Any issues in the wiring of insulation can cause problems with the flow of electricity. This can have electrical safety implications as well as result in poor machine function. There are many factors that can cause insulation to perform poorly including excess temperatures, build-up of dirt or oil, moisture, vibration or simply wear and tear if the wire is old.
All electrical power wires are insulated. The wire is usually made from copper or aluminium as these are the best materials at conducting electricity. The job of the insulation, therefore, is to resist the current and keep it flowing as it should.
What is insulation testing?
To make sure the insulation is doing its job and to prevent safety issues, testing should be carried out. This is done by measuring the resistance to current flow using an insulation tester. A high resistance means there is a low escape of current and a low resistance suggests a high current loss.
What is an insulation tester?
Insulation testers are hand-held devices and are used to prevent or detect problems with the insulation. They can be useful in preventing electrical trips as well as equipment breakdown. They can be used across multiple applications including those with high voltage currents such as generators.
Most testers have a digital or LCD display and are fairly simple to use. They are generally small enough to be carried round and stored in a tool equipment box or bag for use when out and about on multiple jobs.
How to use an insulation tester
The first thing that must be done is to isolate the component to prevent interference from another system and make sure the right one is being tested. The testing should be carried out in stable temperatures to produce an accurate reading. It’s also important to choose the correct voltage for testing as well as the right duration.
The test leads are connected to the tester terminal, the wire insulation and the grounding plug to perform the test. The result will be indicated on the tester display and should be recorded by the person carrying out the test.
If an insulation test indicates poor function of the wire, it should be replaced to ensure safety and performance. Any new wire should also be tested using the same method.
Using an insulation tester is an easy way to maintain the functionality of the wire and prevent both minor and major problems. It’s a useful tool in ensuring equipment runs smoothly and safety issues such as fires, electrical shocks or injury are minimised.
