What is an Acceptable Damp Reading?

Damp readings are used to measure the amount of moisture present in automotive equipment insulation systems. Damp readings are expressed in megohms, and they are typically measured using a megohmmeter. It involves measuring the resistance between the equipment’s electrical conductors and the ground.

For instance, a reading of 100 megohms indicates that there is a high level of resistance between the conductors and the ground, hence, a lower probability of electrical leakage or shorts.

Acceptable damp readings for automotive equipment vary depending on the specific application and the manufacturer’s recommendations. However, a general guideline is that a damp reading of 50 megohms or higher is considered acceptable.

Damp readings below 50 megohms may indicate that the equipment is at risk of electrical failure. In such cases, the equipment will be left out of service and subjected to maintenance to restore its insulation integrity.

Regular damp readings are an important part of maintaining automotive equipment. By monitoring damp readings, it is possible to identify potential issues early on and take steps to prevent them from becoming major problems.