ASTM D7877 & ASTM D8231

Referring to ASTM D7877, this test standard describes procedures for using electrical conductance measurement methods to locate leaks in exposed or covered waterproof membranes. Commonly referred to as, ELD testing, leak location testing can be used to locate breaches or other deficiencies within the waterproofing membranes installed in roofs, plaza decks, pools, water features, covered reservoirs, and other waterproofing applications. Multiple methods by either low or high voltage testing can be chosen. 

• Low voltage testing requires a continuous layer of water on the deck. When a breach is presented, the water serves as a medium to create an electrical path to the deck below. When a breach is detected, an alarm or warning from the ELD device will alert the operator. 
• High voltage testing is another method under this standard. High voltage testing utilizes an electrode which is swept across the surface of the membrane. The electrode is charged to a voltage relative to the millage of the membrane below. When a breach is detected, an electrical arc occurs from the electrode to the deck below. When this occurs, the breach is detected alerting the operator.