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.