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DoD resistance testing for small conductive floors and tabletops

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Reduced Test Counts on Small Surfaces

DoD Manual 4145.26 permits fewer than five resistance measurements when a conductive floor or tabletop is too small to accommodate five measurements while keeping the electrodes at least 3 ft [1 m] from all grounded items. The reduced count must still adequately test all parts of the conductive surface, and the justification must be recorded in the grounding system test plan.

This allowance appears in the note to paragraph C6.4.7.5.5 of the DoD Contractor’s Safety Manual for Ammunition and Explosives, dated 13 March 2008 and incorporating Change 2 of 31 August 2018.

The normal measurement count

Clause
C6.4.7.5.5
Locations
Five or more per room

Paragraph C6.4.7.5.5 requires both electrode-to-electrode and electrode-to-ground system measurements at five or more locations in each room. At least two test locations must be in heavily trafficked areas.

When a reduced count is permitted

Basis
Note to C6.4.7.5.5
Record
Grounding system test plan

The reduced count comes with two requirements:

  • Enough measurements to ensure adequate testing of all parts of the conductive surface.
  • A documented justification for the reduced number of electrode-to-electrode or electrode-to-ground measurements in the grounding system test plan.

The note does not specify a replacement minimum count.

The clearance from grounded items still applies

Clearance
3 ft [1 m]

For both measurement types, DoD Manual 4145.26 requires electrodes to remain at least 3 ft [1 m] from an earth ground or other grounded items to prevent biased measurements. Examples include a grounded door frame, ordnance handling equipment, or a grounded item resting on the conductive floor.

The small-surface note permits fewer measurements; it describes no change to this clearance.

The DoD conductive-floor guide covers the broader resistance requirements, testing schedule, and personnel safeguards.

Frequently asked questions

DoD Manual 4145.26 C6.4.7.5.5 permits a reduced count when the surface’s size makes five electrode-to-electrode or resistance-to-ground measurements impractical while keeping the electrodes 3 ft [1 m] from all grounded items. Measurements must still adequately test all parts of the conductive surface, and the justification for the reduced count must be documented in the grounding system test plan.

No. DoD Manual 4145.26 C6.4.7.5.5 requires electrodes for both measurement types to remain at least 3 ft [1 m] from earth ground or other grounded items. The small-surface note permits a reduced measurement count under its stated conditions and describes no change to that clearance.

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