A better understanding of the edge phenomena regulating plasma transport and turbulence is of primary importance for the whole fusion community. In particular, in reversed field pinches (RFPs) the edge properties are found to have a strong relation with the magnetic topology. The flexibility of the RFX-mod RFP experiment (Sonato et al 2003 Fusion Eng. Des.66–68 161–8) enables exploring different topological regimes, and the insertion of a probe equipped with a two-dimensional array of electrostatic sensors allows the characterization of the outermost plasma regions (up to 10% of the minor radius). The electric field radial profiles and its dynamics are found to be highly influenced by the presence of edge magnetic islands modelled with a Field Line Tracing code (FLiT). When a helical perturbation is applied through the saddle coil feedback system a strong modification of the edge electrostatic properties is observed. The E × B velocity field results in a convective cell-like structure according to the externally imposed toroidal periodicity. Finally, an analysis of the long-range correlations in the floating potential fluctuations (measured by two toroidally separated probes) is presented and discussed along with the electric field measurements and the edge topology.