
The Elcometer 130 Salt Contamination Meter (E130-S / E130-T) is a portable, hand-held gauge that measures the level of soluble salts on a surface, working nearly five times faster than equivalent Bresle test methods. Soluble salts left on steel before coating drive corrosion, blistering and premature coating failure, so measuring contamination before the first coat is applied protects the life of the system and avoids costly re-work.
The Elcometer 130 Salt Contamination Meter reads conductivity to an accuracy of plus or minus 1 percent, with automatic temperature compensation for repeatable results across climatic conditions, and a pressure plate that applies constant, uniform pressure to the test paper. Non-oxidising gold-plated contacts maintain accuracy over the life of the gauge. Model S measures 0 to 25 micrograms per square centimetre at 0.1 resolution; Model T extends the range to 0 to 50 micrograms per square centimetre and adds conductivity, ppm and salinity units (up to 0 to 3000ppm and 0 to 0.3 percent salinity). A calibration offset allows the use of non-pure water up to 2 micrograms per square centimetre. Each sample takes about two minutes over a 110mm diameter circle.
The sealed unit is dust and water resistant to the equivalent of IP64, with a 6cm scratch and solvent resistant TFT display and large buttons for gloved hands. It stores up to 100,000 readings in 1,000 alpha-numeric batches and outputs by USB and Bluetooth to ElcoMaster software and the ElcoMaster Mobile App. It can be used in accordance with SSPC Guide 15. Used by coatings inspectors in marine, refinery and corrosion-protection work, it is supplied by BAMR, South Africa's authorised Elcometer distributor.
Elcometer 130 Salt Contamination Meter
The Elcometer 130 Salt Contamination Meter quickly and accurately measures the level of soluble salts on surfaces nearly 5 times faster than Bresle equivalent test methods.
- Fast reading rate Allows multiple tests to be completed efficiently
- Automatic temperature compensation Ensures accurate results
- Pressure plate Ensures a constant and uniform pressure to paper
- Non-oxidising gold plated contacts Ensures lifetime accuracy
- Fully portable hand-held, ergonomic design Ideal for use in the field
- Dust and water resistant rugged design Equivalent to IP64
- Data storage Stores up to 100,000 readings in 1,000 alpha numeric batches
- USB and Bluetooth data output To ElcoMaster software
- Large buttons Ideal for gloved hands
- Easy to use menus in multiple languages
When to use the Elcometer 130 Salt Contamination Meter
You reach for the 130 when you need to clear a blast-cleaned steel surface for coating and prove the soluble salt level is low enough to avoid premature failure. It reads the salt contamination and conductivity of a sample in a single hand-held gauge, nearly 5 times faster than Bresle equivalent test methods.
- 1Faster than Bresle methodsSoluble salt checks often gate the whole coating schedule. Reading nearly 5 times faster than Bresle equivalents lets the inspector clear more test points without holding up the applicators.
- 2Salt and conductivity in one gaugeIt combines a soluble salt meter and a conductivity meter, so you carry one instrument to the deck instead of separate kit, with automatic temperature compensation keeping readings accurate across field conditions.
- 3Traceable records for the job fileIt stores up to 100,000 readings in 1,000 batches with date and time stamps and outputs to ElcoMaster over USB or Bluetooth, so the QC evidence for a contract is captured as you work rather than written up later.
- 4Built for harsh site useThe IP64 impact, dust and water resistant body with large buttons for gloved hands holds up in the ballast tanks and yards where salt testing actually happens.
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When to use this
When to use the Elcometer 130 Salt Contamination Meter
You reach for the 130 when you need to clear a blast-cleaned steel surface for coating and prove the soluble salt level is low enough to avoid premature failure. It reads the salt contamination and conductivity of a sample in a single hand-held gauge, nearly 5 times faster than Bresle equivalent test methods.
- 1Faster than Bresle methodsSoluble salt checks often gate the whole coating schedule. Reading nearly 5 times faster than Bresle equivalents lets the inspector clear more test points without holding up the applicators.
- 2Salt and conductivity in one gaugeIt combines a soluble salt meter and a conductivity meter, so you carry one instrument to the deck instead of separate kit, with automatic temperature compensation keeping readings accurate across field conditions.
- 3Traceable records for the job fileIt stores up to 100,000 readings in 1,000 batches with date and time stamps and outputs to ElcoMaster over USB or Bluetooth, so the QC evidence for a contract is captured as you work rather than written up later.
- 4Built for harsh site useThe IP64 impact, dust and water resistant body with large buttons for gloved hands holds up in the ballast tanks and yards where salt testing actually happens.
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
Model Options
| Model S | Model T | Description | Certificate |
|---|---|---|---|
| E130-S | E130-T | Elcometer 130 Salt Contamination Meter | |
| E130-SC | E130-TC | Elcometer 130 Certified Salt Contamination Meter | ● |
| Model S | Model T | ||
| Measurement Range | 0-25μg/cm² | 0-50μg/cm²; 0-500mg/m²; 0-6000μS/cm 0-6mS/cm; 0-3000ppm; 0-0.3% Salinity | |
| Resolution | 0.1μg/cm² | 0.1μg/cm²; 1mg/m² 1μS/cm; 0.001mS/cm 1ppm; 0.0001% Salinity | |
| Measurement Accuracy | ±1% of reading ±0.1μg/cm² | ||
| Operating Range | 5°C – 40°C | ||
| Sample Time | 2 minutes | ||
| Sampling Size | 110mm diameter circle | ||
| Dimensions | 250 x 145 x 50mm | ||
| Weight | 780g |
- Power Supply
- 4 x AA dry cell batteries (rechargeable batteries can also be used), or power via USB
- Number of Tests
- Approximately 4,000 measurements before battery replacement
- Standard Model Description
- Elcometer 130 Salt Contamination Meter
- Certified Model Description
- Elcometer 130 Certified Salt Contamination Meter
- Measurement Range (Model S)
- 0-25μg/cm²
- Measurement Range (Model T)
- 0-50μg/cm²; 0-500mg/m²; 0-6000μS/cm; 0-6mS/cm; 0-3000ppm; 0-0.3% Salinity
- Resolution (Model S)
- 0.1μg/cm²
- Resolution (Model T)
- 0.1μg/cm²; 1mg/m²; 1μS/cm; 0.001mS/cm; 1ppm; 0.0001% Salinity
- Conductivity measurement
- ±1%
- Bright colour screen
- With permanent back light
- Scratch and solvent resistant display
- 6cm TFT
- Gauge memory (Model T)
- 100 readings; 1 batch
- Magnetic and tripod mounting points
- Yes
- User Friendly - Large buttons ideal for gloved hands
- Yes
- User Friendly - Easy to use menus in multiple languages
- Yes
- User Friendly - High reading limit indicator
- Yes
- User Friendly - Factory calibrated for immediate use
- Yes
- Accurate - Conductivity measurement to ±1%
- Yes
- Accurate - Can be used in accordance with National and International Standards
- Yes
- Accurate - Automatic temperature compensation ensures repeatable, accurate results
- Yes
- Accurate - Calibration verification tiles
- Yes
- Accurate - Trend and batch readings graph formats for instant on-screen analysis
- Yes
- Reliable - Repeatable and reproducible measurements
- Yes
- Reliable - 2 year gauge warranty
- Yes
- Reliable - Supplied with fully traceable Test Certificates
- Yes
- Reliable - Batch and individual readings are stored with date and time stamp
- Yes
- Tough - Heavy duty, impact resistant, dust and waterproof design equivalent to IP64
- Yes
- Tough - Wipe clean sealed unit ideal for harsh environments
- Yes
- Tough - Scratch and solvent resistant display
- Yes
- Efficient - Instant readings allow multiple tests to be completed efficiently
- Yes
- Efficient - Alpha numeric batch identification
- Yes
- Efficient - Compatible with ElcoMaster and ElcoMaster Mobile App
- Yes
- Efficient - Calibration offset allows the use of non-pure water up to 2μg/cm²
- Yes
- Powerful - Measuring range up to 50μg/cm² (3000ppm)
- Yes
- Powerful - USB and Bluetooth data output to iPhone or Android devices
- Yes
- Powerful - Stores up to 100,000 readings in 1,000 batches
- Yes
- Powerful - Soluble salt and conductivity meter in one gauge
- Yes
- Ambient light sensor with adjustable auto brightness
- ■ ■
- • USB to computer
- ■ ■
- On screen statistics
- ■
- Number of readings (η) Mean (average) (x); Standard deviation (σ) Highest reading (Hi) Lowest reading (Lo) Coefficient of variation (CV) Number of reading above high limit
- ■
- Limits user definable audible & visual pass/fail warnings
- ■
- Review, copy, clear & delete batches & calibration settings
- ■
- Analogue bar graph
- ■
What's in the kit
What's in the kit
Standards
Standards
Accessories
Accessories
| T13023980 | Calibration Verification Tiles, Set of 3 |
| T13024091 | 3ml Syringe (x3) |
| T99922341 | Pack of 10 Display Screen Protectors |
| T13024093 | Box of 20 Self Seal Polythene Bags |
| T99911344 | Pure Distilled Water - 250ml Bottle with 3ml syringe |
| T13027596 | Pure Distilled Water - 1000ml Bottle with 3ml syringe |
| T13024094 | Box of 100 High Purity Test Papers |
| T13024092 | Box of 20 Disposable Vinyl Gloves |
| T13024098 | Plastic Tweezers (x2) |
| T13024087 | Box of 72 Sensor Wipes |
| T13025964 | Magnetic Discs (x3) |
| T99921325 | USB Cable |
Test Method
Test Method
Test Method
Fill the syringe with 1.6ml of pure distilled water. Note: Non-pure water (up to 2µg/cm²) can be automatically offset with the gauge.
Using tweezers, remove a filter paper from the pack and place it on the cleaned, non labelled side of the magnetic disc supplied. Disperse the water from the syringe, evenly across the whole of the filter paper and remove any bubbles from under the paper.
Place the magnetic disc, with wetted paper face down on to the area under test, pressing firmly into any contours or irregularities and start the 2 minute timer on the gauge. Whilst waiting for the sample time to elapse, additional tests can be prepared.
After 2 minutes, carefully remove the filter paper and magnetic disc from the test surface and place on to the measurement electrodes. Close the lid, ensuring that the magnetic catch is fully engaged.
The reading will automatically be displayed and stored into memory together with date and time. Place the filter paper in a resealable bag (supplied), if required for further analysis.
Downloads
Videos
Videos
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between Model S and Model T?
Model S measures up to 25μg/cm². Model T extends to 50μg/cm² and adds output in mg/m², conductivity units (μS/cm and mS/cm), ppm, and percentage salinity. Choose Model T if you need multi-unit reporting or higher measurement ranges.
How much faster is the Elcometer 130 compared to Bresle test methods?
The Elcometer 130 completes measurements nearly 5 times faster than Bresle equivalent methods. Each test takes 2 minutes, making high-volume field testing practical.
Can it withstand harsh site conditions?
Yes. The gauge has an IP64 rating (dust and waterproof design) and is impact resistant with a sealed, wipe-clean unit suitable for harsh environments. Operating temperature range is 5°C to 40°C.
What sampling area does the Elcometer 130 use?
Each measurement samples a 110mm diameter circle. Automatic temperature compensation ensures repeatable results, with measurement accuracy to ±1% of reading ±0.1μg/cm².
How do I manage and analyse batch data?
Model T stores up to 100,000 readings across 1,000 batches with date and time stamps. Via ElcoMaster software or mobile app (USB and Bluetooth), you can view on-screen statistics including mean, standard deviation, highest and lowest readings, and set user-definable pass/fail limits.
Is factory calibration included?
Yes. The gauge arrives factory calibrated for immediate use with calibration verification tiles included. If your water contains salts up to 2μg/cm², apply a calibration offset. Certified models include fully traceable Test Certificates and carry a 2 year warranty.
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