Use insulation testers to determine the integrity of connections in your electrical components. High direct currents of voltage shoot through a product while a tester measures the heat and resistance in conductive current, the capacitive charging and the capacitive charging leakage current. The tests check resistance, leakage and voltage among other things. Testing insulation not only ensures safety in final product, but done routinely, it can optimize production and product yield. It prolongs the life of a product and makes the product safer to use.

Insulation testing yields consistent results in product integrity, troubleshooting accuracy and also ensures that your product meets industry specifications. Before considering an insulation resistance tester, also called an IR tester, you should:

1. Garner information about insulation testers from experts.

2. Purchase insulation testers suited for your ideal business specifications.

3. Maximize insulation testing results by obtaining testing tips from professionals.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Rent, repair or purchase used digital insulation testers

When you buy refurbished insulation resistance testers or use a rental or repair service, you save on business costs. Many vendors who offer these services also allow you the opportunity to test equipment you might want to purchase before you invest in the purchase.

I recommend: McGrath RentCorp offers immediate quotes on testing products and fast rental ordering. It sometimes offers free shipping on products. Fotronic specializes in repairing electronic testing equipment. It asks for a low evaluation fee and offers fair prices and expertly trained technicians.

Analyze several insulation resistance testers like megohmmeters or IR testers

Test the resistance in your product's insulation with megohmmeters and other testers including IR testers which calculate voltage values. Testers may be analog or digital.

I recommend: QuadTech sells several high resistance megohmmeters including digital and analog testers. Its testers yield result on electrical components as well as other materials, wires and cables. AnaTek offers customers a small IR tester yielding fast results.

Consult with a reliable insulation tester equipment distributor or manufacturer

An insulation testing equipment distributor or manufacturer most likely knows the most current testers on the market as well as impending changes in technology. A consultation with a distributor or manufacturer yields inside information on test products that benefits you in your choice of purchase.

I recommend: Cal-Tek offers both new electrical products and used products including electronic test equipment. It carries both analog and digital insulation resistance testers that operate with batteries or have a hand-crank option. Slaughter sells IR testers which provide measurements up to 200 gigohms and voltage that goes up to 1000 volts of direct current. Its testers have easy-to-read displays and memories for several tests.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Remember that environments with extreme temperatures and areas with concentrated contamination are more likely to have products that deteriorate more rapidly. Routine component insulation resistance testing is critical for safety and enhances durability.