Dielectric Loss Tester

A Dielectric Loss Tester, also known as a dissipation factor tester or tan delta tester, is a specialized instrument used to measure the dielectric loss of insulating materials, such as cables, transformers, capacitors, and other electrical components.

Dielectric loss, also referred to as dissipation factor, is a measure of the energy lost as heat when an alternating electric field is applied to an insulating material. It is an important parameter for assessing the quality and performance of insulation systems in electrical equipment.

The Dielectric Loss Tester applies an alternating voltage or current to the insulating material and measures both the phase angle and magnitude of the resulting current compared to the applied voltage. From these measurements, the tester calculates the dielectric loss tangent delta (tan δ), which represents the ratio of the dissipated power to the stored energy in the material.

By quantifying the dielectric loss of insulating materials, the Dielectric Loss Tester helps ensure the reliability and safety of electrical equipment, as excessive dielectric loss can indicate insulation degradation, moisture ingress, or other insulation defects that may lead to equipment failure or breakdown.