Electrical Leak Location Survey and Services
With a growing interest to reduce the potential for containment defects, Electrical Leak Location (ELL) surveys and testing has proven to be a reliable method to assess construction materials, installation and application integrity. BLE provides ELL specialty services as an important component to our CQA expertise.
BLE has successfully performed numerous ELL surveys and tests totaling over 16 million square feet including:
- TPO Roofing Systems
- Lined or Coated Ponds
- Basins
- Piping Floor Slabs
- Tank Interiors
- Chemical Storage Vessels / Hazardous Waste Storage
- Buried Structures
- Pipelines
- Concrete
- Sewers
- Manholes
- Landfills / Solid Waste
- Power Plants / Power
- Coal Ash Disposal
- Water / Waste Water
- Animal Waste Storage
- Industrial Facilities / Tank Farms / Ponds
- Mining
- Golf Courses
- Ski Slopes
With our electrical leak location services, we utilize various methods to evaluate the integrity of the geomembrane liner or containment system and find leaks in the system, depending on the containment system.
Covered Testing Methods
Covered testing methods are performed by applying an electrical charge to the cover above the surface while placing an electrical ground below or outside of the area. A voltage meter, equipped with GPS technology, is used to observe and monitor electrical current flow. Variations in the electrical current flow indicate the potential of leak paths.
These methods can be performed on containment systems covered with water or earthen materials such as soil, sand, and aggregates.
Covered Testing Methods Include:
- ASTM D 7007 – Covered Earth/Water Method (Dipole Method)
- ASTM D 8265 – Covered Earth/Water Method (Mapping Method)
Exposed Testing Methods
Exposed testing methods are performed by applying an electrical charge to the containment system surface while placing an electrical ground below or outside of the containment system area. A hand-held wand is used to impress across the containment system surface and breaches are detected by the formation of an electrical arc through the hole or holiday. The equipment produces audio alarms and visual formations of the arc, alerting the operator of leaks.
These methods can be performed on exposed containment systems and piping including installed liner systems or an applied coatings, epoxy or sealant.
Exposed Testing Methods Include:
- ASTM D 7953 – Exposed Arc Testing Method
- ASTM D 7240 – Exposed Spark Testing Method
- ASTM D 5162 – Discontinuity Holiday Testing Method (Substrates on Metals)
- ASTM D 4787 Continuity Verification Testing Method (Substrates on Concrete)
- ASTM G 62 Holiday Detection Test Method (Pipeline Coatings)
Explore BLE Electrical Leak Location Services
Ensure the long-term performance and compliance of your containment systems with BLE’s electrical leak location survey services. Our certified technicians use proven methods to detect even the smallest leaks—saving time and reducing risk.
Partner with BLE for reliable electrical leak location you can trust. Explore recent roof leak detection projects to see how we operate and contact our team to schedule your ELL survey or learn more about how BLE assists quality assurance for your business.