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PosiTest® LPD

Low voltage Pinhole Detector for Metal and Concrete Substrates

Detects holidays, pinholes and other discontinuities in coatings on metal and concrete substrates.

  • GroundSense visibly reassures the user that the instrument is properly grounded
  • 4 voltage output options conform to a variety of standards
  • Weatherproof, dustproof and shockproof—meets or exceeds IP65
  • Rugged, environmentally sealed enclosure
  • Two year warranty
  • Certificate of Calibration showing traceability to NIST included (Long Form)
Made in USA flag with black text below
Conforms to ISO 14654/29601/8289-A, ASTM G62/G6/D5162, BS7793-2, NACE TM0384, SP0188, AS3894.2, JIS K 6766

Features

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Simple

  • Easy-to-use interface with bright, multi-function LEDs
  • Ready to measure—both kits come with everything needed for testing
  • Audibly and visibly alerts when flaws are detected
  • Light, ergonomic design
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Durable

  • Rugged, environmentally sealed enclosure
  • Weatherproof, dustproof and shockproof—meets or exceeds IP65
  • Two year warranty
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Accurate

  • Automatic self-test verifies voltage calibration
  • Regulated voltage outputs will not drop under load
  • Long Form Certificate of Calibration included
  • GroundSense™ visibly reassures the user that the instrument is properly grounded
  • Conforms to international standards including ISO, ASTM and NACE
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Versatile

  • A wide range of adaptable sponge hardware for a variety of test configurations
  • Common threads and connectors allow for maximum flexibility
  • Headphone jack with included earbud for noisy environments
  • Uses 3 AAA alkaline or rechargeable batteries
  • 4 voltage output options conform to a variety of standards
Versatile Sponge Hardware and Universal Adapters
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Specifications

Voltage Setting
9V ± 5%
67.5V ± 5%
67.5V ± 5%
90V ± 5%
Sensitivity
90k ± 3%
80k ± 3%
90k ± 3%
400k ± 3%
0 – 500 μm (0 – 20 mils)
Thickness Range
Temperature Range
Battery Life
IP Rating
Size
-10 – 50° C (14 – 122° F)
Weight
> 150 hrs (depending on battery type)
meets or exceeds IP65
27 x 6 x 5.5 cm (10.6" x 2.3" x 2.1") without wand
180 g (6.4 oz.) without batteries
Conforms to: ISO 14654/29601/8289-A, ASTM G62/G6/D5162, BS7793-2, NACE TM0384, SP0188, AS3894.2, JIS K 6766

Kits

Select from 2 PosiTest LPD Kit Options...

PosiTest LPD Basic Kit
Includes everything needed for detecting pinholes using a rectangular sponge

PosiTest LPD Basic Kit

LPDKITB
Includes
  • Base tube
  • 3 AAA batteries
  • Rectangle sponge hardware
  • Rectangle sponge
  • 4.5 m (15') ground wire
  • Insulating collar
  • Ear bud
  • Wrist strap
  • Carabiner
  • Long Form Certificate of Calibration traceable to NIST
  • Instructions
  • Hard shell case
  • Two year warranty
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In Stock
Same-day shipping if ordered by 2PM EST
PosiTest LPD Complete Kit

PosiTest LPD Complete Kit

LPDKITC
Includes
Includes contents of the Basic Kit, PLUS:

Adaptable Sponge Hardware

  • Rectangle (Flat)
  • Roller
  • Internal Diameter
  • Additional 20 cm x 20 cm (8" x 8") sheet sponge for custom usages
  • Wetting agent

Extension Accessories

  • Extension rods provide an additional 0.6 m (2') of reach
  • Universal adapters to extend existing paint rollers and poles
  • 12 m (40') ground wire
  • 4.5 m (15') hot wire
  • Magnetic grounding post
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In Stock
Same-day shipping if ordered by 2PM EST

Videos

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PosiTest LPD Low voltage Pinhole Detector

F.A.Q.

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What is a pinhole detector?

A pinhole detector is a non‐destructive instrument for detecting discontinuities in a coating system including pinholes, cracks and thin spots. Other names include porosity detector, continuity tester, sponge tester and holiday detector.

There are two types of pinhole detectors, low voltage (wet sponge) and high voltage (spark tester). Low voltage detectors, like the PosiTest LPD, are typically used on coating systems less than 500 µm (20 mils) thick. High voltage spark testers operate at voltages up to 35,000V which can seriously harm the operator and damage the coating if the test is not correctly conducted. They tend to be more expensive and more complex than low‐voltage pinhole detectors.

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What is measured with a low-voltage pinhole detector?

A low‐voltage pinhole test is performed by moving a moistened, electrified sponge over a non‐conductive coating applied to a conductive substrate. The instrument is‘grounded’ or ‘earthed’ to the conductive substrate, typically by clamping onto an uncoated area. When the coating is continuous and no defects are present, electricity is unable to pass from the sponge to the substrate through the non‐conductive coating. But when the electrified sponge encounters a flaw in the coating, electricity is able to flow into the substrate and travel back to the instrument through the ground wire, completing the circuit and setting off the audible and visible alarms.

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Why is porosity measurement important?

After a protective coating has been applied, it is important to ensure there are no defects or discontinuities present that expose the substrate beneath. Small areas of thin or missing coating, called ‘pinholes’ or ‘holidays’, can become foci for corrosion and drastically reduce the life of a protective coating system. They can be invisible to the naked eye. Porosity detectors are often used in applications where corrosion is difficult to monitor, or in aggressive service environments where performance of the protective coating is critical.

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How does a low-voltage pinhole detector measure coatings on concrete?

When measuring coating thickness, concrete is not considered a ‘conductive’ substrate, as it is much less conductive than metal. However, concrete is still slightly conductive, and can carry enough current to allow low‐voltage pinhole detectors to function. Therefore, for the purposes of low‐voltage pinhole detection, concrete is considered a ‘conductive’ substrate.  

The challenge when conducting low‐voltage pinhole testing on concrete is to ensure the instrument is properly grounded. If there is exposed rebar or metal protruding from the concrete, this is the easiest solution. An alternative is to drive a metal rod (or piece of rebar) into the ground nearby the concrete to at least the depth of the slab, relying on the earth to conduct the electric current between the rod and the slab.

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How is the PosiTest LPD different than other pinhole detectors?

The PosiTest LPD has been designed as a fully customizable unit and offers a number of features not typically found in other competitive instruments.

  • Lightweight – weighs less than most competitive products, reducing muscle strain and fatigue
  • Ergonomic design ‐‐while most other devices are box‐shaped, the PosiTest LPD was specifically designed to fit comfortably in the hand with a balanced weight distribution
  • Easy‐to‐use  – bright LEDs and simple 3‐button operation with graphic icons
  • Calibrated (well‐regulated) voltage outputs that will not drop under load. The PosiTest LPD is more likely to find small pinholes than other devices.
  • GroundSense™ visibly reassures the user that the instrument is properly grounded. Users of most competitive devices would not alert if the connection to ground is lost, resulting in undetected pinholes.
  • Common threads and connectors that allow for unprecedented compatibility and customization. Customers can extend the reach of the PosiTest LPD with their own poles and extension rods.
  • All models include a hard shell case to conveniently carry the instrument and all accessories.
  • Includes Long Form Certificate of Calibration traceable to NIST
  • Two year warranty
  • IP65 ingress protection‐ dust and splash resistant. No other device is rated this highly.
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What is the purpose of a wetting agent?

Sometimes pinholes are so miniscule that water has difficulty reaching the conductive substrate underneath, especially on thicker coatings when the water must penetrate further into a pinhole to reach the substrate. In these instances, inspectors will use a surfactant (wetting agent) to lower the surface tension of the water, allowing the solution to better penetrate the pinhole.

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How is the PosiTest LPD calibrated at DeFelsko?

Each PosiTest LPD is calibrated at all test voltages with a load of known electrical resistance and a voltmeter, each traceable to a National Metrology Lab. A Long Form Certificate of Calibration containing actual measured values is included with every instrument. No other device provides this level of Certification.

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What is the recertification cost for the PosiTest LPD?

The cost to recertify is $95 and includes a Long Form Certificate of Calibration. Recertification usually takes one day.

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Do your instruments require any formal training for use? Do you offer ‘demo’ models?

No. Our instruments are designed for simple operation, feature easy-to-use menus, instruction manuals, and helpful videos. In lieu of demonstration models, we provide unlimited technical support via telephone and/or email, and a limited 30-day money back guarantee.

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Is the PosiTest LPD calibrated at the factory?

The PosiTest LPD arrives fully calibrated and ready to measure. A Long-Form Certificate of Calibration traceable to NIST or PTB is included, which documents actual readings taken by your instrument at our calibration laboratory on standards traceable to a national metrology institute. 

No other device provides this level of Certification. Beware of ‘Certificates’ or ‘Certificates of Conformance’ offered by competitors. These typically do not include actual instrument readings, and are often insufficient to meet common quality requirements.

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What test voltage should I use for my application?

The PosiTest LPD Low voltage Pinhole Detector has four specific pre-set voltages. These voltages were chosen because they are specified in various international standards and/or they match the operating voltages of other commercially available instruments. Most standards do not specify a specific voltage, and instead allow a range of voltages- for example, NACE SP0188 specifies a range of 5V-90V with no guidance on the proper voltage setting for a given application or coating thickness.

At the time of writing, we are aware of only two international standards that specify a specific voltage and sensitivity:

  • ISO 8289 Method A Vitreous and porcelain enamels — Low voltage test for detecting and locating defects: 9V, 90 kΩ
  • ISO 14654 Epoxy-coated steel for the reinforcement of concrete: 67.5V, 80 kΩ

In general, we have found that settings of 67.5V, 80 kΩ (for metal substrates) or 67.5V, 90 kΩ (for concrete substrates) are most commonly accepted and used for the vast majority of applications.

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Still need help?

Before returning your gage or instrument for service, review the troubleshooting steps on the Troubleshooting guide, or speak with a member of our technical support team by calling +1-315-393-4450.

Resources

Downloads

Information

Accessories

PosiTest LPD Accessory PackPosiTest LPD Accessory Pack

Includes adaptable sponge hardware and accessories to convert the PosiTest LPD Basic Kit into a PosiTest LPD Complete Kit.

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Large Roller SpongeLarge Roller Sponge

610 mm (24") roller sponge for quick inspection over large areas with the PosiTest LPD

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Extension RodExtension Rod

Extend the PosiTest LPD base rod an additional 0.3 m (1')

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Wetting AgentWetting Agent

Pinholes can be so miniscule that water has difficulty reaching the conductive substrate underneath. Use a surfactant (wetting agent) to lower the surface tension of the water.

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PosiTest LPD VerifierPosiTest LPD Verifier

For verification of electrical resistance

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PosiTest LPD Cabled WandPosiTest LPD Cabled Wand

Converts the PosiTest LPD Low voltage Pinhole Detector into a cabled-wand style unit.

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Adaptable Sponge HardwareAdaptable Sponge Hardware

Adaptable Sponge Hardware for a variety of test configurations with the PosiTest LPD

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