Vinyl flooring with static dissipative properties is important in many environments where there is a risk of damage or injury from electrostatic discharge (ESD). ESD occurs when two objects with different electrical charges come into contact, and can cause electronic equipment to malfunction or even lead to fires and explosions in some cases. Static dissipative vinyl flooring is designed to prevent the buildup of static electricity, providing a safe and reliable surface for sensitive equipment and people. 

Static dissipative vinyl flooring is different from conductive vinyl flooring, which is designed to conduct electricity and is typically used in environments where there is a high risk of electrical shock or where sensitive electronic equipment must be grounded. Conductive vinyl flooring typically has a lower electrical resistance than static dissipative flooring, which means that it can quickly and effectively dissipate any static electricity that builds up on the surface.