What is ISO 21178 about?
ISO 21178 specifies test methods for determining the electrical resistances of light conveyor belts according to ISO 211831. The resistances are surface resistance, volume resistance perpendicular to the belt plane, and longitudinal and transverse volume resistance parallel to the belt plane. ISO 21178 also specifies two test methods for determining the surface resistivity and the volume resistivity.
Who is ISO 21178 for?
ISO 21178 on the determination of electrical resistance of conveyor belts is useful for:
- Conveyor belts manufacturers
- Conveyor belts operators
- Health and safety bodies
- Conveyor belts servicemen
Why should you use ISO 21178?
While working with conveyor belts it’s important to determine their electrical resistance in order to avoid hazardous situations. ISO 21178 specifies methods of measuring surface resistance. The method specified in ISO 21178 is applicable to belts that have electrically varying properties in the plane of the belt, especially those where fabrics have conducting threads in the longitudinal direction which can be exposed on the belt surface. An electric current is passed via electrodes clamped in a suitable arrangement to the surface of a test piece of the belt material. With the test of electrical resistance in ISO 21178, the manufacturers can demonstrate the reliability of their conveyor belts and build trust in their use throughout the supply chain.