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| Insulation Resistance Testing |
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Insulation resistance testing is something that every good electrical technician should know about. It can help ensure public and personal safety by eliminating the possibility of a life-threatening short circuit or short to ground. It can also be helpful in protecting and prolonging the life of electrical systems and motors.
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Insulation resistance testers, such as the Fluke 1520 MegOhmMeter, are an invaluable addition to any technician's toolbox. These can help determine the integrity of windings or cables in motors, transformers, switchgear and electrical installations.
To make sure that your insulation measurements are meaningful, there are some important things to remember before you begin:
- Take the system or equipment out of service and disconnect it from all other circuits, switches, capacitors, brushes, lightning arrestors and circuit breakers.
- Ensure that the temperature of the conductors is above the dew point of the ambient air.
- The surface of the conductor must be free of carbon and other foreign matter that can become conductive in humid conditions.
- Make sure the applied voltage is not too high (this can damage or overstress insulation).
- Ensure the system under test has been completely discharged.
- Consider the effect of temperature. Tests should be performed at a standard conductor temperature of 20¡ãC. (Remember to use a non-contact infrared thermometer to measure the conductor temperature.)
- Remember to work safely at all times.
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