Dielectric withstand test

The test is a means to qualify a device's ability to operate safely during rated electrical conditions.

The application rate may also be adjusted to manage leakage currents resulting from inherent capacitive effects of the test object.

The applied voltage, rate of application and test duration depend on the specification requirements of the equipment.

Different test standards apply for consumer electronics, military electrical devices, high-voltage cables, switchgear and other apparatus.

The objective is to choose a current setting that will not cause the tester to falsely trip during voltage application, while at the same time, selecting a value that minimizes possible damage to the device under test should an inadvertent discharge or breakdown occur.

An insulation test set; in this pattern, a hand-cranked generator provides the high voltage and the scale is directly calibrated in meg ohms .
Control panel of a portable high voltage ("hipot") tester ; this instrument can test up to 100 kV AC