Electrically Conductive Wheels

Advantages of Electrically Conductive Wheels

Electrically conductive wheels provide a defined, low-impedance path to earth, safely dissipating electrostatic charge from mobile equipment to protect sensitive electronics, measuring systems, and control assemblies. Unlike antistatic wheels, which only limit charge accumulation, conductive wheels enable a measurable discharge route for dependable ESD control. As with any mobility solution, performance depends on the complete assembly: select a wheel and an appropriately rated castor housing, and ensure end-to-end continuity through axle, bearings, housing, and chassis for your specific use case.

TENTE electrically conductive wheels offer various benefits:

Reliable ESD Protection – A controlled, low‑resistance path channels static safely to ground, helping prevent damage to sensitive assemblies, sensors, and control units. This safeguards both product quality and process stability.

Improved Operator Safety – By minimising nuisance shocks and charge accumulation on application frames, conductive wheels contribute to a safer, more comfortable working environment.

Process and Cost Assurance – Improper ESD protection can lead to high consequential costs for the entire production process. Conductive wheels help maintain throughput and protect high-value components across the line.

Stable Conductivity over Service Life – TENTE wheels use conductive compounds rather than surface coatings, helping maintain consistent electrical performance as the wheel wears.

Types of Electrically Conductive Wheels

Electrically conductive wheels are available in multiple configurations – different tread compounds, wheel centres, bearing packages, and diameters – so you can match load capacity, floor requirements, and hygiene needs to your application. All variants provide a defined, low-resistance path to earth. However, the level of ESD control differs across the range. The TENTE portfolio includes conductive wheels – which achieve an electrical resistance of less than or equal to 10 kiloohms (104 ohms) - and discharging wheels – their electrical resistance ranges from 10 kiloohms (104 ohms) to 1 gigaohm (109 ohms). When selecting a configuration, ensure a continuous conductive chain and pair the wheel with an appropriately rated castor housing to maintain both electrical continuity and mechanical performance in your specific environment.

Conductive Wheels

Conductive wheels provide moderate ESD control by offering a defined discharge path with an electrical resistance of ≤ 10 kiloohms (104 ohms). Because this level of protection is limited, they are not intended for highly sensitive ESD environments (e.g., certain automotive electronics lines) and should be used only for less-sensitive electronic components. Conductive wheels are tested in accordance with DIN EN 12530. Products that meet this requirement are visually identified in yellow – either on the wheel itself or via yellow elements on the castor housing (such as caps or clips).

Discharging Wheels

Discharging (ESD) wheels provide electrostatic protection for sensitive devices by offering a defined, low-resistance path to earth. Their electrical resistance lies between 10 kiloohms (104 ohms) and 1 gigaohm (109 ohms), ensuring voltage peaks are dissipated in a controlled manner through the wheel’s built-in resistance. Wheels that meet these criteria are marked with the ESD protection symbol and are suitable for use within EPA (Electrostatic Protected Areas) in accordance with IEC 61340. TENTE discharging (ESD) wheels are certified by ESD-AKADEMIE – Germany’s leading electrostatic discharge specialist in Großmaischeid - so they can be used confidently in regulated environments such as electronics manufacturing, cleanrooms, and healthcare. Because these wheels are often integrated into equipment beyond our direct control, the complete system must be validated to ensure effective ESD protection. The equipment manufacturer is responsible for verifying continuous conductivity and for inspecting the entire assembly for compliance with the relevant ESD regulations before delivery.

Fields of Application for ESD Wheels

Electrically conductive wheels are used when mobile applications require moderate control of static charge, but not the highest level of ESD protection. Remember that requirements vary by environment: in low-sensitivity applications, conductive wheels can be sufficient; in higher-risk areas, you should specify discharging (ESD) wheels that meet IEC 61340 standards for a defined, low-impedance route to earth. In all cases, ensure a continuous conductive chain – from wheel, to axle, over bearings, to housing, the applications’ frame, to earth bond.

Across industries that handle sensitive technology, controlled charge dissipation is essential. In automotive electronics and electrical manufacturing, discharging (ESD) wheels help maintain Electrostatic Protected Areas (EPAs), protecting process yield and finished assemblies. Unmanaged ESD can destroy semiconductors outright or create latent defects that surface later – both costly. Cleanroom operations benefit because static control supports stringent environmental standards, while pharmaceutical production relies on ESD-safe mobility to protect monitoring and control systems alongside validated processes. In atmospheres with ignition risk – such as pyrotechnics, petroleum processing, and chemical plants – preventing static-induced sparking is also a critical safety measure.