Polymer materials are normally regarded as materials of high electrical resistivity and are widely used as insulators. However, the incorporation of various fillers, additives or surface coatings can greatly reduce electrical resistance properties.

There are various technical and industrial purposes for which a polymer with a reduced resistivity is a useful material, the most frequent application being for the dissipation of static charges. Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can result in electrical shock to a person or create sparks which are very dangerous, especially in potentially explosive atmospheres.

Our electrical testing expertise

The experts at the Smithers rubber and plastic testing labs have years of experience with electrical testing to industry standards, as well as designing custom test protocols to meet your team's needs. Support can be provided at the material development stage, including plastic and rubber processing, as well as final material qualification testing.

Click the links on the right of the page to find out more about the electrical properties we can test.

Examples of the types of products and standards we test to include:

  • BS EN 61111 Live working – electrical insulating matting
  • BS EN 61112 Live working – electrical insulating blankets
  • Surface resistivity measurements for materials used in antistatic bulk containers (BS EN 61340-4-4) and electrical housing (BS EN IEC 60079-0)
  • BS EN ISO 8031:2020 for electrical resistance and conductivity of hose assemblies

For more information, contact one of our experts

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Electrical Property Testing

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