About HIPOT TESTER

Hipot Tester, short for "high potential tester," is a type of electrical safety test commonly known as a dielectric withstand test or insulation resistance test. The hipot test is designed to verify the electrical insulation of a device under test (DUT) by applying a high voltage between its conductive parts and its non-conductive parts (usually the enclosure or chassis). The purpose of the hipot test is to check whether the insulation can withstand a higher voltage than it would normally encounter during operation, without breaking down or allowing excessive current to flow.

During a hipot test, a high voltage (typically several times higher than the normal operating voltage of the device) is applied to the DUT for a specified duration while monitoring for any leakage current or breakdown. The test voltage is gradually increased to the desired level, and if the insulation resistance is sufficient, the DUT should not allow significant current flow. If the insulation is compromised or if there are defects such as cracks, voids, or contamination, the test may detect excessive leakage current or insulation breakdown, indicating a potential safety hazard.

Hipot testing is commonly used in various industries to ensure the safety and reliability of electrical products and equipment, including power supplies, transformers, cables, motors, appliances, medical devices, and electronic assemblies. It helps identify insulation weaknesses, manufacturing defects, or design flaws that could lead to electrical shock, fire, or other hazards if left undetected.The typical application of the HIPOT tester is as follow:

1: Power Transformer AC high voltage withstand test

2: Circuit Breaker AC high voltage withstand test

3: High voltage motors high voltage withstand test

4: Voltage/current transformer high voltage withstand test

5: High voltage power source for calibration of high voltage meter

There are two main types of hipot tests:

n   AC Hipot Test: Applies an alternating current (AC) voltage to the DUT. This test is effective for detecting insulation weaknesses and capacitance-related issues.

n   DC Hipot Test: Applies a direct current (DC) voltage to the DUT. This test is often used for testing higher voltage and higher capacitance devices and is useful for detecting certain types of insulation defects.

Hipot testing is typically performed in compliance with industry standards and regulations such as those outlined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), American National Standards Institute (ANSI), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and Underwriters Laboratories (UL). These standards specify test voltages, durations, procedures, and acceptance criteria for hipot testing to ensure consistent and reliable results.