ACL Staticide 395 User manual

ACL 395 Operation Manual Rev. September 26, 2019 MKB
Page 1 of 14
ACL 395 Resistivity Meter
OPERATION MANUAL
Meter is warranted for one year from the date of purchase on parts and labor.
Calibration is recommended every 12 months.
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ACL 395 Operation Manual Rev. September 26, 2019 MKB
Page 2 of 14
ACL 395 Resistivity Meter
The ACL 395 is a lightweight, pocket-sized, auto-ranging surface resistivity meter. It is designed
to test conductive, dissipative, and insulative surfaces for electrical resistivity according to the
ESDA’s parallel resistivity probe method DIN EN 100 015/1 & ASTM D257.
If the meter is used with the 5-lb probes available in the accessory kit, it will comply to
IEC 61340-4-1, ANSI/ESDA S4.1 and ANSI/ESDA S7.1.
ACL 395 Resistivity Meter includes:
*Tester
*Two accordion cables (stereo to banana)
*9-volt battery
*Certificate of calibration
ACL 396 Accessory Kit includes:
* Two 5-lb probes
* Foam-lined carrying case
Limits
*Resistivity: 103-1012 ohms/square
*Resistance: 103-1012 ohms
*Measuring voltage: 10v and 100v
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ACL 395 Operation Manual Rev. September 26, 2019 MKB
Page 3 of 14
INTRODUCTION
The ACL 395 Resistivity Meter is an easy-to-use tester for measuring surface resistivity. When
used with the ACL 396 Accessory Kit, the ACL 395 Resistivity Meter is a dependable audit kit for
conductive and dissipative surfaces. This meter is designed for use in all facets of material
production including engineering, maintenance, quality control, incoming inspection,
manufacturing and research, or in sales departments for the testing of anti-static mats, floor
finishes, paints, wrist straps, smocks, footwear, bags and containers.
When using the built-in probes, the meter’s test values for surface resistivity are in ohms per
square (although they are displayed in ohms). When using the external 5-lb probes, the meter’s
test values for resistance are in ohms.
DECADE SCALE
103 = 1 kilohm
104 = 10 kilohms
105 = 100 kilohms
3 x 105 = 300 kilohms
106 = 1 meg ohm
3 x 106 = 3 meg ohm
107 = 10 meg ohms
3 x 107 = 30 meg ohms
108 = 100 meg ohms
3 x 108 = 300 meg ohms
109 = 1000 meg ohms
3 x 109 = 3000 meg ohms
1010 = 10,000 meg ohms
1011 = 100,000 meg ohms
1012 = 1,000,000 meg ohms
The test value is indicated on the LED display. Half decades provide greater accuracy by giving a
closer approximation to the measurement value. An LED will brighten to the according test
result. Colors signify the test value’s function.
COLOR
INDICATING FUNCTION

Green
Conductive
103- 105
Yellow
Dissipative: ideal test measurement
3 x 105 - 109
Orange
Dissipative, but close to going out of spec
3 x 109 –1010
Red
Near-insulative to insulative
1011 - 1012
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ACL 395 Operation Manual Rev. September 26, 2019 MKB
Page 4 of 14
TEST VOLTAGE
The test voltages are 10v and 100v. According to ESD Association (ESDA) standards S4.1 and
S7.1, 10v should be applied to surfaces with resistivity of less than 106and 100v should be
applied to surfaces with resistivity of 106or greater. The ACL 395 will automatically simulate
the proper voltage according to the test measurement.
As defined by the ESDA, values indicate the following:
ANOTE ABOUT VOLTAGE
In previous years, those desiring to measure resistivity or resistance followed the ASTM D264,
ASTM 991, NFPA 56A or NFPA 99 test standards. These procedures required one to test at either
500 or 1000 volts. This caused concern regarding safety of the person performing the tests. The
ESDA standardized the test procedures so that lower volts could be used within specific ranges.
The ACL 395 meter uses a 9-volt battery. Some meters with 9-volt batteries do not give the
accuracy needed to perform the tests, especially at values higher than 107. The ACL 395 is built
with a transformer that converts the 9-volt charge from the battery to 10 volts or 100 volts. The
meter applies a constant charge over the complete voltage range. Accuracy depends on applied
voltage, temperature, and humidity.
TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY
Ambient humidity and temperature affect the electrical properties of the material being tested.
The combination of low humidity and low temperature will give the highest electrical resistance
results and slowest dissipation times. At high humidity, a thin layer of water is condensed on or
absorbed into the material being tested. This is true of hydroscopic additives that are
incorporated into a material in order to increase the electrical conductivity. These additives will
allow moisture to be absorbed into the materials to which they are added.
At elevated temperatures, the mobility of free electrons increases, thereby also increasing a
material’s conductivity. This is especially true for carbon black, metallic oxides, metals, and
other substances. When the material is at a lower temperature, built-in stresses occur which
may increase resistance due to increased distance between the conductive additives. Thus,
humidity and temperature must be known.
Voltage
Range
Definition
10 volt
< 106ohms per square
Conductive
100 volt
106–1011 ohms per square
Dissipative
100 volt
>1011 ohms per square
Insulative
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ACL 395 Operation Manual Rev. September 26, 2019 MKB
Page 5 of 14
RECORDING DATA
ANSI/ESDA and European CECC recognize the effect environmental conditions have on test
measurements and specify in their standards that they measured and recorded. It is possible to
test or manufacture a material at high humidity and pass all the test specifications, but when
the customer receives the material and uses it at a lower humidity or temperature the material
fails to pass the specifications. This can cause rejections and loss of product.
Both ESD S4.1 ESD Protective Worksurface sections 6.2.4 and ESD S7.1-1994 Resistive
Characterization of Materials Floor Materials sections 5.2.4 and 5.3.3 require reporting of
temperature and humidity at the time of testing.
CALIBRATION
Calibration is recommended annually. The ACL 395 meter comes with a certificate of calibration
which verifies the calibration of the instrument using equipment that is traceable to National
Standards and CAD-generated techniques. Meters can be sent back to ACL Inc. for calibration for
a lab fee or they can be sent to a certified calibration lab. (See page 12 for calibration
instructions.) The meters also come with a CE mark approval.
MEASURING WITH INTERNAL PROBES
The parallel resistivity probe method complies with ASTM D257. It is used to give fast electrical
resistivity measurements on flat homogeneous materials. It may be used on multilayered
materials, but this should be noted along with the temperature and humidity values on the data
report.
The rails on the ACL 395 are made of conductive rubber. Soft rubber rails provide the highest level of
surface contact for greater accuracy.
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ACL 395 Operation Manual Rev. September 26, 2019 MKB
Page 6 of 14
When the measurement is taken between the meter’s two rubber rails, the meter will indicate
the surface resistivity of the material being tested.
A. Prior to testing, make certain that surfaces to be tested are clean and free of
contaminants.
B. Allow the meter to acclimate to the atmosphere in which it will be used. Adjustment to
new environmental conditions may take as long as a half hour.
C. Place the meter on the desired surface to be tested.
D. Press and hold the red integrated test
button with approximately five pounds
of applied force. The meter will display
the surface resistivity.
E. When using the built-in probes, the
meter’s test values for surface resistivity
are in ohms per square (although they
are displayed in ohms).
F. The test value is indicated on the LED
display. A decade will brighten to the
according test value. Colors signify the
test value’s function (see page 3).
MEASURING WITH EXTERNAL PROBES
When the measurement is taken using the 5-lb external probes from the ACL 396 accessory kit,
the tester will indicate the resistance of the material in ohms.
The external probes are used to give fast electrical resistivity measurements on flat
homogeneous materials. They may be used on multilayered materials, but this should be noted
along with the temperature and humidity value on the data report.
When the cables have been plugged into
the appropriate sockets, the parallel
probes under the meter disengage.
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ACL 395 Operation Manual Rev. September 26, 2019 MKB
Page 7 of 14
By connecting the 5-lb probes to the ACL 395’s sockets, it is possible to measure Resistance
Point to Point (RTT), Resistance to Ground (RTG), and Volume Resistance. Using these external
probes will allow compliance with various standards including ANSI/ESDA S4.1 for Worksurface –
Resistance Measurements, ANSI/ESDA S7.1 Resistive Characterization of Materials –Floor
Materials.
When auditing is finished, unplug the cables and store probes in the protective case.
Resistance Point to Point (RTT)
RTT measurements can be used for the evaluation of floors, chairs, carts, work surfaces and
other ESD-controlled materials and products. Procedures vary regarding sample preparation,
probe preparation and spacing of the 5-lb probes. Select and read the correct test procedure or
standard for the desired measurement.
A. Connect one end of each banana test lead into the sockets of the meter. Connect the
other end of the test coil cords into the 5-lb probes.
B. Place both probes on the material according to test procedures or standard being used.
C. Press the “TEST” button and the value will be displayed on the LEDs. The meter will
apply the correct voltage (10v or 100v) according to the value of what is measured.
D. When performing test, do not touch lead wires or probes. Avoid overlapping of lead
wires. This will ensure accurate readings.
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ACL 395 Operation Manual Rev. September 26, 2019 MKB
Page 8 of 14
RTT #2
RTT # 4
AN EXAMPLE OF MEASURING RTT ON DISSIPATIVE FLOORING:
Taking routine measurements of tiles coated with dissipative floor finish is a key component of
proper floor maintenance. Any problems that arise with the floor will be easily detected. Keeping
a record of temperature, humidity and electrical properties will provide a reference, and will point
toward a blueprint of traffic patterns on the floor. Good record keeping will ensure success when
developing and maintaining a maintenance program.
To obtain an average measurement of a floor, map out a 4’ x 4’ section and conduct five tests
(one at a time) within the square. Conduct a test for each side of the square and a final test
diagonally through the center as shown in the drawing below.
In each RTT test, the 5-lb probes are placed three feet apart (36 inches). Connect the test leads
to the meter. Attach a 5-lb probe to the end of each lead and place three feet apart as indicated
below. Press and hold the “TEST” button on the ACL 395 meter until a value is displayed.
4’ x 4’ Section
(not to scale)
RTT #1
RTT #3
RTT # 5
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ACL 395 Operation Manual Rev. September 26, 2019 MKB
Page 9 of 14
MEASURING RESISTANCE TO GROUND (RTG)
RTG measurements can be used for the evaluation of floors, chairs, carts, work surfaces and
other ESD-controlled materials and products. Keeping a record of test results for temperature,
humidity and electrical properties will provide a reference.
AN EXAMPLE OF MEASURING RTG ON DISSIPATIVE FLOORING:
For Testing Resistance on Floors, S7.1 requires a minimum of five RTG tests per 5,000 sq. ft.
Connect the leads for the external probes to the meter.
Attach one lead to a 5-lb probe and place probe onto the floor to be tested. Attach the other
lead to an alligator clip and connect to a groundable point (RTGP). If using a ground adapter
plug, plug the banana lead into the adaptor after the adapter is plugged into the receptacle.
When the cables have been plugged into
the appropriate socket, the parallel
probes under the meter disengage.
5-lb weight sits on the floor
Push red dot for values
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ACL 395 Operation Manual Rev. September 26, 2019 MKB
Page 10 of 14
AN EXAMPLE OF MEASURING RTG ON DISSIPATIVE TABLE MATS:
A. To test RTG on a workstation, connect the first lead to the meter and to a 5-lb probe. Place
the probe on the work surface. Connect the second lead to the meter and to a groundable
point (RTGP).
B. To attach lead to RTGP, slip the alligator clip to the lead and connect it to the ground snap or
connect the banana plug to a common point ground plug:
b. Press the “TEST” button and the value will be displayed on the LED. While performing test,
do not touch lead wires or probe. Avoid overlapping of lead wires. This will ensure accurate
readings.
c. Resistance values are in ohms. When recording test values also make note of the
temperature and humidity, as the environment can affect test results.
Clip alligator clip to snap
To Ground
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