Table of Contents

1 -  AS 3894.2-2002 SITE TESTING OF PROTECTIVE COATINGS - NON-CONDUCTIVE COATINGS-CONTINUITY TESTING-WET SPONGE METHOD
1 -  PREFACE
1 -  CONTENTS
2 -  METHOD
2 -  1 SCOPE
2 -  2 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS
2 -  3 DEFINITIONS
3 -  3.1 Coating
3 -  3.2 Continuity
3 -  3.3 Defect
3 -  3.4 Holiday
3 -  3.5 Pinhole
3 -  4 PRINCIPLE
3 -  5 MATERIALS AND REAGENTS
3 -  5.1 Cleaning solutions/agents
3 -  5.2 Marker
3 -  5.3 Wetting solution
3 -  6 APPARATUS
3 -  6.1 Extra-low-voltage wet sponge holiday detector
4 -  6.2 Thermometer
4 -  6.3 Dewpoint apparatus
4 -  6.4 Resistors
4 -  7 ELECTRICAL SAFETY
4 -  8 CALIBRATION
4 -  9 TESTING CONDITIONS
4 -  9.1 Field testing
4 -  9.2 Laboratory testing
4 -  10 PRELIMINARY INSPECTION OF TEST ITEM
4 -  11 FIELD CHECKING OF TEST EQUIPMENT
5 -  12 PROCEDURE
5 -  13 REPORT
7 -  APPENDIX A - A SAMPLE REPORT FORM FOR CONTINUITY TESTING

Abstract

Technical Committee CH-003 has reviewed the content of this publication and in
accordance with Standards Australia procedures for reconfirmation, it has been determined
that the publication is still valid and does not require change.
Certain documents referenced in the publication may have been amended since the original
date of publication. Users are advised to ensure that they are using the latest versions of
such documents as appropriate, unless advised otherwise in this Reconfirmation Notice.
Approved for reconfirmation in accordance with Standards Australia procedures for
reconfirmation on 25 September 2013.
The following are represented on Technical Committee CH-003:
Australasian Corrosion Association
Australian Paint Approval Scheme
Australian Paint Manufacturers' Federation
Australian Pipeline Industry Association
Water Corporation Western Australia

Scope

This Standard provides a practical test method for the on-site determination of the presence of pinholes, holidays, cracks and other discontinuities that penetrate to the substrate in a non-conductive, protective thin film coating of less than 250 mm thickness, or where metal particles protrude through the coating (see Note 1).
This test will not detect areas of low film thickness or inclusions in the coating. For a test method that accurately detects areas of low film thickness or inclusions, see AS/NZS 3894.1.
This Standard is applicable to coated metal items, equipment or structures that may be subjected to long-term burial or immersion, are in continuous contact with a moist, chemically aggressive environment, and require a greater degree of protection than is normally necessary for items exposed to the atmosphere. Examples of such items include structural steel, pipelines, storage vessels, bridges and mobile/transportable containers. The Standard is not intended to apply to coating types incorporating components that conduct an electric current, such as zinc dust and aluminium flakes. The method is confined to measuring instruments that provide a maximum voltage of 90 V d.c.
Although it may be used in the laboratory for inspecting panels and relatively small test items, the method is intended for use in the field (see also Clause 9).
NOTES:
1 Where coatings are greater than 150 mm thick, an alternative method such as the high voltage (brush) method may be used.
2 This test is not recommended for use on intermediate coats of a multicoat system, as intercoat adhesion may be affected.

General Product Information

Published
Document Type	Standard
Status	Current
Publisher	Standards Australia
ProductNote	Reconfirmation Notice 12/11/2013
Pages
ISBN
Committee	CH-003
Supersedes	DR 01384-01397 CP DR 01386 CP AS 3894.2-1991