An AC hipot tester generates high potential, or high voltage, energy to test the insulation of electrical components like transmission lines, motors, or transformers for safety reasons. A powerful surge of alternating current is sent into the component to test its conductivity.
Hipot testing, also known as dielectric withstand testing, verifies the electrical resistance of the equipment under test, ensuring that leakage current is minimal and dielectric remains intact. Factors like moisture, vibration, and wear can render electrical insulation ineffective and vulnerable to transients and other energy fluctuations.
Whether to use a
DC hipot or an AC hipot depends on the DUT. Anything connected to a grid requires AC; meanwhile, battery-powered equipment or digital logic circuits fall under DC. Many devices use both AC and DC, and so need both types of hipot testing performed.