ACL Staticide ACL 395 User manual

ACL 395 Operation Manual Rev. September 26, 2019 MKB

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.

Page 1 of 14

Find Quality Products Online at: [e-mail]

www.GlobalTestSupply.com

ACL 395 Operation Manual Rev. September 26, 2019 MKB

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

Page 2 of 14

Find Quality Products Online at: [e-mail]

www.GlobalTestSupply.com

ACL 395 Operation Manual Rev. September 26, 2019 MKB

COLOR

INDICATING FUNCTION



Green

Conductive

103 - 10

5

Yellow

Dissipative: ideal test measurement

3 x 105 - 10

9

Orange

Dissipative, but close to going out of spec

3 x 10

9 – 1010

Red

Near-insulative to insulative

10

11

- 10

12

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

3

10
10
10
3 x 105 = 300 kilohms
10
3 x 106 = 3 meg ohm
10
3 x 107 = 30 meg ohms
10
3 x 108 = 300 meg ohms
10
3 x 109 = 3000 meg ohms
10
10
10

= 1 kilohm

4

= 10 kilohms

5

= 100 kilohms

6

= 1 meg ohm

7

= 10 meg ohms

8

= 100 meg ohms

9

= 1000 meg ohms

10

= 10,000 meg ohms

11

= 100,000 meg ohms

12

= 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.

Page 3 of 14

Find Quality Products Online at: [e-mail]

www.GlobalTestSupply.com

ACL 395 Operation Manual Rev. September 26, 2019 MKB

Voltage

Range

Definition

10 volt

< 106 ohms per square

Conductive

100 volt

106 – 1011 ohms per square

Dissipative

100 volt

> 1011 ohms per square

Insulative

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 106 and 100v should be
applied to surfaces with resistivity of 106 or greater. The ACL 395 will automatically simulate
the proper voltage according to the test measurement.

As defined by the ESDA, values indicate the following:

A NOTE 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.

Page 4 of 14

Find Quality Products Online at: [e-mail]

www.GlobalTestSupply.com

ACL 395 Operation Manual Rev. September 26, 2019 MKB

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.

Page 5 of 14

Find Quality Products Online at: [e-mail]

www.GlobalTestSupply.com

ACL 395 Operation Manual Rev. September 26, 2019 MKB

When the cables have been plugged into
the appropriate sockets, the parallel
probes under the meter disengage.

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.

Find Quality Products Online at: [e-mail]

www.GlobalTestSupply.com

Page 6 of 14

ACL 395 Operation Manual Rev. September 26, 2019 MKB

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.

Page 7 of 14

Find Quality Products Online at: [e-mail]

www.GlobalTestSupply.com

ACL 395 Operation Manual Rev. September 26, 2019 MKB

RTT #2

RTT # 4

RTT #1

RTT #3

RTT # 5

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)

Page 8 of 14

Find Quality Products Online at: [e-mail]

www.GlobalTestSupply.com

ACL 395 Operation Manual Rev. September 26, 2019 MKB

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

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.

Find Quality Products Online at: [e-mail]

www.GlobalTestSupply.com

Page 9 of 14

ACL 395 Operation Manual Rev. September 26, 2019 MKB

To Ground

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

Page 10 of 14

Find Quality Products Online at: [e-mail]

www.GlobalTestSupply.com

ACL 395 Operation Manual Rev. September 26, 2019 MKB

Volume Resistance Measurement

Volume Resistance measures the electrical path through a material.

A. Connect one end of each of the banana test leads into the sockets of the meter.

Connect the other end of the test coil cords into the 5-lb probes.

B. Place sample material on a conductive metal plate (such as stainless steel). Place one of

the 5-lb probes onto the material so that the material is sandwiched between the probe
and metal plate. (See below)

C. Place the second 5-lb probe on the conductive metal plate.

D. Press the “TEST” button and the value will be displayed on the LED. Volume Resistance

is measured in ohms-cm.

Conductive Plate Test Material

Page 11 of 14

Find Quality Products Online at: [e-mail]

www.GlobalTestSupply.com

ACL 395 Operation Manual Rev. September 26, 2019 MKB

Decade range

Change
over point

Change Over Point

Nominal Value

Change Over Point

Allowable Range

10E3 to 4

3.3 x10E3

3,300

2211 - 4389

10E4 to 5

3.3 x10E4

33,000

22,110 -43,890

10E5 to 3x10E5

1.7x10E5

170,000

141,100 - 198,900

3x10E5 to 10E6

6x10E5

600,000

498,000-702,000

10E6 to 3x10E6

1.7x10E6

1,700,000

1,411,000 – 1,989,000

3x10E6 to 10E7

6x10E6

6,000,000

4,980,000 -7,020,000

10E7 to 3x10E7

1.7x10E7

17,000,000

14,110,000 – 19,890,000

3x10E7 to 10E8

6x10E7

60,000,000

49,800,000 -70,200,000

10E8 to 3x10E8

1.7x10E8

170,000,000

141,100,000 – 198,900,000

3x10E8 to 10E9

6x10E8

600,000,000

498,000,000 -702,000,000

10E9 to 3x10E9

1.7x10E9

1,700,000,000

1,411,000,000 – 1,989,000,000

3x10E9 to 10E10

6x10E9

6,000,000,000

4,980,000,000 -7,020,000,000

10E10 to 11

3x10E10

33,000,000,000

22,110,000,000-43,890,000,000

ACL 395 CALIBRATION INSTRUCTIONS

This meter should be checked every twelve months. There are no internal parts to adjust. To
verify if the tester is within specification use a decade box or standard set. Repairs can be
obtained by contacting ACL, Inc.

SPECIFICATIONS

Dimensions: 70mm x 130mm x 35mm (approximate)

Weight: 103 grams (approximate)

Power: Battery-operated PP3 9-volt

Connections: 2 x 3.5mm jack plug for earth connection

3

Test Range: 10

Dissipative Range: 3 x 105 to 3 x 109 (½ decade between each decade on a logarithmic scale)

Unit of Measurement: Surface resistivity Ohms per square

Resistance point to point Ohms

to 10

12+

ohms

Logarithmic Accuracy: +/- 0.5 decade where full decade is spanned

+/- 0.25 decade where half decade is spanned

Linear Accuracy: For decades with one value per decade, the range of the changeover

point is on either side of 3.3 x 10^n (2.2 – 4.39).

For decades with two values per decade, the range of the changeover
point is either side of 1.7 x 10^n (1.4 – 1.98) and 6 x 10^n (4.99 – 7.0).

Page 12 of 14

Find Quality Products Online at: [e-mail]

www.GlobalTestSupply.com

ACL 395 Operation Manual Rev. September 26, 2019 MKB

Applied Value

Illuminated LED

1 K Ω

10E3

10 K Ω

10E4

100 K Ω

10E5

1 M Ω

10E6

10 M Ω

10E7

100 M Ω

10E8

1 G Ω

10E9

10 G Ω

10e10

100 G Ω

10E11

1 T Ω

10E12

TEST EQUIPMENT USED

* Resistance Decade Box
* Test Leads: monaural plug to banana plug

At minimum, a resistance decade box with a range of from 1 kilohm (103) to 999 megohms (109)
is required. Decade boxes using 9volt batteries may not be able to verify high resistances greater
than 109.

A High Resistance Standards Set such as IET VRS-100-10-1k-ROT is recommended. Follow

operation procedures for any commercial set according to manufacturer’s instructions.

1. Insert the monaural plugs from the test leads into the jacks on the meter. Connect the

banana plugs into the decade box.

2. Apply the desired value on the decade or standard set to the meter. Press and hold the

meter’s test button for the according button to illuminate.

Page 13 of 14

Find Quality Products Online at: [e-mail]

www.GlobalTestSupply.com

ACL 395 Operation Manual Rev. September 26, 2019 MKB

Meter LED

Change over point

Change Over Point

Nominal Value

Change Over Point

Allowable Range

10E3

3.3 x10E3

3,300

2211 - 4389

10E4

3.3 x10E4

33,000

22,110 -43,890

10E5

1.7x10E5

170,000

141,100 - 198,900

3x10E5

6x10E5

600,000

498,000-702,000

10E6

1.7x10E6

1,700,000

1,411,000 – 1,989,000

3x10E6

6x10E6

6,000,000

4,980,000 -7,020,000

10E7

1.7x10E7

17,000,000

14,110,000 – 19,890,000

3x10E7

6x10E7

60,000,000

49,800,000 -70,200,000

10E8

1.7x10E8

170,000,000

141,100,000 – 198,900,000

3x10E8

6x10E8

600,000,000

498,000,000 -702,000,000

10E9

1.7x10E9

1,700,000,000

1,411,000,000 – 1,989,000,000

3x10E9

6x10E9

6,000,000,000

4,980,000,000 -7,020,000,000

10E10

3x10E10

33,000,000,000

22,110,000,000-43,890,000,000

3. If using a variable decade box, the changeover point between decades can be verified by
increasing the resistance according to the chart below.

Please note that the meter has no internal parts to adjust, so verification of calibration
can be achieved by using the above process. If verification cannot be achieved the unit

should be returned to the supplier.

Page 14 of 14

Find Quality Products Online at: [e-mail]

www.GlobalTestSupply.com