etc. PVC coatings are welded with a cord made from PVC materials, under the influence of temperature they are welded at the molecular level.
If you cut the fused cord in one pass, when the cord is still hot, then as a result, after the cord cools, a groove will remain - the cord shrinks when cooled. Such minor negligence can lead to significant deterioration appearance laid covering, since dirt and dust will always collect in the grooves. Also, when heated, the coating becomes soft and when cutting the cord, damage to the coating itself may occur.

NOTE:

It is not recommended to apply protective mastics to conductive systems, because this can lead to increased electrical resistance and degrade the performance of coatings.

Laying of antistatic linoleum should take place at a temperature of at least +18 degrees and a room humidity of 30-60%. Before installation, the covering sheets must be spread out to “get used” to room conditions. Avoid kinks and folds in the linoleum, as this can cause irreversible consequences.

Sheets of linoleum are glued in their entirety with high-quality glue that maintains conductivity over time. Please note that when laying antistatic linoleum, the adhesive is applied over the copper strips.

For more details about glue consumption and drying time, read the instructions. Late installation with adhesive reduces adhesion strength and negatively affects conductivity, which can lead to unevenness (due to hardened lumps of adhesive).

Do not use neoprene-based contact adhesive as it may discolor the anti-static linoleum. The time for laying and working with glue varies depending on the type of substrate, its absorbent properties, humidity and air temperature in the room.

For more details, see the glue manufacturer's instructions. Antistatic linoleum should be laid in such a way that there are no noticeable differences in color.

Contact with the ground is made by copper strips and conductive glue. A strip of copper is laid longitudinally at each transverse joint, approximately 20 cm from the edge. The strips under each sheet of antistatic linoleum are connected to copper strips running across the sheets at both ends of the room, 20 cm from the wall and connected to the grounding system.

Laying linoleum tiles, ensuring contact with the ground

Contact with the ground is ensured with a trace. main principles:
— The tiles are in contact with the ground through conductive adhesive and copper strips laid under the tiles. Grounding is created by copper strips under the rows of tiles (under each). These strips are connected to strips drawn across the room (every 10 m, parallel to the short side of the perimeter) and connected to the ground (Fig. 2).
- If the tiles are laid on top of a raised floor system, it is usually possible to dispense with a separate connection to the ground, since this will be created by the contact between metal structure and conductive glue. For more details about conductivity, contact the manufacturer of the raised floor. Typically, copper strips are connected to the standard grounding system of a particular building.

In areas where electrostatic sensitivity is common, the copper strips are connected to a separate grounding system provided by the end user. Be that as it may, grounding must be carried out in accordance with all norms, standards and regulations building regulations, electrical safety rules, etc.

When laying antistatic linoleum, it is very important to ensure good contact and the absence of air between the adhesive and the coating. This is not difficult to achieve. The coating is laid on glue, after which it is immediately rolled out with a roller weighing 68 kilograms. Antistatic linoleum must be rolled out until full adhesion is achieved, in both directions.
When cutting linoleum and creating slots, be extremely careful not to damage the conductive strips laid under the floor covering, ensuring contact of all sections with the grounding system.

Welding

The joints of tiles and sheets are hot welded. First, at the joints you need to bevel the edge or create a slot measuring 2/3 of the thickness with a manual or electric groove cutter.

TYPICAL TECHNOLOGICAL CARD

Laying antistatic and conductive coatings using materials from Forbo (Forbo)

1. AREA OF APPLICATION

A standard technological map (TTK) has been drawn up for laying antistatic and conductive linoleum using Forbo materials.

The TTK is intended to familiarize workers and engineers with the rules of work, as well as for use in the development of work projects, construction organization projects, and other organizational and technological documentation.

2. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Laying conductive coating is difficult process, requiring a special approach and the use of special materials - conductive primers, adhesives and special copper tape.

Premises and industries where electrostatic discharge is a problem:

- electronic and pharmaceutical industry;

- research and scientific laboratories;

- computer and telecommunication centers, server rooms;

- medical institutions, computer centers;

- sterile rooms, operating rooms, X-ray rooms, etc.;

- explosives storage rooms.

There are several schemes to prevent and neutralize electrostatic discharges. The most popular and affordable scheme is the installation of antistatic floor coverings with a grounding system. In this scheme, antistatic linoleum or carpet with conductive properties is used as an antistatic coating. Copper tape is used as floor grounding, laid under the covering and connected to the grounding point of the room. Also, for laying antistatic linoleum and carpet, it is necessary to use conductive glue and conductive primer (depending on the installation scheme of antistatic coatings).

Antistatic coatings must have low resistance to quickly remove potential and high wear resistance, since such coatings are installed in rooms with constant load on the floor. According to the European standard EN 14041, antistatic coatings are divided into three categories depending on conductivity. The determination of the category by conductivity level is the electrical resistance of the coating. Electrical resistance determines the ability of a material to conduct electrical charges to a grounding point. The higher the resistance, the lower the conductivity.

Antistatic floors - reduce the formation of charges resulting from contact with other material. A characteristic of such floors is the potential difference between a person walking on an antistatic floor and the floor itself. This potential difference must be at least 2 kV according to the EN 1815 standard. The floor covering can be antistatic linoleum.

Antistatic linoleum is a floor covering that minimizes the occurrence of electrostatic charges. Used in residential or public spaces.

3. ORGANIZATION AND TECHNOLOGY OF WORK EXECUTION

Preparation

The base for laying antistatic and conductive coatings must meet the same requirements as for laying any floor coverings:

- dry - base moisture content is not more than 2.0%, measured using the carbide method;

- durable - must have surface strength, should not crumble when parallel scratches are applied, strength must correspond to the expected loads;

- flat - according to GOST, on a 2 m base the gap between the ruler (rule) and the base should not exceed 2 mm;

- monolithic;

- clean - dust-free, without traces of dirt, oils, etc.

Surface preparation

Before laying antistatic and conductive coatings, it is necessary to prime the base with conductive dispersion primer 041 Europrimer EL. In this case, the discharge potential is carried out with self-adhesive copper tape 801. The discharge potential is grounded into the grounding bus (by an electrician) and glued deep into the room 1.5-2 meters over an area of up to 30 m. In rooms of a larger area, it is necessary to perform several potentials (depending on the area ) in such a way that there is a grounding connection for every 30 m. If 041 Europrimer EL is not used, it is necessary to lay a mesh of copper tape over the entire area of the room. For roll coatings (Fig. 1): copper tape 801 is glued to the base under each roll along its entire length, approximately in the middle of the roll.

Installation of conductive coatings in rolls

Fig.1. Installation of conductive coatings in rolls

Next, a discharge potential is made from copper tape across the glued strips. This potential is pasted on the basis that the charge is removed from a distance of no more than 10 m. For example, if you step back from the wall 9.9 m and stick a strip, the distance to the next strip of copper tape will be 19.9 m, etc. In rooms up to 40 m2 there are two discharge potentials. All potential discharges (transversely glued copper tapes) must be grounded into the grounding bus (by an electrician). For materials made in the form of tiles (Fig. 2), it is necessary to lay copper tape under each row of tiles. Discharge potentials are carried out in the same way as in the case of roll coatings.

Installation of conductive coatings in tiles

Fig.2. Installation of conductive coatings in tiles

After the conductive dispersion primer 041 Europrimer EL has dried (approx. 30 minutes) or after making a mesh of copper tape 801, prepare and lay the floor covering using the appropriate adhesives:

For vinyl and PVC coverings:

- Forbo 523 Eurostar Tack EL;

- Forbo 579 Polaris EL;

- Forbo 234 Eurosol EL;

- Forbo 143 Klebstoff EL.

For textile coverings:

- Forbo 541 Eurofix Anti Slip + 3.5 parts of conductive additive 841 EL;

- Forbo 506 Eurostar Tex EL.

For natural linoleum and carpet:

- Forbo 615 Eurostar Lino EL.

All these adhesives are characterized by exceptionally high initial and final adhesive strength. After opening the can, the glue should be thoroughly mixed and applied to the base using a notched trowel.

Glue consumption.