Surface Resistivity

Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2026 2:56 pm Post subject: Surface Resistivity

Is there a std way to measure surface resistivity? What shld be the resistivity of a worksurface? Is metal surface ok?

Guest

SOrry I forgot to sign my name above. By the way, I'm talking about the surface of a work station that units can touch. Thanks.

DUTcom

Joined: 20 Jun 2026 Posts: 76

Yes, there are standards for measuring surface resistivity (not to be confused with surface resistance). You know you're looking at surface resistivity if the unit is ohms per square.

Specs such as EIA-541, Mil-B-81705C and NFPA 99 refer to surface resistivity. All these specifications in turn reference test method ASTM D-257 for measuring surface resistivity.

FARel Engr

Joined: 20 Jun 2026 Posts: 76

Additional info:

ASTM D 257 is the test standard that applies to measurement of surface and volume resistivity of insulative material using either parallel bar or concentric ring electrodes.

ESD Association Standards S11.11 and S11.12 define a specific D 257 concentric ring electrode configuration to measure surface and volume resistance of dissipative planar material.

ASTM D 991 utilizes a 4-pole measurement fixture for measuring bulk resistance of conductive material.

ESD Association standards specify a five-point, 2.5"-diameter probe with conductive rubber electrode for measuring point-to-point resistance and resistance-to-ground of ESD-protective work surfaces, floors and seating.

ASTM F 150 and NFPA 99 specify a similar probe.

FARel Engr