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The Elcometer 270 Pinhole Detectors (part numbers D270-3 and D270-4) are low voltage wet sponge holiday detectors for finding pinholes in insulating coatings up to a maximum measurement range of 500 microns. The wet sponge method works by capillary action: a damp sponge passed over the coating draws water through any pinhole until it reaches the bare substrate, completing a low voltage circuit and triggering the alarm. Because the voltage is low, the technique locates flaws without damaging the coating, which suits powder coatings and other thinner films where a high voltage test would be too aggressive.
The range comes in two model variants. The Elcometer 270/3 offers two test voltages, 9V and 90V, while the Elcometer 270/4 adds a third at 67.5V, giving sensitivities of 90 kilohms at 9V, 125 kilohms at 67.5V and 400 kilohms at 90V, each to plus or minus 5 percent. Both feature automatic sensitivity calibration and voltage checks, a low battery indicator, and visual and audible alarms. Battery life on three AA alkaline cells reaches up to 200 hours at 9V, 100 hours at 67.5V and 80 hours at 90V. The detector weighs 610g complete with wand, cable and batteries, and measures 210 by 42 by 37mm without the wand.
The wand is interchangeable with a range of accessories and works integrally or separately, with easy release, snag proof cables. The Elcometer 270 conforms to standards including ISO 8289-A, AS 3894.2, ASTM D 5162-A, BS 7793-2, ISO 14654, JIS K 6766 and NACE methods.
Used in coatings inspection, corrosion control and marine work, it is supplied in South Africa by BAMR, the country's authorised distributor.
Elcometer 270 Pinhole Detectors
The Elcometer 270 Range utilises the 'wet sponge' method of holiday detection and has been designed to set a new standard for wet sponge detectors namely, a quality low voltage detector with similar accessories to a high voltage spark tester.
- Automatic sensitivity calibration and voltage checks
- Low battery indicator
- Visual and audible alarms
- Integral and separate wand functionality
- A wide range of fully interchangeable wand accessories
- Three model variants single, dual or triple voltages
- Easy release snag proof cables
- Large standard sponge
- An inspection kit for all your requirements is available see image with the unit included
When to use the Elcometer 270 Pinhole Detectors
Use the 270 when you need a wet sponge holiday detector for thin coatings, with the accessory range of a high voltage tester but at low voltage. It runs the wet sponge method with automatic sensitivity calibration and both visual and audible alarms. It suits inspectors who want a quality low voltage detector rather than a high voltage spark tester.
- 1Wet sponge low voltageThe wet sponge method at low voltage finds pinholes in thin coatings without the high voltage that could damage a thin film, which is the right tool for that job.
- 2Automatic sensitivity calibrationAutomatic sensitivity calibration and voltage checks take the guesswork out of setting the instrument up, so results stay consistent between operators.
- 3Single, dual or triple voltageThree model variants offer single, dual or triple voltages, so you can match the detector to the standards and coatings you actually inspect.
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 270 Pinhole Detectors
Use the 270 when you need a wet sponge holiday detector for thin coatings, with the accessory range of a high voltage tester but at low voltage. It runs the wet sponge method with automatic sensitivity calibration and both visual and audible alarms. It suits inspectors who want a quality low voltage detector rather than a high voltage spark tester.
- 1Wet sponge low voltageThe wet sponge method at low voltage finds pinholes in thin coatings without the high voltage that could damage a thin film, which is the right tool for that job.
- 2Automatic sensitivity calibrationAutomatic sensitivity calibration and voltage checks take the guesswork out of setting the instrument up, so results stay consistent between operators.
- 3Single, dual or triple voltageThree model variants offer single, dual or triple voltages, so you can match the detector to the standards and coatings you actually inspect.
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
| Model | Elcometer 270/3 Pinhole Detector | Elcometer 270/4 Pinhole Detector | Certificate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part Number | D270-3 | D270-4 | |
| Part Number with Certificate | D270-3C | D270-4C | ● |
| Voltage | 9V and 90V | 9V, 67.5V and 90V | |
| Maximum Measurement Range | 500µm | 500µm | |
| Sensitivity | 9V: 90kΩ ±5% | 9V: 90kΩ ±5% | |
| 90V: 400kΩ ±5% | 67.5V: 125kΩ ±5% | ||
| 90V: 400kΩ ±5% | |||
| Battery Life (continuous use) | 9V: up to 200 hours | 9V: up to 200 hours | |
| 90V: up to 80 hours | 67.5V: up to 100 hours | ||
| 90V: up to 80 hours | |||
| Accuracy of Setting | ±5% | ||
| Dimensions | Without Wand: 210 x 42 x 37mm | ||
| Weight | 610g including wand, cable and batteries |
- Battery Type
- 3 x AA (LR1600) 1.5V alkaline (NiMH rechargeable batteries can also be used, battery life will be reduced by up to 75%)
- Model
- Elcometer 270/3 Pinhole Detector / Elcometer 270/4 Pinhole Detector
- Part Number
- D270-3 / D270-4
- Part Number with Certificate
- D270-3C / D270-4C
- Voltage
- 9V and 90V / 9V, 67.5V and 90V
- Sensitivity
- 9V: 90kΩ ±5% / 90V: 400kΩ ±5% / 67.5V: 125kΩ ±5%
- Battery Life (continuous use)
- 9V: up to 200 hours / 90V: up to 80 hours / 67.5V: up to 100 hours
- Dimensions Without Wand
- 210 x 42 x 37mm
- Dimensions Standard Wand
- 175mm long (including sponge)
- Dimensions Flat Sponge
- 175mm long (including sponge)
What's in the kit
What's in the kit
Standards
Standards
Accessories
Accessories
| T27016867 | Standard Wand A universal flat sponge to suit almost all applications |
| T27018050 | Spare flat sponge set pack of 3 sponges 150 x 60 x 25mm |
| T27016998 | Telescopic wand adaptor with belt clip extends to 1m for floors or high areas |
| T27016999 | Separate wand adaptor with belt clip converts the gauge into a separate pinhole detector |
| T27016960 | Roller sponge wand for large flat surface inspection |
| T27018051 | Spare roller sponge |
| T27016965 | Extension piece 420mm extensions to expand operators reach. Additional extension pieces can be connected to each other |
| T99916954 | Return cable 4m supplied as standard complete with crocodile clip and connection plug. |
| T99916996 | Return cable 10m supplied on a drum complete with clip and connection plug. |
| T27018024 | Wetting agent 50ml bottle helps aid the fast detection of pinholes. Just add to the water used to dampen the sponge. |
Downloads
Videos
Videos
Frequently asked questions
What detection method does the Elcometer 270 use?
The Elcometer 270 uses the 'wet sponge' method of holiday detection, which is a low voltage approach. The maximum measurement range is 500µm.
What voltages does the Elcometer 270/4 operate at, and how does it differ from the 270/3?
The 270/4 operates at three voltage levels: 9V, 67.5V and 90V. The 270/3 operates at two levels: 9V and 90V. The 270/4 therefore provides an additional mid-range voltage option.
How long does the battery last in the Elcometer 270?
Both models use 3 x AA (LR1600) 1.5V alkaline batteries. At 9V, battery life is up to 200 hours. At 90V, life reduces to up to 80 hours. The 270/4 at 67.5V gives up to 100 hours. NiMH rechargeables can also be used but reduce battery life by up to 75%.
What is the sensitivity of the Elcometer 270 at each voltage?
At 9V, sensitivity is 90kOhm plus or minus 5% on both models. At 90V, sensitivity is 400kOhm plus or minus 5%. The 270/4 at 67.5V has a sensitivity of 125kOhm plus or minus 5%.
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