What’s the Difference between Conductive and Static Dissipative?

Conductive and static dissipative are two subdivisions of ESD properties. Understanding the difference between these two materials can help you decide which options are the best for your environment. Components are divided into these categories based on their surface resistance, which is the measure of how easily electron charges can travel across the material.

Static Dissipative Materials

Dissipative materials allow the charge to flow more slowly within the material for more control. Dissipative materials control the energy that comes out of the human body. Since the body is such a high conductor of energy, a static spark is easily dispersed using a dissipative plastic material. It makes that energy flow slower and will therefore emit a low energy to the ground to prevent a discharge and possible damage to any sensitive items. Products we supply in the “static dissipative range” include static dissipative foams, bags, table mats, floor mats, cushioning materials and much more.

Conductive Materials

Most metals fall in the conductive material range. A good example of how conductive metal energy works is Newton’s ball apparatus. Usually made up of five metal balls, when hit, only the two outer balls will move. The energy is quickly being transferred from one side to the other through the three remaining balls in the middle.

Because of their ability to move energy so quickly and easily, grounding materials are usually made from conductive materials. The earth is considered a neutral zone with low voltage that can create the base for the low emission of energy. This helps keep static to a minimum to lower the chance of electrostatic discharge (ESD), which prevents damage to sensitive equipment. Products we supply in the “conductive range” include conductive foam, circuit board boxes, table mats, floor mats, conductive tote boxes and bins.

Regardless of which material you choose, there should be testers and meters available to measure the surface resistance of any given material. Both types of material are useful when creating a static-free room environment.