ASTM F150-25 explains that starting at 10 VDC avoids polarizing the tile and producing a false resistance reading. Its procedure also directs testing at 100 VDC for static-dissipative floors known to exceed 1.0 × 10⁶ Ω. The historical reasons for these voltage choices appear in Appendix X1, which provides nonmandatory information.
Why start at 10 VDC?
Appendix X1.1 explains that the test is first done at 10 VDC to eliminate the possibility of polarizing the tile and producing a false reading. For installed conductive-floor measurements, sections 8.2.1.1 and 8.2.2.1 direct setting the meter to 10 VDC.
Why was 500 VDC dropped?
Appendix X1.1 reports that 500 VDC was too high to test resilient flooring accurately in the conductive range without increasing the amperage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the applicable procedure in section 8.2 to select the test voltage. Appendix X1 explains the historical reasoning behind the voltage choices.