We are surrounded by innumerable electrical appliances. Even the simplest of objects require electricity to run. However, the current supplied from one end to another is highly fluctuating. This may damage the device and in severe cases lead to explosion or fire. Therefore, it is advisable by many industrial norms to check the insulation of the products. To understand how well the insulation is working, technicians run hipot testing. Interested in knowing more about what is hipot testing, and what is hipot testing used for? Scroll down and enjoy the blog.
What is Hipot Testing?
Let us understand what is hipot testing. It is an acronym for High Potential Test, otherwise known as Dielectric Withstand Test. Hipot tests include – DC Hipot Test and AC Hipot Test. In the industrial sector, this test is used quite frequently. As a part of the test, it entails applying high voltage to assets to determine whether the electrical insulation is enough to withstand voltage impedances and ensure that the insulation is not weak. To prevent the current from moving from one location to another, this is carried out.
Hipot testing only uncovers major shortcomings and problems which arise during the manufacturing or installation of the products. For instance, inadequate creepage or clearance distances.
It is necessary to execute this test on electronic products such as transformers, bus bars, relays, cables, DC high-voltage capacitors, etc. to eliminate the risk of potential disasters.
According to the safety standards, a time duration is set for the hipot test, which is usually 1 minute. Now, let’s also see what is hipot test used for.
What is Hipot Test Used for?
One needs to know what is Hipot Testing. For that, we need to gather information regarding what are its uses. This test aids in finding stray wires, crushed or broken insulation, and corrosive substances close to the conductors. It also helps to locate issues related to terminal spacing. To ascertain whether any degradation has occurred, Hipot Test, otherwise known as Dielectric Withstand Test is conducted following tests such as fault condition, humidity, vibration, etc.
Equipment with voltages ranging from very low to very high can be examined using a hipot test. Additionally, it is utilized to see if the insulation deterioration is still visible or can be identified. If the breakdown occurs while the voltage is being raised, the test can be stopped before an arc forms. This should have explained what is hipot test used for.
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What is the Purpose of Hipot Testing?
Now, that you have a basic understanding of what hipot testing is all about. We will now try to dig into the purpose of running a hipot test. The insulation is constantly attributed to unexpected surroundings or situations that might adversely impact device performance. Therefore, the electrical insulation is subjected to high voltage over a considerable time frame to ensure that it fulfills safety and quality norms set by the industry. Since failure to produce stable insulated material can lead to fire, explosion, faulty currents, and even fatal accidents. To avoid such occurrences, conducting a high-potential test or Hipot test is imminent. This explains what is the purpose of hipot testing.
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What is Hipot Test Standard?
Any product designed for use should meet certain safety standards that are integral to manufacturing and design. To conduct isolation testing, two voltages are often used: 3kVAC and 4kVAC. Also, it is required that the AC-DC power supply must meet the international safety standard IEC60950-1 for IT and industrial devices.
Although the total test duration is approximately 60 seconds, UL and other safety standards normally allow for a runtime of one or two seconds for the production line testing if only the voltage is varied by an increase of 20% or more from the one-minute test. After learning about Hipot test standard, let’s also learn about Hipot test formula.
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What is Hipot Test Formula?
After learning about what is hipot testing, the next step is to try and calculate the hipot voltage. To test insulation and make sure there won’t be any electrical breakdown, the hipot voltages are used.
For calculating the hipot test voltage, a general rule of thumb is 2 times the working voltage + 1000V.
2*(Working Voltage) + 1000V
For example – if the working voltage is 150V, the rule of thumb test voltage will be 2*150 + 1000 = 1300V
The hipot test is generally expressed in the form of AC or DC. AC and DC hipot are commonly equalized using the formula
Vdc = Vac (PEAK) = Vac(rms) ח √ 2
The duration of the test voltage is typically 1 minute or 60 seconds. However, as per the safety standards, one to two seconds are provided for production line testing, only if the voltage goes up by 20% compared to the one-minute test.
There is absolutely no room for error when it comes to electrical safety. That’s why knowing what is hipot testing is of utmost importance. Although hipot testing may appear like an intimidating task, it’s fairly easy to understand. The key is to have a clear understanding of what is the purpose of hipot testing, hipot test standards, and the hipot test formula. Once you know what to do, this type of testing helps ensure that electrical products and components are safe to use and operate as intended.
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