ISO 6356:2012

Textile and laminate floor coverings - Assessment of static electrical propensity - Walking test

ISO 6356:2012 specifies a method of evaluating the electrostatic propensity of textile and laminate floor coverings under controlled conditions. Since the potential generated varies with humidity, shoe materials, walk surface and individuals' mannerisms, the values generated by this test will not necessarily duplicate actual field experience, but will provide a relative comparison of the performance of different surfaces. For classification purposes and in cases of dispute, the measurement procedure specified in ISO 6356:2012 can be used under controlled conditions specified in the relevant classification standard or agreed between disputing parties. There may be occasions where measurements are required under non-controlled conditions, e.g. in situ measurements on installed floor coverings. The principle of measurement using the equipment specified in ISO 6356:2012 can be used to make measurements, either with the standard footwear specified or with specific footwear relevant to the end use.

Revêtements de sol textiles et laminés— Évaluation de la propension à l'accumulation des charges électrostatiques — Essai du marcheur

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 09-Jul-2012
• ICS: 59.080.60 - Textile floor coverings
• ICS: 97.150 - Floor coverings
• Technical Committee: ISO/TC 219 - Floor coverings
• Drafting Committee: ISO/TC 219/WG 1 - Textile floor coverings
• Current Stage: 9092 - International Standard to be revised
• Start Date: 03-Apr-2024
• Completion Date: 13-Dec-2025

Relations

• Revises: ISO 6356:2000 - Textile floor coverings - Assessment of static electrical propensity - Walking test
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2008

Overview

ISO 6356:2012 specifies a standardized walking test to assess the static electrical propensity of textile and laminate floor coverings. The method measures the electric potential (body voltage) generated when a person walks on a floor specimen under controlled conditions. Results provide a relative comparison of surfaces and can be used for classification, dispute resolution or to support product development and quality control. The standard covers both laboratory and in‑situ measurements and includes detailed apparatus, conditioning and test procedures.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and principle: measurement of the difference in electrical potential (relative to earth) produced by a person walking on the test surface with standardized footwear and prescribed conditions.
• Specimen size and sampling: typical specimens are 2 000 mm × 1 000 mm for textile and laminated coverings (sampling per ISO 1957).
• Apparatus: grounded metal base plate; rubber mat, PE‑foam or PE‑foil (depending on floor type); standard test sandals (Mondopoint 270/100 with specified sole materials - BAM rubber or Neolite as applicable); ionizing source for discharge; and a body‑voltage measuring system.
• Measuring system: static voltmeter and hand electrode with low input capacitance (≤ 20 pF), fast response (≤ 0.25 s) and capability to measure in the kilovolt range (±20 kV).
• Conditioning and atmosphere:
  • Preconditioning of specimens (minimum 24 h) at (23 ± 3) °C and (55 ± 10) % RH (or as specified).
  • For testing, condition specimens at (23 ± 2) °C and (25 ± 2) % RH for a minimum of 7 days in the specified test atmosphere.
• Test procedures: Method A (laboratory) and Method B (in situ) including specimen discharge with an ionizer, secure use of the standardized sandals, and measurement of body voltage while walking.
• Documentation: calculation, expression of results and full test reporting requirements are specified; annexes cover sandals, sole materials, footwear resistance measurement, hand‑electrode design and calibration checks.

Applications and users

ISO 6356:2012 is used by:

• Flooring manufacturers and R&D teams for product design and comparative testing
• Independent test laboratories for quality control and certification
• Specifiers, architects and facility managers assessing flooring for environments where static discomfort or ESD risks are a concern (e.g., offices, manufacturing, healthcare, clean areas)
• Contracting parties and standards bodies for classification or dispute resolution using agreed controlled conditions
• On‑site technicians for in‑situ measurements using the same measurement principles with relevant footwear

Related content

• ISO 1957 (sampling of textile floor coverings)
• ISO 2424 (vocabulary for textile floor coverings)
• ISO 10965 (electrical resistance of textile floor coverings)
• Annexes in ISO 6356: specification of sandals, standard sole materials, measurement and calibration methods

Keywords: ISO 6356:2012, static electrical propensity, walking test, textile floor coverings, laminate floor coverings, electrostatic, body voltage, conditioning, test sandals, in situ testing.

Standards Content (Sample)

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 6356
Second edition
2012-07-15
Textile and laminate floor coverings —
Assessment of static electrical
propensity — Walking test
Revêtements de sol textiles et laminés — Évaluation de la propension à
l’accumulation des charges électrostatiques — Essai du marcheur
Reference number
©
ISO 2012
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from either ISO at the address below or ISO’s
member body in the country of the requester.
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Tel. + 41 22 749 01 11
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Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO 2012 – All rights reserved

Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction . v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Principle . 1
5 Apparatus . 2
5.1 Grounded metal base plate . 2
5.2 Rubber mat . 2
5.3 Polyethylene foam (PE-foam) . 2
5.4 Polyethylene foil (PE-foil) . 2
5.5 Test sandals . 2
5.6 Means of cleaning the sandals . 2
5.7 lonizing source . 3
5.8 Body voltage measuring system . 3
5.9 Measuring devices for temperature and relative humidity . 3
6 Sampling and selection of specimens . 3
6.1 Textile floor coverings . 3
6.2 Laminate . 3
7 Preconditioning of specimens, PE-foam, PE-foil and rubber mats . 3
8 Atmosphere for conditioning and testing . 4
9 Test procedures . 4
9.1 Preparation . 4
9.2 Method A: test procedure in laboratory conditions . 4
9.3 Method B: test procedure in situ . 6
10 Calculation and expression of results . 6
11 Test report . 6
Annex A (normative) Specification of the sandals . 7
Annex B (normative) Standard sole material — Neolite (standard XS-664P) . 11
Annex C (normative) Standard sole material — BAM-rubber .12
Annex D (normative) Method for measuring the electrical resistance of the footwear .13
Annex E (normative) Example of a hand-held electrode and its use .15
Annex F (informative) Method of checking calibration of the measuring system .17
Bibliography .18
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies
(ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO
technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the International
Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards
adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an
International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO 6356 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 219, Floor coverings.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO 6356:2000), which has been technically revised.
iv © ISO 2012 – All rights reserved

Introduction
This test is a measurement of the electric potential (voltage) due to the accumulation of static charge on a
person walking on the surface of a textile and laminate floor covering under controlled conditions. It is important
that this measurement is made under carefully controlled conditions to minimize test variability.
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 6356:2012(E)
Textile and laminate floor coverings — Assessment of static
electrical propensity — Walking test
1 Scope
This International Standard specifies a method of evaluating the electrostatic propensity of textile and laminate
floor coverings under controlled conditions. Since the potential generated varies with humidity, shoe materials,
walk surface and individuals’ mannerisms, the values generated by this test will not necessarily reflect actual
field experience, but will provide a relative comparison of the performance of different surfaces.
For classification purposes and in cases of dispute, the measurement procedure specified in this International
Standard can be used under controlled conditions specified in the relevant classification standard or agreed
between disputing parties. There may be occasions where measurements are required under non-controlled
conditions, e.g. in situ measurements on installed floor coverings. The principle of measurement using the
equipment specified in this International Standard can be used to make measurements, either with the standard
footwear specified or with specific footwear relevant to the end use.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document
(including any amendments) applies.
ISO 48:2010, Rubber, vulcanized or thermoplastic — Determination of hardness (hardness between 10 IRHD
and 100 IRHD)
ISO 1957, Machine-made textile floor coverings — Selection and cutting of specimens for physical tests
ISO 2424, Textile floor coverings — Vocabulary
ISO 9407:1991, Shoe sizes — Mondopoint system of sizing and marking
ISO 10965:2011, Textile floor coverings — Determination of electrical resistance
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 2424 apply.
4 Principle
The difference in electrical potential, in relation to the earth’s potential (zero), produced by a person walking
a) on the floor covering under test,
b) with standardized footwear,
c) in a prescribed manner, and
d) under controlled atmospheric conditions
is measured and used to evaluate the risk of a person experiencing the discomfort of static electrical shock
from in-service use of this floor covering.
5 Apparatus
5.1 Grounded metal base plate
Grounded metal base plate, e.g. aluminium, of approximate dimensions 100 cm × 200 cm and 1 mm thick.
5.2 Rubber mat
For textile floor coverings: rubber mat, of approximate dimensions 220 cm × 120 cm and a minimal thickness of
13 2
3 mm, having a vertical resistance ≥ 10 Ω in relation to a surface area of 1 cm , measured at 500 V of direct
current (d.c.) laid on a grounded metal base plate, e.g. aluminium, of approximate dimensions 100 cm × 200 cm
and 1 mm thick.
Alternatively: grounded metal base plate (see 5.1).
5.3 Polyethylene foam (PE-foam)
For laminate floor coverings without attached sound-absorbing material: PE-foam, of approximate dimensions
220 cm × 120 cm and with a thickness of (3 ± 0,5) mm, having a vertical resistance ≥ 10 Ω in relation to
a surface area of 1 cm , measured at 500 V of direct current (d.c.), laid on a grounded metal base plate,
e.g. aluminium, of approximate dimensions 100 cm × 200 cm and 1 mm thick.
Alternatively: grounded metal base plate (see 5.1).
5.4 Polyethylene foil (PE-foil)
For laminate floor coverings with attached sound-absorbing material: PE-foil for water vapour barrier,
of approximate dimensions 220 cm × 120 cm and with a thickness of (0,2 ± 0,1) mm, having a vertical
13 2
resistance ≥ 10 Ω in relation to a surface area of 1 cm , measured at 500 V of direct current (d.c.), laid on
a grounded metal base plate, e.g. aluminium, of approximate dimensions 100 cm × 200 cm and 1 mm thick.
Alternatively: grounded metal base plate (see 5.1).
5.5 Test sandals
Test sandals (see Figure A.1), reserved for use in this test method. The test sandals are open sandals of
Mondopoint size 270/100 (see ISO 9407:1991) with no heels and with straps mounted to fit various foot sizes. A
1)
BAM rubber sole (Annex C) material has to be used. The resistance between the metal plate and the person
8 9
standing on it wearing the sandals with the soles shall be 10 Ω to 10 Ω.
2)
Only for textile floor coverings: Alternatively, the sole material XS-664P Neolite (Annex B) may be used. The
resistance between the metal plate and the person standing on it wearing the sandals with the soles shall be > 10 Ω.
NOTE For guidance on the possible effect of the operator’s clothing and other factors on test results, see Annex A.
5.6 Means of cleaning the sandals
5.6.1 Abrasive paper, from P280 to P360.
5.6.2 Scoured cotton cloth, free from finish or detergent.
1) The BAM rubber material is available from BAM, Berlin, Germany. This information is given for the convenience of users
of this document and does not constitute an endorsement by ISO of the product. Equivalent products may be used if they
can be shown to lead to the same results.
2) The Neolite material is available from AATCC, P.O. Box 12215, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA. This
information is given for the convenience of users of this document and does not constitute an endorsement by ISO of the
product. Equivalent products may be used if they can be shown to lead to the same results.
2 © ISO 2012 – All rights reserved

5.6.3 Denatured ethanol or isopropanol
5.6.4 Demineralized water
5.7 lonizing source
lonizing source (e.g. ion blower), for discharging the test piece and rubber mat/PE-foam/PE-foil.
5.8 Body voltage measuring system
Body voltage measuring system (see Figure E.2), consisting of a d.c. static voltmeter, an autographic recorder
and a hand electrode (see Figure E.3) meeting the following requirements:
— input resistance of voltmeter and hand electrode system: ≥ 10 Ω;
— input capacitance of hand electrode: ≤ 20 pF;
— response time: ≤ 0,25 s;
— capable of measurements from -20 kV to +20 kV.
5.9 Measuring devices for temperature and relative humidity
Measuring devices should meet the following requirements:
— resolutions: for temperature, 0,1 °C or better, and for relative humidity, 0,1 % or better;
— uncertainty of measurement: for temperature, ± 0,5 °C or better, and for relative humidity, ± 2,0 % or better.
6 Sampling and selection of specimens
6.1 Textile floor coverings
Carry out sampling and selection of specimens for textile floor coverings in accordance with ISO 1957. From
each sample, select a specimen measuring 2 000 mm × 1 000 mm in the machine production direction.
Generally, the test is performed on the floor covering as received, i.e. with finishes and special treatments as
appropriate. If the permanency of such finishes and treatments is being investigated, the specimen may be
submitted to a cleaning process or to practical wear conditions before testing.
6.2 Laminate
Carry out sampling and selection of specimens for laminate, trying to cover an area measuring
2 000 mm × 1 000 mm.
7 Preconditioning of specimens, PE-foam, PE-foil and rubber mats
Pre-condition the test specimen for at least 24 h in an atmosphere of (23 ± 3) °C and (55 ± 10) % relative humidity.
If possible, ensure free air circulation by, for example, placing samples on a rack or suspending them.
The rubber mat (5.2), PE-foam (5.3), PE-foil (5.4) and sandals (5.5) shall not be used for any other purpose
and should be permanently maintained in the test atmosphere. If this is not possible, the rubber mat, PE-foam,
PE-foil and sandals shall be conditioned for 2 d prior to testing.
Care should be taken to ensure specimens and equipment are adequately conditioned, particularly where
certain finishes can lead to slow conditioning.
8 Atmosphere for conditioning and testing
Condition the test piece at a temperature of (23 ± 2) °C and relative humidity of (25 ± 2) % for a minimum
of 7 d, and maintain these conditions during testing. When the test is carried out in situ, record the ambient
temperature and relative humidity.
NOTE Several standard atmospheres are specified by various regional authorities based upon the severity of
conditions the floor covering normally experiences in service. Values determined under one set of conditions cannot be
compared to those using another set of test conditions.
9 Test procedures
9.1 Preparation
9.1.1 Cleaning the sandals
9.1.1.1 BAM sandals
Before beginning a test series, scrub the BAM sole material using a piece of scoured cotton (5.6.2) wetted with
ethanol or isopropanol (5.6.3) to remove any chemical substance from the surface. Repeat the cleaning procedure
with demineralized water (5.6.4) until no dark marks appear on the cloth. Repeat the ethanol/isopropanol and
water cleaning procedure prior to testing each specimen.
Wait at least 5 min and make sure the soles are completely dry before testing.
If the sole material becomes severely contaminated, it may be necessary to use more rigorous cleaning
procedures prior to commencing a test series. Especially in the case of the BAM-soles, it is recommended to
abrade the dry soles with a fine sandpaper (5.6.1) and then remove the dust. It is generally recommended to
clean the sandals
...