Conductivity

Electrical conductivity is an indicator of water quality.  Conductivity data can determine concentration of solutions, detect contaminants and determine the purity of water. YSI conductivity sensor measures conductivity by AC voltage applied to nickel electrodes. These electrodes are placed in a water sample (or other liquid), where the current flows through the electrodes and the sample. Current level has a direct relationship with the conductivity of the solution.

Conductivity is the ability of a material to conduct electrical current. The principle by which instruments measure conductivity is simple - plates/wires are placed in the sample, a potential is applied across them (normally a sine wave voltage), and the current is measured. Conductivity, the inverse of resistivity is determined from the voltage and current values according to Ohm's law.

Since the charge on ions in solution facilitates the conductance of electrical current, the conductivity of a solution is proportional to its ion concentration. In some situations, however, conductivity may not correlate directly to concentration. Ionic concentrations can alter the linear relationship between conductivity and concentration in some highly concentrated solutions.

The basic unit of conductivity is the siemens (S), sometimes referred to as mho. Since cell geometry affects conductivity values, standardized measurements are expressed in specific conductivity units (S/cm) to compensate for variations in electrode dimensions.

Conductivity measurements, along with temperature, also allow for salinity values to be calculated through algorithms.

Essential Conductivity Posts on the Blog

The EXO Wiped Conductivity & Temperature Sensor Helps Eliminate Biofouling

What is Affecting Your Dissolved Oxygen Measurements? Part 2 of 4

Which Water Quality Handheld Instrument Do I Need? | We Have the Answer

Extend Your Water Quality Sonde Deployment Times with Wiped Sensors [Case Study]

Conductivity in Water - YSI Knows Conductance

Conductivity measurement in water.

Featured Conductivity Products

EcoSense EC300A Conductivity Meter

Conductivity, TDS, Salinity, Temperature. Instrument Only

$315.00

MultiLab 4010-1W

Single channel benchtop multiparameter instrument

$1,095.00

Pro30 Conductivity, Salinity Instrument

Conductivity, Salinity, TDS and Temperature Handheld Instrument. Meter Only.

$610.00

Pro2030 Dissolved Oxygen, Conductivity, Salinity Instrument

Dissolved Oxygen/Conductivity/Salinity Temperature Handheld Instrument. Meter Only.

$801.00

3200 Conductivity Instrument

Advanced laboratory instrument for conductivity measurements

Discontinued

Professional Plus (Pro Plus) Multiparameter Instrument

Multiparameter Instrument for DO, Conductivity, Salinity, pH, ORP, Ammonium, Nitrate, Chloride, Temperature and more. Meter Only.

$1,290.00

MultiLab IDS 4320 Conductivity and Temperature Sensor

Conductivity and temperature, Stainless Steel body, 2-electrodes, digital probe, 1.5 meter cable

$505.00

IQ SensorNet TetraCon® Sensors

Submersible Conductivity probe for IQ System, requires cable assembly

Request Pricing

EcoSense EC30A Conductivity Pen

Easy-to-use conductivity, TDS and temperature instrument

$147.00