ASTM D7877

IntegriScan™ The First Choice for D7877

For ASTM D7877 testing, JST Development uses IntegriScan low-voltage scanning to pinpoint membrane breaches on horizontal and vertical surfaces, details, transitions, penetrations, and certain semi-conductive membranes when conditions allow.

Finding what others miss.™

Why IntegriScan for D7877?

ASTM D7877 is a guide that includes multiple electrical conductance methods. IntegriScan is the clear first choice because it offers:

The only FM approved equipment that can do D7877 ELD testing
Fast, efficient low-voltage scanning
Precise breach location for repair and retest
Testing of horizontal and vertical surfaces
Effective testing on details, transitions, and penetrations
Capability to test certain semi-conductive membranes, including black EPDM
Fewer practical limitations than other D7877 methods

The FM Approved Advantage

IntegriScan is the only FM Approved ELD testing equipment, used with TruGround Conductive Primer in approved FM assemblies within RoofNav. This third-party approval sets IntegriScan apart from all other methods referenced in ASTM D7877.

D7877 Testing Methods

ASTM D7877 includes several electronic leak detection methods. Each works differently and has different capabilities and limitations.

IntegriScan Low-Voltage Scanning
Uses a scanning platform for horizontal surfaces and a dedicated roller for vertical surfaces and details. It provides localized breach detection, minimal setup, and can test certain semi-conductive membranes, including black EPDM. The scanning platform and vertical roller are the only FM Approved ELD testing methods.

Low-Voltage Vector Mapping
Uses a perimeter wire and continuous layer of water to identify the direction of electrical current toward a breach. It is primarily suited to horizontal, non-conductive membranes and has limitations around vertical surfaces, transitions, grounded objects and black EPDM.

High-Voltage Testing
Also called spark or holiday testing. It uses high voltage on a dry membrane and can test horizontal and vertical non-conductive membranes. It cannot test semi-conductive membranes such as black EPDM and requires careful voltage adjustment based on membrane thickness.

Why JST Uses IntegriScan
IntegriScan combines the low-voltage scanning platform and vertical roller to provide broader testing capability across roofing and waterproofing assemblies, with fewer practical limitations than the other D7877 methods.

Where It Can Be Used

Commercial Roofing

Below-Grade Waterproofing

Plazas & Podiums

Tunnels & Structures

Industrial Facilities

Conductivity and Valid Testing

Electronic leak detection requires an appropriate conductive path placed "directly beneath the waterproofing membrane". Structural concrete, metal pan decking, or an approved conductive medium may provide the required return path, depending on the roof assembly.

Where electrically insulating materials, such as coverboard, insulation, wood, or a vapor barrier, separate the membrane from the conductive substrate, a compatible conductive medium may need to be incorporated directly beneath the membrane. This includes metal pan decking covered by a vapor barrier or other electrically insulating materials.

Before testing, JST reviews the membrane assembly and site conditions to determine whether the required conductive path is present and the project is suitable for valid electronic leak detection.

JST Development provides professional electronic leak detection for roofing and waterproofing systems. Our technicians are trained and certified, and each project is reviewed to confirm that the membrane assembly and site conditions are suitable for valid testing. JST Development also maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

Our goal is not simply to perform an electronic test. Our goal is to provide a reliable assessment of whether detectable membrane breaches are present at the time of testing and to document the results for the project team.

Our Commitment

Frequently Asked Questions About ASTM D7877

What is ASTM D7877?

ASTM D7877 is the Standard Guide for Electronic Methods for Detecting and Locating Leaks in Roofing and

Waterproofing Membranes. It addresses electrical conductance methods used to locate membrane breaches.

Does JST Development perform ASTM D7877 testing?

Yes. JST provides electronic leak detection for roofing and waterproofing systems using IntegriScan low-

voltage scanning equipment.

Is ASTM D7877 the same as ASTM D8231?
No. D7877 is the broader guide covering electronic leak detection methods. D8231 is the specific ASTM practice for low-voltage electronic scanning. IntegriScan can be used to perform testing in accordance with both ASTM D7877 and ASTM D8231.

Why does JST use IntegriScan for D7877 testing?

IntegriScan provides low-voltage scanning with minimal setup and can evaluate horizontal surfaces, vertical

surfaces, transitions, details, areas near penetrations, and certain semi-conductive membranes when the

assembly conditions are suitable. Detec Systems also identifies IntegriScan as the only FM Approved ELD

testing equipment.

Can ASTM D7877 testing locate the exact membrane breach?

Low-voltage scanning is designed to pinpoint breach locations. When IntegriScan detects an electrical path

through a breach, the equipment provides a visual and audible indication so the location can be marked for

repair and retesting.

Can black EPDM be tested electronically?

Certain semi-conductive membranes such as black EPDM can be tested using the appropriate IntegriScan

configuration when the required conductive substrate and assembly conditions are present.

Can ASTM D7877 testing be used on roofing and waterproofing?

Yes. D7877 addresses roofing and waterproofing membranes. Applications can include low-slope roofs, plaza

decks, waterproofing systems, vertical membranes, and other suitable exposed assemblies.

My specification says ASTM D7877-14. Can JST test the project?

Yes. Older project specifications may reference prior editions such as D7877-14, D7877-24, and the current edition, D7877-25. JST can review the exact edition, membrane assembly, and project requirements before testing begins. What is required beneath the membrane for a valid ELD test? Electrical conductance testing requires a suitable conductive return path beneath the membrane. Structural concrete, certain metal substrates, or an approved conductive medium may provide that path, depending on the assembly.

Can JST review my specification before testing?

Yes. Send the roofing or waterproofing specification section containing the ELD requirement. JST can review

the referenced ASTM standard, membrane assembly, and testing conditions before the work is performed.

What happens when a breach is found?

The breach location can be marked for repair. Once the repair is completed and conditions allow, the repaired

location can be electronically retested to confirm that the detectable breach is no longer present at the time of

testing.

Are all EFVM performance claims supported by the equipment manufacturer?
Not necessarily. Some testing agencies make performance claims about EFVM that go beyond the capabilities and limitations published by the equipment manufacturer. When specifying EFVM, those claims should be verified against the manufacturer’s documentation and the applicable ASTM requirements.

See: Vector Mapping — Manufacturer-Stated Capabilities and Limitations

Ready to Discuss Your D7877 Project?

Send JST your D7877 specification section or project details. We can review the referenced standard,

membrane assembly, and testing conditions and confirm the appropriate electronic leak detection approach for

your project.