Server rooms, also known as data centers, house a high concentration of sensitive electronic components that are highly susceptible to damage from electrostatic discharge (ESD). Even a small, unnoticeable static shock can destroy microcircuits. Electrostatic dissipative flooring and wall materials are specified in these environments to create an ESD Protected Area (EPA). These materials provide a controlled path to ground, safely dissipating static charges from personnel and equipment, thereby protecting the critical electronic assets within the room.

B. Exercise room: Material selection focuses on durability, impact absorption, and slip resistance. ESD protection is not a functional requirement for this space.

C. Reception area: Finishes are chosen primarily for aesthetics, durability in high traffic, and ease of maintenance, not for controlling static electricity.

D. Conference center: While containing some electronic equipment, it does not have the concentration or sensitivity of a server room, making specialized ESD materials unnecessary.

1. ANSI/ESD S20.20-2021: For the Protection of Electrical and Electronic Parts

Assemblies and Equipment. This standard is the foundational document for developing an ESD control program. Section 7

"ESD Control Program Plan Requirements

" outlines the need for establishing ESD Protected Areas (EPAs)

for which server rooms are a prime example

requiring controlled flooring and worksurfaces.

2. TIA-942-B (2017): Telecommunications Infrastructure Standard for Data Centers. This standard specifies design requirements for data centers. Section 5.2.4.3

"Flooring

" states that "Floor finishes shall minimize static electricity generation." It recommends flooring meets the requirements of ANSI/ESD S20.20.

3. Ballast

D. K. (2017). Interior Design Reference Manual (6th ed.). Professional Publications

Inc. In Chapter 26

"Specialties

" the section on Access Flooring (p. 26-6) notes that for computer rooms

flooring must have low static-generating properties and may require conductive properties to dissipate static charges.

4. MIT Information Systems & Technology. (n.d.). Data Center Policies and Procedures. Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Section "Data Center Access and Use Policy." While a policy document

it reflects institutional best practices derived from industry standards

specifying requirements for environments housing critical IT infrastructure

which includes measures for static control.