ATEX floor testing

Disclaimer:

These are general guidelines.

All testing shall be conducted to a specific standard.

A test method statement shall be documented, reviewed and authorised outlining all procedures and risk control processes.

Testing procedures shall be defined and implemented by suitably qualified personnel.

General:

Floors should be tested and certified after installation, a dry out period for stabilisation maybe required.

Subsequent tests should be performed at least semi-annually.

Test results shall be permanently recorded and a copy filed in a central location.

Test equipment:

Tester must have an open-circuit output voltage of 500 V dc and a short-circuit current of

2.5 mA with an effective internal resistance of ~ 200,000 ohms.

Various electrodes can be used depending on the applicable standard.

Limitations:

During testing the room must be free of explosive atmospheres.

The floor must be clean and dry. (Wet/damp floors will produce incorrect results.)

Only electrode jelly shall be used to establish a good contact. Water/saline solutions are not allowed.

Test limits:

Resistance minimum of 5,000 ohms in areas with 110-V service, (10,000 ohms 220v service).

Maximum resistance of 1,G ohms in all areas, from electrode to permanent ground.

Maximum resistance of 1,G ohms in all areas, from electrode to electrode 1m apart.

Test coverage:

Measurements shall be made at five or more locations in each room. A 5 second to 15 seconds

stabilisation period maybe required.