Antistatic Chairmat

Keep your electrostatic problems grounded

ESD, or electrostatic discharge, is such a commonplace office phenomenon that it even got a cameo in the classic corporate satire Office Space. After Peter Gibbons endured the usual jammed morning freeway, the handle of his office door gave him an electrical jolt, just in case his day hadn't already started on the wrong foot. Antistatic chairmats may not have a lot of flair, but they're guaranteed to minimize your ESD problem and give you a shock-free Monday morning.

What is ESD?

Electrostatic discharge is the sudden transference of electrostatic charge between two objects. ESD can occur several different ways, though the most obvious one is the spark. Sparks typically occur when the electrical field strength in the air exceeds a certain threshold. ESD also takes place when two objects in close proximity develop a high electrostatic field.

Fight the power

ESD may sound very natural, if a bit complicated, but it's a big problem for offices or work areas with a high concentration of electronic equipment. ESD is a leading failure cause in the semiconductor industry. Electronic circuits and components exposed to high voltage can be irreversibly damaged.

If antistatic chairmats and static discharge appear to be minor problems, consider that the electronics industry estimates ESD-related losses in the billions of dollars annually. But don't be too paranoid: the earliest efforts at ESD control in the 15th century were in fortresses containing stores of black powder. That could make even the most stoic office manager a little jumpy.

Antistatic chairmats are a simple, cost-efficient way to deal with the possibility of ESD in your home or office. An antistatic chairmat is a less complicated solution than ionizers or grounding, and far less expensive than retooling your office with ESD-resistant flooring.

How do antistatic chairmats work?

Antistatic chairmats work by sort of bringing electrical charges down to earth. ESD is dissipated into the ground rather than accumulating in the air. Antistatic chairmats can also reduce charge accumulation in surrounding objects. Antistatic chairmats are best placed in areas of high mobility where ESD can build up, as well as near electronically sensitive equipment.

What to look for in an antistatic chairmat

Warranty

An antistatic chairmat warranty will often be for 3 years, or a limited lifetime warranty. Make sure you clearly understand the provided warranty before you purchase an antistatic chairmat. Know if the warranty applies to the chairmat's antistatic properties or just the chairmat itself, i.e. surface cracking.

Slide Resistance

An antistatic chairmat is of little use if it's moving away from the area where it's needed. Most antistatic chairmats should come with cleats or rubber buffers underneath to prevent slippage, making your antistatic chairmat suitable for any and all floor surfaces.

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