Our HT-3000PAC-1A V2 is an AC only hipot tester with an output up to 3000V and leakage current up to 1A. Not only powerful but safe, the main shutdown switch is strategically located on the front panel. 1A max continuous duty, no ramp, no arc detection. Advanced micro-controller technology allows for easy 1-button testing.
Safety Precautions
The dielectric withstand test generates voltages of up to 3000 volts ac at potentially lethal current levels. Currents of as little as 5 mA at 120 volts can cause death, and the HT- 3000P-1A-AC is capable of generating 1 A at up to 3000 volts. The HT-3000P-1A-AC has been designed to minimize exposure to high voltages. However, the potential for serious injury or death exists and personnel should be aware when they conduct this test.
Test Personnel
Personnel require special training to conduct the dielectric withstand test. They should understand electrical fundamentals clearly, and be aware that high voltage is adept and creative at completing a path to ground. Instructions should include a warning against any metal jewelry. Operators should not allow others in the testing area, especially when tests are being conducted. Organization is to be stressed. The operator should keep the area free of unused leads and equipment.
Testing Area
The area used for conducting the dielectric withstand test should be as remote as possible from normal production line activities. Only personnel actually conducting the test should be allowed in the area, and it should be taped or roped off to preclude casual entry by other employees. In addition, the area should be marked "WARNING - HIGH VOLTAGE TESTING" or the equivalent to warn others of the nature of the testing taking place. The bench being used should be non-conductive, and any exposed metal parts should be tied together and grounded. If a conductive surface must be used, it should be grounded. Because of sparking during a dielectric test failure, it is not safe to conduct dielectric withstand tests in combustible atmospheres.
It is imperative that a good ground be provided to the HT-3000P-1A-AC. Before connecting the HT-3000P-1A-AC, ensure that a low-resistance ground is provided by the building wiring. If the HT-3000P-1A-AC is used on a high-resistance grounding circuit, dangerous high voltages may be present to the operator. In addition, the power to the Testing Area should be provided with an easily reached shutoff switch which can be actuated by personnel outside the Area if needed.
Safety Techniques
The high voltage circuit of the HT-3000P-1A-AC can be shut off at any time by pressing the RESET button. The HT-3000P-1A-AC has been provided with a Reset switch to provide an unarmed "Standby" setting when it is energized, but idle. When the red RESET button is lit. The tester will not provide high voltage until the RESET button and the TEST button have been pressed in order. To prevent inadvertent operation, the operator should be instructed not to press the RESET button until the test is ready.
The HT-3000P-1A-AC has been designed for one-touch operation with the right hand. If possible, it should be set up to the left and in front of the equipment under test. The equipment under test should be connected to the HT-3000P-1A-AC and then left alone by the operator. After the operator is clear of the Tester and the equipment under test, he should press the RESET Button, then the TEST Button, with his right hand. This will allow the greatest separation between the operator and the test being conducted.
The HT-3000P-1A-AC is designed to bleed the high voltage away after the test has concluded. In order to ensure that any voltage present in the equipment being tested has been completely bled away, the operator should not unplug the equipment under test from the HT- 3000P-1A-AC until the front panel meter reads zero volts.
Using the HT-3000P-1A-AC Dielectric Withstand Tester
The dielectric withstand test involves high voltage and caution should be exercised when using the tester. The tester's return lead is connected to ground potential and when properly connected to the equipment being tested, it will guard against the operator contacting high voltage. Always make sure the return lead is firmly connected to exposed dead metal.
Leakage Test
The HT-3000P-1A-AC leakage test uses a separate low-frequency circuit to check for excessive leakage between primary power components and ground. There is not a specific leakage current level pass/fail requirement at this time for most equipment, however, higher than normal leakage current on a particular part may indicate an assembly or component problem in the primary circuit.
The leakage current is also monitored by the HT-3000P-1A-AC to ensure that excessive leakage does not keep the tester from developing full voltage required for the high voltage test. The HT-3000P-1A-AC will provide full voltage at any leakage current level up to 1000 mA. The leakage current trip level is adjustable on the front panel.
Excessive leakage current is not grounds for failure of the dielectric withstand test. Leakage current is a normal result of capacitance in the primary circuit between neutral or line conductors and ground. (In dielectric tests of some larger electric motors, leakage currents of as high as 95 mA are considered acceptable by safety agencies.) However, leakage currents higher than normally anticipated for a particular model should not be ignored. This indicates problems of low resistance up to a short circuit between line/neutral and ground, and failures should be investigated. Failure modes are discussed below.
If the green Full Voltage LED lights and the test continues, the leakage current was below the amount set by the leakage adjust knob.