Desco 19290 Digital Surface Resistance Meter Kit

Desco 19290 — Digital Surface Resistance Meter Kit, NIST Calibrated

The Desco 19290 (SKU: 19290) is a digital surface resistance meter kit designed for measuring resistance point-to-point (Rtt) and surface-to-ground (Rtg) of worksurfaces, flooring, garments, packaging, and other materials in ESD-controlled environments. Measures from <1×10³ to >1×10¹² ohms with ±10% accuracy (±20% at 1×10¹² ohms and above). Test voltages of 10V and 100V (±5%). Large OLED display shows resistance, temperature, relative humidity, and test voltage simultaneously. Stores up to 100 measurements in internal memory. NIST calibrated with certificate included. Made in the USA.

Key Specifications

Kit Contents

• 1 Digital Surface Resistance Meter
• 2 Test Leads, 5’ length
• 2 Five-pound (5 lb) electrodes
• 1 Electrode spacer, 10"
• 1 Electrode spacer, 36"
• 4 AA alkaline batteries
• 1 Ground plug adapter
• 1 Gator clip
• 25 Measurement location labels
• 1 Plastic carrying case
• 1 Certificate of Calibration

Standards Compliance

• ANSI/ESD S20.20 — ESD control program compliance verification
• ESD TR53 — compliance verification of ESD protective equipment
• ANSI/ESD S4.1 — worksurface resistance measurement
• ANSI/ESD S7.1 — floor materials resistance measurement
• ANSI/ESD STM97.1 — floor materials and footwear combined system resistance
• ANSI/ESD STM11.11 — surface resistance (with 50005 concentric ring probe accessory)
• ANSI/ESD STM11.12 — volume resistance (with 50005 concentric ring probe accessory)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Rtt and Rtg measurements?
Rtt (resistance point-to-point) measures the resistance between two points on the same surface — used to characterize the surface resistance of worksurfaces, flooring, and packaging materials. Rtg (resistance-to-ground) measures the resistance from a surface point to the ground reference — used to verify that ESD-protective surfaces and garments are properly grounded. Both measurements are required for full ANSI/ESD S20.20 compliance verification per ESD TR53.

Why are two test voltages (10V and 100V) needed?
ANSI/ESD standards specify different test voltages for different materials and measurement types. 10V is used for conductive and dissipative materials where lower voltage prevents measurement artifacts. 100V is used for higher-resistance materials (dissipative and insulative range) where 10V may not provide sufficient current for accurate measurement. The Desco 19290 supports both voltages to meet the full range of ANSI/ESD S20.20 and TR53 test requirements.

What do the electrode spacers (10" and 36") do?
The electrode spacers set the distance between the two 5 lb electrodes for Rtt measurements. ANSI/ESD S4.1 (worksurfaces) requires a 10" electrode spacing, while ANSI/ESD S7.1 (flooring) requires a 36" spacing. The included spacers ensure correct electrode placement for each standard without guesswork.

Is the Desco 19290 NIST traceable?
Yes — the 19290 is NIST calibrated and includes a Certificate of Calibration traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology. This is required for ESD control programs operating under ANSI/ESD S20.20 and for audit documentation purposes.

What accessories are available for the Desco 19290?
Optional accessories include the Desco 50005 Concentric Ring Probe for surface resistance (STM11.11) and volume resistance (STM11.12) measurements of planar materials, and the Desco 19295 Handheld Electrode for TR53 and STM97.1 measurements. Contact MTE Solutions for accessory availability and pricing.