Elcometer 266 High Voltage DC Holiday Detector

Name: Elcometer 266 High Voltage DC Holiday Detector – Datasheet
Brand: Elcometer
SKU: Elcometer 266

High-voltage DC holiday detection for pipeline and protective coatings

The Elcometer 266 is a high-voltage DC holiday (porosity) detector for finding pits, pinholes, thin spots and other flaws in non-conductive coatings applied to metal. Elcometer states that it can test coatings up to 7.5 mm (300 mils) thick and that it is suited to coatings on pipelines and other protective systems. A voltage calculator sets the test voltage automatically once the test standard and coating thickness are entered, and an internal voltmeter (jeep tester) confirms that the voltage at the probe matches the selected value. When the probe passes over a flaw, a spark closes the circuit, the handle LED turns blue and the buzzer sounds.

Technical specifications

Parameter	Specification
Part number	D266—-4 (main instrument); probe handle ordered separately
Voltage adjustment	0.5 to 1 kV in 50 V steps; 1 to 30 kV in 100 V steps
Maximum voltage	Set by the probe handle: DC5, DC15, DC30 or DC30S
High voltage output accuracy	+/-5 % or +/-50 V below 1000 V
Measured current flow accuracy	+/-5 % of full scale; 0 to 100 uA maximum output current
Operating temperature	0 to 50 C (32 to 120 F)
Power	Rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack, fully charged within 4 hours
Typical battery life, backlight off (on)	DC5: 40 (20) h; DC15: 20 (15) h; DC30: 10 (8) h
Case	Waterproof ABS carry case, 520 x 370 x 125 mm (20.5 x 14.5 x 5 in)
Weight	Base unit with battery 1.2 kg (2.7 lb); handle 0.6 kg (1.3 lb)
Standards listed	ANSI/AWWA C213, AS 3894.1, ASTM C 536, ASTM D 4787, ASTM D 5162-B, ASTM G 62-B, BS 1344-11, EN 14430, ISO 2746, ISO 29601, JIS K 6766, NACE SP0188, NACE SP0490 and others as printed
Warranty	1 year on the instrument and handles, extendable free of charge to 2 years within 60 days of purchase through Elcometer

Probe handles and accessories

Part number	Handle	Voltage range
T26620033-1	DC5	0.5 to 5 kV
T26620033-2	DC15	0.5 to 15 kV
T26620033-3	DC30	0.5 to 30 kV
T26620033-4	DC30S (continuous voltage)	0.5 to 30 kV

The instrument does not include a probe handle, so one must be chosen from the list above; a certified version of each handle (suffix C) is also listed. The packing list covers the battery pack, curly high-voltage cable, 10 m (32 ft) signal return lead, charger with UK, EU, US and AU plugs, band brush, shoulder strap and tough plastic carry case. A second hand grip (T26620081) and a wide range of brushes and rolling springs are available as accessories. Dual safety switches on the grey and orange handles prevent accidental switch-on, and extended ribbing is designed to meet EN 61010.

Selection and use

Select the handle from the highest test voltage the coating thickness and standard require, then pick the probe shape for the surface, such as band brush for flat areas, circular brush for pipe interiors or rolling spring for external pipe. Elcometer lists the high-voltage technique for coatings up to 25 mm in the catalogue; the 266 itself is stated for up to 7.5 mm. Care is needed on thin coatings, because too high a voltage can damage them. For damp, dirty or slightly conductive coatings see the pulsed DC Elcometer 280; for thin insulating films the wet-sponge Elcometer 270 is the low-voltage option. More inspection instruments are listed under Portable Test and Measurement, including the Elcometer 456 coating thickness gauge.

Documents and quotation

The attached Elcometer pinhole and porosity detection catalogue covers the 236, 266, 270 and 280 and carries the specification tables above. Send the coating type and thickness, the test standard, the substrate and the probe shape needed, and confirm the handle voltage rating and whether a calibration certificate is required before ordering.

Elcometer 456 coating thickness gauges

The Elcometer 456 measures dry film thickness. The separate version in our listing takes plug-in probes on a cable, so one gauge body can work with different probes. Probe choice follows the substrate: ferrous probes for coatings on steel, non-ferrous probes for coatings on metals such as aluminum, and dual probes for both. Probe scale and shape are chosen to suit the coating thickness and the access to the surface.

Ordering Elcometer gauges and probes: what we need

Send the gauge model letter and part number from the label, the substrate, the expected coating thickness range, the probe type and scale, and any accessories such as reference foils. If a test certificate from the manufacturer is required, say so in the request. Fabrication yards across the GCC usually name the inspection standard as well.

Frequently Asked Questions