Electrical Tests 2

[QCE]

I would like to hear the forums comments on the difference between a High Potential Test, Overpotential Test and Dielectric Withstand Test. I have heard a lot of people use these terms inplace of one another. Are they the same? If you could supply a description of each or let me know what terms you use in a specific industry or region that would be great.

 

[jbartos]

Suggestion: Reference:
1. IEEE Std 100-2000 "Dictionary.."

High-Potential Test (Power Operations) A test that consists of the application of a voltage higher than the rated voltage for a specified time for the purpose of determining the adequacy against breakdown of insulating materials and spacings under normal conditions. Note: The test is used as a proof test of new apparatus, a maintenance test on older equipment, or as one method of evaluating developmental insulation systems.
Synonym: High Pot

Overpotential Test = Overvoltage Test (Rotating Machinery) A test at voltages above the rated operating voltage.

Dielectric Withstand Voltage Tests (x-radiation limits for ac high-voltage power vacuum interrupters used in power switchgear) Tests made to determine the ability of insulating materials and spacings to withstand specified overvoltages for a specified time without flashover or puncture.

 

[QCE]

So does that mean that they are the same thing?

It appears that the High-Potential Test and Dielectric Withstand Voltage Test are Overpotential Tests. But is the High-Potential Test and the Dielectric Withstand Voltage Test the same? Do they use the same test set or do they have different test sets? The dc High-Potential Test gives you the leakage current over time does the same apply to the Dielectric Withstand Voltage Test?

Thank you very much jbartos but I still have questions.

 

[dwayned]

These three terms are commonly interchanged, High Potential (Hipot) test and the Dielectric Voltage Withstand Test are basically the same. Tests which consist of the application of a voltage higher than the rated voltage for a specific time for the purpose of determining the adequacy against breakdown of the insulating materials and spacing under normal conditions. The test can be either AC or DC with the DC test potential that is at a minimum of 1.414 times the AC test potential.
A good resource for information on Hipot Testing can be found on the web-site of Associated Research.

http://www.asresearch.com.

You can down load an Operators Guide to Electrical Product Safety Testing which defines many of these test.

dwayned (electrical)

 

[QCE]

Thank you very much dwayned! This website seems to have some good information.

 

[jbartos]

Suggestion: Nature of tests is the same, namely, apply the higher voltage than rated. However, these tests are governed by different industry standards for different electrical hardware with different parameter requirements. Therefore, it is advisable to adhere to applicable industry standards while performing the test. Also, the tested product is more valuable if the applicable industry standards are mentioned that they were adhered to during the test.