Holiday testing is a non-destructive test method applied on protective coatings to detect unacceptable discontinuities such as pinholes and voids. The test involves checking an electric circuit to see if current flows to complete the circuit. This testing is used to find coating film discontinuities that are not readily visible.
The testing is usually performed on tank interiors, chemical storage vessels and buried structures because of the importance of maintaining adequate coating protection in aggressive service environments. Holiday testing is also known as continuity testing.