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Why is Colorex not available in sheet?

Colorex tiles are cut from solid blocks of highly compressed material. The pressing process takes place in a multi-bay static press where high pressure and high temperature are applied during 50 minutes. It appears evident that no sheets can be produced by this process.


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When do we use SD and when do we use EC?

The difference between SD and EC is in the tightly controlled composition of the black chip conductive coating making the product more conductive or less conductive. Usually, the electrical resistance requirements of a conductive floor are defined by the owner. EC is most conductive and is required for electronic industry application and explosion hazardous areas. SD is often used for less sensitive but still demanding areas like operating theatres and server rooms. Pharmaceutical and Life science applications usually do not require ESD protection.


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What do resistance values expressed in Ohm mean?

Across all norms and standards: Resistance to earth: anything below 10E6 Ohms is conductive, anything above 10E6 up to 10E8 Ohms is dissipative. Anything above 10E9 Ohms is insulating. Resistances below 50’000 Ohms are forbidden for safety reasons


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Where does the 50.000 Ohm come from as the lower limit of conductivity?

If one touches an AC current up to 500V while standing on a floor with electrical resistance to earth lower than 50’000 ohms you might get seriously injured or killed by electrical shock.


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What test defines the dimensional stability of Colorex and what does the testing involve?

Dimensional stability is the ability of a thermoplastic flooring tile to get back to its original physical dimensions after extreme material stress by simulated aging (6 hours in an oven at 80° C!) Dim. stability is expressed in % deviation from original dimensions, testing method is EN 434. Dimensional stability of Colorex is always ≤ 0.05% in both directions according to EN 434, meeting and exceeding the industry standard for tiles.


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How is conductivity of a floor measured?

Any accredited body as assigned by the end user or contractor can measure the floorcovering against several standards (IEC 61340-4-1, EN 1081, ANSI/ESD S7.1), depending on country. Our technical data is listing our values according to the above measuring standards. Measuring is done by measuring in Ohms how much opposition to the flow of low voltage electricity is provided by the floor, between an electrode placed on the floor (entry point) and the connection to earth (exit point).
Testing is made by applying a charge of 10 V, 100 V or 500 V DC, depending on standard used. Most widely used is 100 V in Europe where USA and various Asian counties also measure with 10 V.


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It there a lifetime warranty on conductivity?

Provided the floor is installed properly and used/maintainted properly Colorex will be conductive throughout its usefull life. This is due to the performance of conductive veins that are throughout the homogeneous structure.


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To which rolling load does Colorex resist?

Any which can be borne by the subfloor, up to powered forklift trucks with 5’000 kg total weight rolling on air tyres. Actual operating conditions must always be taken into due account as they can affect this general indication. Installation with a 2 component epoxy is recommended if powered traffic exceeds 2000 kg.


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What is the chemical resistance of Colorex?

Colorex colours can be influenced by long term contact with PVC solvents like ketones, chlorinated solvents and phtalates. e.g. Aceton. In particular cases ask for advice at Forbo Flooring.


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Why Colorex’s surface isn’t coated with lacquer? Other companies use conductive PU on the surface

No factory coating is a distinctive characteristic of Colorex. A factory coated Colorex would not be repairable without leaving any trace. In addition the surface of Colorex is so smooth and dense that it does not require a coating for good performance. A coating can wear off where Colorex can be buffed and have the same clean effect.


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Does Colorex resist Iodine?

No, iodine does stain any PVC. Oxidising the stains by simple household grade bleach products works fine as long as the stains are treated within a few days.


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For conductive installation how much copper strip do you need per m2 and what happens if you install more copper strip?

Rule of thumb: 1 linear meter of copper strip for every 40m2 of floor, two grounding points, more copper is not necessary but does not affect conductivity results.


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Do you need a conductive adhesive and primer?

A conductive adhesive is needed. Conductive primer usually not. Conductive primer is meant to support the electrical contact of the subfloor-glue-copper strip system. It is only required for insulating subfloors (e.g. wood) and recommended if workmanship is expected to be critical.


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Do you always have to weld Colorex tiles?

Heat welding is mandatory in hygiene critical areas and strongly recommended where wet cleaning methods will be used. Seams do not influence shrinking while Colorex is made with very low plasticiser content. Caution that no welding is possible if tiles are installed in brick manner (half offset).


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Do you also use conductive glue for skirtings and do you need to use conductive skirtings?

Not needed because nobody will walk on skirtings. Skirting stripes in SD are standard.


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