ANSI/ESD STM7.1-2020 recommends battery-powered resistance measurement equipment because instruments powered from an AC supply may produce erroneous results through undefined ground paths.
For floor testing, the instrument’s power source is therefore part of the measurement setup. Craftsman Concrete reviews equipment and test connections when performing resistance testing for flooring systems installed by Craftsman and other contractors.
What the recommendation means
Battery power is recommended, not mandatory
The guidance appears in an informative note in ANSI/ESD STM7.1-2020, Flooring Systems Resistive Characterization (section 6.1, Product Qualification). It recommends battery-powered equipment rather than making battery power a requirement.
Battery power does not eliminate other setup problems
STM7.1-2020 separately warns that unshielded leads, or leads with inadequate isolation, can produce erroneous results when they contact the flooring system.
Using a battery-powered meter therefore does not replace checking the leads, connections and other equipment requirements of the applicable test method.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. ANSI/ESD STM7.1-2020 recommends battery-powered equipment in an informative note within its product qualification section. The note does not make battery power mandatory.
No. Battery power addresses the concern about undefined ground paths associated with AC-powered instruments. Leads and their contact with the flooring can still affect the result, so the rest of the measurement setup must also be checked.