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-M/1 Holiday Detector-

INFORMATION BULLETIN

T&R Product Instructions     M/1 Pinhole Detector


 
The electrical holiday detector commonly used for inspection for brushed, sprayed or dip-applied protective coatings is considered a non-destructive device with a source of less than 75 volts applied to the coatings using an electrode consisting of a cellulose sponge dampened with an electrically conductive liquid such as tap water.  The electrode pushes a film of liquid over the surface and when a holiday is encountered, current will flow through the liquid to the metal.  An audible indicator is used to signal coating defects.

Recommended points to be included in a specification for the electrical inspection of thin film coating with the so-called “non-destructive” type holiday detector, Tinker & Rasor Model M/1 are:

1.      The voltage between the electrode (sponge) and the metal surface upon which the coatings lies should not exceed 75 volts measured between the electrode sponge and the coated metal when the detector is in it’s normal operating position.

2.      An electrical connection must be made from the detector to some bare spot on the metal structure to be coated.

3.      The holiday detector should be equipped with an audible signal which is responsive to high current flows between electrode and the metal surface.

4.      The coated surface should be dry prior to making the inspection and if the surface is in an environment where electrolytes might form on the surface such as salt spray, the coated surface should be washed with fresh water and allowed to dry.

The consensus of the industry is that ordinary tap water will suffice to wet the sponge electrode when this type of electrical holiday inspection is conducted on protective coatings up to 10 mils in thickness.  On film thickness between 10 and 20 mils a non-sudsing type wetting agent added to the water is recommended.  This allows for faster penetration of the liquid into pinhole defects.  A wetting agent such as TINKER & RASOR’S “WATER-WETTER” is an excellent product for this purpose.  Available in 8 ounce size bottle.

It is further agreed that this type holiday detector is not satisfactory for inspection of protective coatings over 20 mils in thickness and completely ineffective on prefabricated coatings such as PVC, etc.

An electrical holiday detector should be used at the time the coating is applied.  The holiday detector should never be used to evaluate the quality or usefulness of a coating and should be used only as an aid in the application of the coating.  When the detector is used at the time of application, holidays can be readily located and repaired.  The detector not only locates holidays, but it enables the applicator to develop techniques of better application.

All instruments being returned for repair should be sent PREPAID to either address below: 

Ship Via Courrier (UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc)

Tinker & Rasor
ATTN: Repairs
791 S. Waterman Ave.
San Bernardino, CA 92408

Ship Via US Postal Mail

Tinker & Rasor
ATTN: Repairs
PO BOX 6890
San Bernardino, CA 92412-6890

Include with shipment information the nature of the problem, purchase order, serial number
and return delivery address, phone and fax numbers. Immediate service is guaranteed!


 

T&R Product Instructions     M/1 Pinhole Detector