ASTM_F_150_-_06_2013.pdf

Designation:F15006(Reapproved 2013)Standard Test Method forElectrical Resistance of Conductive and Static DissipativeResilient Flooring1This standard is issued under the fixed designation F150;the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of originaladoption or,in the case of revision,the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscriptepsilon()indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1.Scope1.1 This test method covers the determination of electricalconductance or resistance of resilient flooring either in tile orsheet form,for applications such as hospitals,computer rooms,clean rooms,access flooring,munition plants,or any otherenvironment concerning personnel-generated static electricity.1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of thesafety concerns,if any,associated with its use.It is theresponsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.2.Referenced Documents2.1 ASTM Standards:2D2240 Test Method for Rubber PropertyDurometer Hard-ness3.Terminology3.1 Definitions:3.1.1 conductive flooringa floor material that has a resis-tance to between 2.5 104and 1.0 106.3.1.2 dissipative floor materialfloor material that has aresistance between 1.0 106to 1.0 109.4.Significance and Use4.1 Conductive and static dissipative floors(static controlflooring)serve as a convenient means of electrically connect-ing persons and objects together to prevent the accumulation ofelectrostatic charges.A static control floor is specified on thebasis of controlled resistance values.The surface of the floorprovides a path of moderate electrical conductivity between allpersons and equipment making contact with the floor toprevent the accumulation of dangerous electrostatic charges.Static control footwear will need to be used in conjunction withthe floor for the floor to perform effectively with personnel.4.2 The resistance of some flooring materials change withage.Floors of such materials should have an initial resistancelow enough or high enough to permit increase or decrease inresistance with age without exceeding the limits prescribed inthe product specifications.5.Apparatus5.1 Self-Contained Resistance Meter(such as a megohmmeter)or power supplies and current meters in the appropriateconfiguration for resistance measurement with 610%accu-racy.For safety,all power supplies used herein should becurrent limited,usually below 5.0 mA.This apparatus shall becapable of open circuit voltages of 100 VDC 6 10%,and 10VDC 6 10%.Test leads should be isolated from ground.5.2 ElectrodesTwo cylindrical 5 lb 6 1 oz(2.27 kg 6 28g)metal electrodes shall have a diameter of 2.5 6 0.062 in.(63.5 6 1.58 mm)each having contacts of electrically conduc-tive material with a Shore-A(IRHD)durometer hardness of5070(Test Method D2240).The electrically conductivematerial may be permanently attached to the electrode.Theresistance between the electrodes shall be less than 1 Kohmswhen measured at 10 V or less on a metallic surface.6.Test Specimen6.1 Qualification TestingWhen mounting specimen,useinsulative support material(14in.(6.35 mm)tempered hard-board is recommended).Use manufacturers recommendedprocedures,adhesives,and grounding method to install thesample floor.The specimen shall consist of a portion of floorcovering 48 by 48 in.(1.22 by 1.22 m)in area.If a qualificationtest is required,one specimen shall be tested unless otherwisespecified.Unless otherwise specified,make five measurementson the specimen with electrodes at different locations for eachmeasurement and record the value to two significant figures.6.2 When the following is to be tested after jobsiteinstallation,the specimen shall be a portion of the floor notexceeding 20 by 20 ft(6 by 6 m)in dimensions.1This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee F06 on ResilientFloor Coverings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F06.20 on TestMethods-Products Construction/Materials.Current edition approved May 15,2013.Published July 2013.Originallyapproved in 1972.Last previous edition approved in 2006 as F150-06.DOI:10.1520/F0150-06R13.2For referenced ASTM standards,visit the ASTM website,www.astm.org,orcontact ASTM Customer Service at serviceastm.org.For Annual Book of ASTMStandards volume information,refer to the standards Document Summary page onthe ASTM website.Copyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959.United States1 7.Conditioning7.1 Whenever possible,condition the test specimen at least24 h at 73.4 6 1.8F(23 6 1C)and 50 6 5%relativehumidity,and test in the same environment.8.Procedure8.1 Qualification TestingPlace the installed specimen asdescribed in 6.1 on a nonconductive surface,and lightly wipewith a lint-free cloth to remove any foreign material prior toplacing of the electrodes.The surfaces of the electro