Surface Resistivity Meter (9V)

About Surface Resistivity Meter (9V)

Surface Resistivity Meter (9V) Ultimate Description

A Surface Resistivity Meter (9V) is a precision instrument used to measure the electrical resistance of materials in ohms () or ohms-per-square (/). It helps determine whether a surface is conductive, dissipative, or insulatingcritical for ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) control, quality assurance, and material testing.

The 9V battery-powered version is a compact, portable, and widely used tool for quick and reliable surface resistance measurements in electronics manufacturing, packaging, flooring, and ESD-safe workstations.

Key Features & Functions

 Measures Surface Resistivity (/) & Resistance ()

• Tests conductive (< 1 x 10 ), dissipative (1 x 10 1 x 10 ), and insulating (> 1 x 10 ) materials.

 9V Battery-Powered for Portability

• Lightweight, handheld, and easy to use in field inspections, labs, and production floors.

 Two-Point or Four-Point Probe Method

• Some models use parallel electrodes (two-point) for quick checks.

• High-precision meters may use four-point probes for low-resistance materials.

 Auto-Ranging or Manual Range Selection

• Advanced models automatically select the best measurement range.

 Compliance with ESD Standards

• Meets ANSI/ESD S20.20, IEC 61340-4-1, ASTM D257, and MIL-STD-883 for ESD-safe surfaces.

 Digital LCD Display & Data Logging (Optional)

• Clear readings with backlit screens (some models store measurements).

Why is Surface Resistivity Testing Important?

 Prevents Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Damage

• Ensures ESD-safe workbenches, flooring, and packaging protect sensitive electronics.

 Quality Control in Manufacturing

• Verifies anti-static mats, conductive paints, and ESD plastics meet specifications.

 Safety & Compliance

• Confirms materials are safe for explosive environments (preventing static sparks).

 Material Research & Development

• Helps engineers test new conductive/dissipative coatings, films, and composites.

How Does It Work?

1. Turn on the meter (9V battery powers the circuit).

2. Place the electrodes on the materials surface (parallel probes or concentric rings).

3. Apply a small test voltage (typically 10V or 100V).

4. Measure resistance:

   • Conductive: < 1 x 10

   • Dissipative: 1 x 10 1 x 10

   • Insulative: > 1 x 10

5. Read the result (displayed in or /).

Common Applications

 ESD Workstations (testing mats, flooring, chairs)
 Electronics Manufacturing (PCBs, semiconductor handling)
 Packaging Industry (anti-static bags, foams, trays)
 Aerospace & Automotive (static-sensitive component testing)
 Textiles & Plastics (conductive fabrics, ESD-safe coatings)

Best 9V Surface Resistivity Meters

1. ACL-380 (Staticide)  Compact, affordable, two-point probe.

2. Desco 19255  Wide range (10 10 ), rugged design.

3. Prostat PRM-811  Auto-ranging, high-precision measurements.

Conclusion

A 9V Surface Resistivity Meter is an essential tool for ESD safety, material testing, and quality control. It ensures surfaces effectively dissipate static charges, protecting sensitive electronics and maintaining compliance with international ESD standards