ANSI/ESD STM7.1-2020 uses two electrode arrangements for installed-floor acceptance testing. Resistance to ground is measured between a surface electrode and ground. Point-to-point resistance is measured between two surface electrodes. Both measurements are required, with different placement rules around flooring seams.
STM7.1-2020 is an ESD Association standard test method (STM) for electrostatic discharge (ESD) flooring, approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
Resistance-to-ground setup
Connect one lead of the meter to ground, as ground is defined in ANSI/ESD S6.1, and the other lead to the resistance measurement electrode. Place the electrode on the surface of the flooring system, a minimum of 1 meter from the grounding connection. Do not place the electrode on a seam. If the test position falls on a seam, move the electrode slightly off the seam, farther from the ground connection (STM7.1-2020 sections 6.2.1.4–6.2.1.5).
Point-to-point setup
Connect the leads of the meter to the two resistance measurement electrodes. Place the electrodes on the surface of the flooring system approximately 1 meter apart. If the test location has a seam within the one-meter diameter, place the electrodes on either side of the seam, at least 1 meter apart (STM7.1-2020 sections 6.2.2.4–6.2.2.5).
Frequently Asked Questions
No. For product acceptance of installed or applied flooring systems, STM7.1-2020 requires both resistance-to-ground measurements and point-to-point resistance measurements.
Place the electrode at least 1 meter from the grounding connection and off any seam. If the selected position falls on a seam, move the electrode slightly off the seam, farther from the ground connection. Connect one meter lead to ground as defined in ANSI/ESD S6.1 and the other to the electrode.
If the test location has a seam within the one-meter diameter, place the electrodes on opposite sides of the seam, at least 1 meter apart. The general point-to-point placement is approximately 1 meter apart on the flooring surface, with the meter leads connected to the two electrodes.