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The Elcometer 280 Pulsed DC Portable Holiday / Spark Detector (part numbers D280-S and D280-T, with matching inspection kits) is a stick type high voltage holiday detector that uses the pulsed DC technique to find porosity and discontinuities in coatings up to 25mm (1 inch) thick. Pinholes and holidays leave the substrate locally exposed and become the start of corrosion, so detecting them before a coated structure is commissioned protects pipelines, tanks and other steelwork. The pulsed DC method lets the Elcometer 280 Pulsed DC Portable Holiday test even where the coating is clean, damp, dirty or slightly conductive.
Voltage is user selectable across 0.5kV to 35kV, adjustable in 10V steps up to 1kV and 100V steps above, with an output accuracy of plus or minus 5 percent or plus or minus 50V below 1000 Volts and a 30Hz pulse repetition rate. An internal jeep tester confirms the selected voltage equals the test voltage. A safety trigger inside the handle cuts power if released, and a flashing display, bright LED and adjustable volume alarm indicate each detected holiday. The rugged, shock proof and water resistant Elcometer 280 Pulsed DC Portable Holiday weighs 3.0kg with its battery pack, operates from 0 to 50 degrees C, and runs up to 30 hours on a charge that completes in 4 hours.
The two models of the Elcometer 280 Pulsed DC Portable Holiday differ in one respect: Model T includes the integrated voltage calculator, which sets the correct voltage automatically from the coating thickness, while Model S does not. A wide range of interchangeable probes, compatible with all Elcometer holiday detectors, is ordered separately. The Elcometer 280 Pulsed DC Portable Holiday conforms to standards including ISO 29601, AS 3894.1, ASTM D4787, ASTM D5162 and several NACE methods.
Used in coatings inspection and corrosion control on pipelines and large surfaces, the Elcometer 280 Pulsed DC Portable Holiday is supplied in South Africa by BAMR, the country's authorised distributor.
Elcometer 280 Pulsed DC Portable Holiday / Spark Detector
The Elcometer 280 Pulsed DC Portable Holiday is a 'stick type' holiday detector which has been designed to make pulsed DC high voltage holiday detection safer, easier and more reliable than ever before.
- Flashing display, bright LED and user adjustable volume alarm Indicates detection of a holiday
- 0.5 - 35kV range User selectable for detecting porosity in coatings up to 25mm (1") thick
- Safety trigger integrated inside the handle Cuts power if released
- Rugged, shock proof and water resistant design Ensures long life even in harsh environments
- Balanced, ergonomic design with shoulder strap Allows long periods of continuous use
- Wide range of interchangeable probe accessories Compatible with all Elcometer holiday detectors, order separately
- Ideal for testing clean, damp, dirty or slightly conductive coatings
- Voltage calculator Automatically sets the correct voltage from coating thickness value
- Internal jeep tester Ensures that the selected voltage equals the test voltage
- Rubberised second hand grip Provides greater control and balance during testing
When to use the Elcometer 280 Spark Detector
Choose the 280 when you need portable pulsed DC high voltage holiday detection in a balanced stick type tool you can carry for long periods. It covers 0.5 to 35kV for coatings up to 25mm thick and is built rugged and water resistant for harsh sites. It is the option when conditions are clean, damp, dirty or slightly conductive and you still need a reliable test.
- 1Handles awkward coatingsIt is suited to testing clean, damp, dirty or slightly conductive coatings, so it keeps working in field conditions that defeat a less forgiving detector.
- 2Wide 0.5 to 35kV rangeThe user selectable 0.5 to 35kV range lets you test porosity in coatings up to 25mm thick, covering thick protective linings from a single instrument.
- 3Built for long site shiftsThe balanced ergonomic design with shoulder strap, water resistant build and 30 plus hours of battery life support continuous use in harsh environments.
- 4Safety trigger in the handleA safety trigger inside the handle cuts power if released and a separate high voltage button reduces accidental switch on, which matters when working at up to 35kV.
Lower-budget alternatives
Ten minutes on a call with one of our specialists usually saves you from buying the wrong instrument.
Book a 10-minute callOr , our product assistant, for an instant answer.
When to use this
When to use the Elcometer 280 Spark Detector
Choose the 280 when you need portable pulsed DC high voltage holiday detection in a balanced stick type tool you can carry for long periods. It covers 0.5 to 35kV for coatings up to 25mm thick and is built rugged and water resistant for harsh sites. It is the option when conditions are clean, damp, dirty or slightly conductive and you still need a reliable test.
- 1Handles awkward coatingsIt is suited to testing clean, damp, dirty or slightly conductive coatings, so it keeps working in field conditions that defeat a less forgiving detector.
- 2Wide 0.5 to 35kV rangeThe user selectable 0.5 to 35kV range lets you test porosity in coatings up to 25mm thick, covering thick protective linings from a single instrument.
- 3Built for long site shiftsThe balanced ergonomic design with shoulder strap, water resistant build and 30 plus hours of battery life support continuous use in harsh environments.
- 4Safety trigger in the handleA safety trigger inside the handle cuts power if released and a separate high voltage button reduces accidental switch on, which matters when working at up to 35kV.
Lower-budget alternatives
Ten minutes on a call with one of our specialists usually saves you from buying the wrong instrument.
Book a 10-minute callOr , our product assistant, for an instant answer.
Specifications
Specifications
● = standard ο = optional
| Description | Model S | Model T | Certificate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elcometer 280 Pulsed DC Holiday Detector | D280-S | D280-T | ο |
| Elcometer 280 Pulsed DC Holiday Detector Inspection Kit | D280-S-KIT | D280-T-KIT | ο |
| Rugged, Shock Proof & Water Resistant | ● | ● | |
| Integrated Safety Trigger Switch | ● | ● | |
| Quick Release Battery Pack | ● | ● | |
| Internal Jeep Tester | ● | ● | |
| Integrated Voltage Calculator | ● |
- Pulsed DC High Voltage Range
- 0.5kV – 35kV
- Voltage Adjustment
- User adjustable: 0.5 – 1kV: 10 Volt steps, 1 – 35kV: 100V steps
- High Voltage Output Accuracy
- ±5% or ±50V below 1000 Volts
- Pulse Repetition Rate
- 30Hz
- Operating Temperature
- 0°C to 50°C
- Power Supply
- Rechargeable lithium ion battery, fully charged within 4 hours
- Typical Battery Life
- Battery life is dependent on selected voltage and load applied; 12″ (DN305) Rolling Spring 30 hours at 10kV 12 hours at 35kV 40″ (DN1016) Rolling Spring 22 hours at 10kV 8 hours at 35kV
- Instrument Case Dimensions
- PC ABS case; (l x w x h): 603 x 219 x 193mm
- Weight (no probes attached)
- 3.0kg – including battery pack
- Certificate Available
- Certificate of Calibration: issued for Fixed Calibration equipment and shows readings and traceability.
- Integrated Voltage Calculator
- ● (Model T only)
What's in the kit
What's in the kit
Standards
Standards
Accessories
Accessories
| T28022769 | Light weight, rugged, wheeled transit case - ideal for gauge transportation with additional space to house up to 20m of phosphor bronze or 6m of stainless steel rolling spring |
| T28022637-1 | Grounding Mat 750mm long - for pipe diameters up to 9" (NPS)/ 229mm (DN) |
| T28022637-2 | Grounding Mat 1500mm long - for pipe diameters up to 18" (NPS)/ 457mm (DN) |
| T28022637-3 | Grounding Mat 2500mm long - for pipe diameters up to 30" (NPS)/ 762mm (DN) |
| T28022637-4 | Grounding Mat 3500mm long - for pipe diameters up to 42" (NPS)/ 1067mm (DN) |
| T28022748 | Grounding pin; 60cm long x 0.2cm diameter |
| T28022622 | Trailing signal return lead, 5m |
| T28022749 | 10m earth lead, clips each end |
| T28022637-1 | |
| T28022637-2 | Grounding Mat |
| T28022637-3 | Grounding Mat |
| T28022637-4 | Grounding Mat |
| T28022748 | Grounding pin; 60cm long x 0.2cm diameter |
| T28022749 | 10m earth lead, clips each end |
| T28022750 | 10m earth lead, clip / Elcometer 280 connector |
Downloads
Videos
Videos
Frequently asked questions
What is the voltage range of the Elcometer 280 pulsed DC holiday detector?
The Elcometer 280 covers a pulsed DC high voltage range of 0.5kV to 35kV. Voltage is user adjustable in 10V steps from 0.5 to 1kV and in 100V steps from 1 to 35kV.
How long does the battery last on the Elcometer 280?
Battery life depends on the selected voltage and load. With a 12-inch (DN305) rolling spring, the unit runs approximately 30 hours at 10kV and 12 hours at 35kV. A 40-inch (DN1016) rolling spring gives approximately 22 hours at 10kV and 8 hours at 35kV. The lithium ion battery charges fully within 4 hours.
What is the difference between Model S and Model T?
Both models are rugged, shock proof and water resistant, include an integrated safety trigger switch, quick release battery pack and internal Jeep tester. Model T additionally includes an integrated voltage calculator; Model S does not.
What is the pulse repetition rate of the Elcometer 280?
The Elcometer 280 operates at a pulse repetition rate of 30Hz.
Is a calibration certificate available for the Elcometer 280?
Yes. A certificate of calibration is available for fixed calibration equipment. It records readings and shows traceability. Both the standard unit (D280-S-/D280-T-) and the inspection kit (D280-S-KIT/D280-T-KIT) are eligible.
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