AEMC Instruments Megohmmeter / Insulation Resistance Testers

 
AEMC 6534 - Megohmmeter (Digital w/ Analog Bargraph, Alarm, 10V, 25V, 100V, 250V, 500V, Ohm, Continuity, V, kOhm, Memory, Bluetooth)
Catalog: 2155.55
  • IR Test Voltage: 10 V, 100 V, 250 V, 25V, 500 V
  • Maximum Insulation Resistance: 50 G Ohms
  • Automated Test Results: Dielectric Absorption Ratio, Dielectric Discharge, Other
  • Type (Megohmmeter): Battery
  • Minimum Insulation Resistance: 2 K Ohms (0.000002 G OhmsWhat's This?)
  • Variable Incremental Voltage: No

List Price: $899.00

Your Price: $854.05

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AEMC 6536 ESD Floor Kit - ESD Floor Kit Megohmmeter
Catalog: 2155.57
  • IR Test Voltage: 10 V, 100 V, 25V, 50 V
  • Maximum Insulation Resistance: 20 G Ohms
  • Automated Test Results: Dielectric Absorption Ratio, Dielectric Discharge, Other
  • Type (Megohmmeter): Battery
  • Variable Incremental Voltage: Yes
  • Display (Megohmmeter): Digital

List Price: $1,489.00

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AEMC 6536 - Multi-Function Handheld Megohmmeter (Digital w/Analog Bargraph, Alarm, Variable 10 to 100V, Ohm, Continuity, V, kΩ)
Catalog: 2155.56
  • IR Test Voltage: 10 V, 100 V, 25V, 50 V
  • Maximum Insulation Resistance: 20 G Ohms
  • Automated Test Results: Dielectric Absorption Ratio, Dielectric Discharge, Other
  • Type (Megohmmeter): Battery
  • Variable Incremental Voltage: Yes
  • Display (Megohmmeter): Digital

List Price: $919.00

Your Price: $873.05

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Megohmmeter / Insulation Resistance Testers

Megohmmeters, or Insulation Resistance (IR) Testers, are used to measure the resistance, integrity and safety of electrical wiring insulation. As electrical insulation breaks down, there are many hazards that can occur. Electrical shock and injury to personnel, system failure as well as machinery failure, fire hazard and certainly operation downtime become major problems.

Insulation Testing is recommended to be included as part of a normal annual or semi-annual maintenance program. If a program is initiated and insulation deterioration and wiring hazards are found, maintenance and repair times can be scheduled. Insulation failure and deterioration is caused by many factors. Some of those include excessive heat or cold, mechanical damage, moisture, dirt, corrosive vapors, vibration, aging, and cut or broken wiring.

Typical Applications for Megohmmeters
  • Wiring and Cable
  • Transformers
  • Motors
  • Generators
  • Switchgear
  • Capacitors
  • Rotating Machinery
  • Insulators
  • Acceptance Testing for Conformance
  • Preventive Site Maintenance
  • QA in Manufacturing
  • Diagnostic Testing
  • Multi-Layer Insulation (DD)

3 Primary Insulation Test Methods

There are a variety of accepted test methods for insulation testing. There are primarily three different tests performed when considering Insulation Resistance. These are used for motors, transformers, and generators, but may also be used for wire and cable. Please note that all insulation tests should only be performed on de-energized circuits.
 

1. Spot Reading Test

A Spot Reading test is a single insulation test taken at a fixed voltage over the same time interval and usually done on a regular maintenance program schedule. The time interval for each test is usually no less than 60 seconds. Many spot tests are done annually, but may be done more frequently. All tests must be done with the identical existing conditions, so that temperature and humidity should be as close to the previous test. The timing of these tests is based on individual requirements, but should always be at the identical voltages at approximately the same time of year. These results are plotted to show the “history” of each test product over time. Please see Figure 1 below that indicates a 6 year tabulation of “Spot Reading Tests” where product failure and deterioration is shown over a period of years. Note the correction of the insulation problem indicated in the tabulation.
 
"megohmmeter-fig1"
2. Time Resistance Test

This test applies a selected voltage over two periods of time. The first period is usually at 10 minutes and the second period is at 1 minute. If the equipment insulation is good, the insulation resistance increases over time. If the insulation is damaged or the integrity of the insulation contains moisture, oil or other contaminants, the resistance values will remain level or decrease. Please note figure 2 below which demonstrates that product D is acceptable and product E may be questionable. When proceeding with the Time Test, it is important to note the following:
 
Dielectric Absorption (DAR) = 1 minute test resistance / 30 second test resistance
 
Dielectric Absorption, DAR- (also referred to “absorption ratio”), is an indication of good insulation. DAR values that have been used as empirical references, especially for motors and windings are:
 
If the DAR value is less than 1.0, the unit under test has probably failed.
If the DAR value is between 1.0 and 1.25, the unit is questionable.
If the DAR value is between 1.4 and 1.6, the unit is good.
If the DAR value is above 1.6, the unit is excellent.
 
"megohmmeter-fig2"
 

3. Step Voltage

This test incorporates applying two or more test voltages over a fixed interval of time. The increase in Voltage applies an increased stress level on possible insulation leakage paths. This procedure may find problems in insulation that otherwise products may have tested OK with either the Spot or Time Tests. Please note that figure three below demonstrates that a test at 500V has different results from a 2500V test. Many technicians choose 5 different voltages, but each test must be at the identical time interval. The intervals are usually set at 1 minute and range each minute from 1 minute to 10 minutes. Please note that figure 2 above shows a 10 minute test that indicates that product D is fine but Product E is questionable and may contain damage. When applying the Step Voltage Test, a standard interpretation of the results is called the Polarization Index and is represented by:
 
      Polarization Index (PI) = 10 minute test resistance / 1 minute test resistance
 
The Polarization Index is the ratio of the 10-minute insulation resistance test to the 1-minute insulation resistance test. The results will indicate whether any insulation deterioration is occurring. This is a good test especially for motor windings. The IEEE Standard for minimum values for rotating machinery based on class is:
  • Class A = 1.5
  • Class B = 2.0
  • Class C = 2.0
"megohmmeter-fig3"
Figure 3
Click to download excellent reference materials for Insulation Testing


Features to Consider When Choosing Megohmmeters / IR Testers
  • Test Voltage Required from 50 Volts to 15,000 Volts or greater
  • Insulation Resistance ranging from Kilo (103) Ohms to Tera (1012) Ohms
  • Fixed Test Voltages
  • Adjustable Test Voltages
  • Programmable Test Voltages
  • Programmable Test Times
  • Automatic Calculation of Dielectric Absorption Test (DAR)
  • Automatic Calculation of Polarization Index (PI)
  • Dielectric Discharge (DD)
  • Direct Measurement and Display of Capacitance and Leakage Current
  • Memory and Communication Options
  • Display Options
  • Display Resistance
  • Display Test Voltage
  • Display Test Time
  • Automatic Discharge
  • Automatic Display of Discharge Voltage
  • Display of Leakage Current
  • Display: Analog, Digital, Graphic
  • Temperature Compensation
  • Temperature Measurement
  • Automatic Test Inhibition for Live Voltage
  • Power Supply Options
  • Enclosure IP Rating
  • Safety Rating of Units and Enclosures
  • NFPA 70E Categories. The illustration below shows the locations of CAT Ratings I - IV
"CATratingdiagram"


Click the image to learn more about CAT Ratings

Test Voltages to Consider

The general accepted value for test voltages (DC Voltages on Most Newer Megohmmeters) is twice the nameplate voltage for the equipment or cable. A cable or piece of equipment with a 50V rating would be tested at no less than 100V. A transformer or motor winding rated at 480V would be tested at 1000V. If AC voltage is applied, the general accepted value would be twice the nameplate voltage + 1000V. If a nameplate does not have any specified voltage rating, please contact the original equipment manufacturer for the rated maximum voltage specifications.

Selecting The Test Voltage

Cable / Equipment Operating Voltage DC Test Voltage
24 to 50 V 50 to 100 VDC
50 to 100 V 100 to 250 VDC
100 to 240 V 250 to 500 VDC
440 to 550 V 500 to 1000 VDC
2400 V 1000 to 2500 VDC
4100 V 1000 to 5000 VDC
5000 to 12,000 V 2500 to 5000 VDC
> 12,000 V 5000 to 10,000 VDC
 

The table above shows the recommended test voltagees according to the operating voltages of installations and equipment (taken from the IEEE 43-2000 Guide).

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