Insulation Tester

What is Insulation Tester?

An insulation tester, also known as a megohmmeter or a high resistance meter, is a device used to measure the electrical resistance of insulating materials. Insulating materials are used in electrical equipment to prevent the flow of electrical current between conductors, and to provide safety in electrical systems.

Insulation testers apply a high voltage, typically between 250 and 1000 volts, to the insulation material and measure the resulting current flow. The resistance of the insulation material can then be calculated using Ohm's law (resistance = voltage / current).

Insulation testers are commonly used by electricians, maintenance technicians, and engineers to identify insulation problems before they lead to equipment failure or safety hazards. They can be used to test a wide range of electrical equipment and systems, including cables, transformers, motors, and switchgear.

Insulation testers come in various types, including analog and digital, handheld and benchtop, and with different voltage and current ranges. Some models may also include additional features such as data logging and automatic discharge of capacitive loads. It is important to choose the right type of insulation tester for the specific application and to follow safety procedures when using the equipment.

Where Insulation Tester is used?

Insulation testers are used in various industries and applications where electrical insulation is critical for safety and performance. Here are some common applications:

  1. Electrical maintenance: Insulation testers are used by electricians and maintenance technicians to assess the insulation condition of electrical equipment such as transformers, motors, cables, and switchgear. The tester can detect insulation degradation and identify potential safety hazards.
  2. Manufacturing: Insulation testers are used in the manufacturing of electrical equipment to ensure that the insulation meets the required specifications. The tester can be used to test the insulation of wires, cables, and other electrical components.
  3. Telecommunications: Insulation testers are used in the telecommunications industry to test the insulation of cables and wires used in phone and data communication systems. The tester can detect any insulation deterioration that could affect the quality of the communication signal.
  4. Aerospace: Insulation testers are used in the aerospace industry to test the insulation of wiring and electrical systems in aircraft. The tester can identify any insulation degradation that could affect the safety and performance of the aircraft.
  5. Renewable energy: Insulation testers are used in the renewable energy industry to test the insulation of solar panels, wind turbines, and other renewable energy systems. The tester can identify any insulation issues that could affect the performance of the system.

Overall, insulation testers are used in various industries and applications where electrical insulation is critical for safety and performance.

 

Why Insulation Tester needs Calibration?

Insulation testers, like any measuring instrument, need to be calibrated periodically to ensure that they are providing accurate and reliable measurements. Calibration is the process of comparing the readings of the insulation tester to a known standard, and adjusting the tester if necessary to bring it into alignment with the standard.

Here are some reasons why insulation testers need calibration:

  1. Accuracy: Over time, insulation testers can become less accurate due to wear and tear, temperature changes, and other factors. Calibration ensures that the tester is providing accurate measurements and that any errors are corrected.
  2. Compliance: Many industries have regulatory requirements for the calibration of measuring instruments. Calibrating the insulation tester ensures that it meets the requirements of the industry standards and regulations.
  3. Confidence: Calibration provides confidence in the readings of the insulation tester, allowing users to trust the measurements and make informed decisions about the condition of the insulation material.
  4. Liability: In some cases, inaccurate measurements from an insulation tester can lead to safety hazards or equipment failures, which can result in liability issues. Calibration can help to mitigate the risk of such issues by ensuring that the tester is providing accurate and reliable measurements.

Overall, calibration is important for maintaining the accuracy, compliance, confidence, and liability of insulation testers. Calibration intervals may vary depending on the frequency of use, the environmental conditions, and the specific industry standards and regulations.

List of Insulation Tester Manufacturers:

There are many manufacturers of insulation testers, ranging from small independent companies to large multinational corporations. Here are some examples of insulation tester manufacturers:

  1. Fluke Corporation
  2. Megger
  3. AEMC Instruments
  4. Keysight Technologies
  5. Hioki
  6. Chauvin Arnoux
  7. Extech Instruments
  8. Kewtech
  9. Amprobe
  10. Testo

This is not an exhaustive list and there are many other manufacturers of insulation testers. When choosing an insulation tester, it's important to consider factors such as the voltage and current range, accuracy, features, and price, as well as the reputation and support of the manufacturer.

Most popular Insulation Tester Model:

It's difficult to say which insulation tester model is the most popular, as it can vary depending on the specific industry, application, and user preferences. However, here are some examples of insulation tester models that are widely used and highly regarded:

  1. Fluke 1507/1503 Insulation Tester - a compact, handheld tester that measures insulation resistance up to 10 GΩ and includes a built-in voltage detection feature.
  2. Megger MIT515 Insulation Tester - a high-performance tester that measures insulation resistance up to 10 TΩ, includes a range of diagnostic tools, and has a large, easy-to-read display.
  3. AEMC 5050 Megohmmeter - a versatile tester that measures insulation resistance up to 10 TΩ and includes a range of advanced features such as timed testing and programmable test sequences.
  4. Hioki 3455 Insulation Tester - a compact, handheld tester that measures insulation resistance up to 10 GΩ and includes a range of advanced features such as automatic calculation of polarization index and dielectric absorption ratio.
  5. Extech 380385 Insulation Tester - a rugged, handheld tester that measures insulation resistance up to 10 GΩ and includes a range of useful features such as data logging, adjustable test voltage, and automatic discharge of capacitive loads.

These are just a few examples of popular insulation tester models, and there are many other models available from various manufacturers. When selecting an insulation tester, it's important to consider the specific requirements of the application and choose a model that meets those needs.

Who can Calibrate Insulation Tester?

Zenith Sales and Calibrations Pty Ltd has state of the art NATA (ISO17025) certified calibration standards and offers smart close loop computerised calibration service in our Sydney and Melbourne Laboratory.

Our Calibration Certificate will satisfy requirements of ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 27001 ISO 45001, ISO 55001 etc.

We also provide on-site Calibration service, where we come to your site or facility.

Contact us for Insulation Tester Calibration up to 10kV.

Sydney:        02 9680 8765

Melbourne:   03 9562 0373

24 x 7:          0481 516 098

Email: info@zenithinstruments.com.au