Beyond Standard Hipot testing – 20kV Withstand Voltage Tester

What is Hipot testing anyway? It is a simple test where applying an “ideal” value of high voltage to the insulation barrier of the DUT and ensure there is no breakdown. It is also the easiest way to verify on the product’s quality and safety on operations. The ideal figure most of the time is by following what standard is recommending for that specific product. Majority, many of them does not need the Hipot test exceed 5kVac/Vdc capability. Yet, the products are not all made equal. Some products need to be validated at higher voltages.

In the higher voltage Hipot testing. Some are to meet the standards requirement such as IEC 60601-2-2 medical standard on electrosurgical instruments and IEC 60900 on insulated tools. Others, uses the ultra-high voltage to test on the insulation quality. The traditional testing method for this is to use a high voltage transformer. But, the voltage adjustment range are inconsistent and the output voltage effect is not stabilized put in high danger. It also needs to match the variability of related fixtures on its own. And often is a huge challenge to integrated on to an automated testing system.

Many of industries have begin to seek better solutions in respond to market demand. Delivering high quality, competitive pricing, and high efficiency in production on top of their check lists. As the leading branding in Hipot testing. EEC offers various range of Hipot testing, including high voltage Hipot tester. Our 7470 High Withstand Voltage Tester comes in choice of ACW or DCW and from 10kV to 20kV. In accommodating to industry standards and functional testing. High voltage testing has been widely used in industries including semiconductor, capacitors, medical, and/or standard verification.

The type of Hipot Test

When performing a Hipot Test, we can categorize into two type of methods. One, testing to meet the standard requirement. Two, testing to measure the ultimate destruction or breaking point or insulation. All these tests have one goal is to ensure greatest safety and quality is delivered. In this article, we will be showcasing some of the testing EEC has encountered over the past years. Leveraging on the 7470 Series High Withstand Voltage Tester for optimal test results.

Case 1: Ultrahigh voltage on Insulated Hand Tools

There is countless type of hand tools, majority of them are not nor need insulated. For some verticals, the worker performing their task during working live and work near live parts, with voltage ratings up to 1000Vacand 1500Vdc Thus, there are special insulated tools design to accommodate their safety. There are various of insulation. Either have parts made of conductive materials partially covered by insulating material. Or conductive material with no exposed conductive points. Ultimately, this category of hand tools must comply with the international standard IEC EN 60900. Although, the standard approves at 1000 Vac and 1500 Vdc. Yet, in the industry, all tools with the safety mark have been tested at a higher voltage of 10,000Vac. That is 10 times the greater than safe margin. Depending on the type of tool, most commonly seen testing setup is dipping the tools into a electric pool to check the insulation while filter out the bad ones.

Case 2: Quality on Thermal Conductive Thermal Pads and Sheets

This type of product may not be popular. Yet, thermal conductive pads and insulator sheets are widely applied in electronic parts such as IC, CPU, LED, laptops, PC, DVD application and so on. Also, used in memory modules, heat pipe assemblies, voltage regulators and automotive electronics. As these sheets or pads made in high density. It is not an easy task on to perform insulation quality inspection or eye-friendly on spotting any holes. The quickest way is to set them up on a metallic bed. Using high-voltage breakdown or flashover technique to detect whether the test object has pinholes or differential thickness. Our customer uses 7473 20kV high output voltage tester to perform this ultimate test. Ensure the best quality given to their customer.

Case 3: Electrosurgical Instruments Safety for both Patient and Doctors

Electrosurgical instrument is one of the frequently used tools in a surgical operation room. The benefit of using this is the ability to make precise cuts with limited blood losses. Due to the high voltages used. It is necessary to ensure product’s quality and safety to use on both doctor and patient.

Our customer uses high voltage tester to check the most withstand voltage on their products in meeting IEC 60601-2-2 standard. The voltage testing used for this type of product verification is 8kVac. Before purchasing from EEC. Their testing are manually done in a voltage transformer. The problem is, the voltage adjustment range are inconsistent and the output voltage effect is not stabilized. EEC high voltage tester and ramp-high function steady increase on the voltage solves their challenges. Delivering a more precise measurement on the maximum product withstand voltage. In comparison to the transformer, it is far more stable and accurate. Besides, our customer appreciates the built-in SmartGFI function. Where it disables all relevant circuits when detects an excessive amount of leakage current flow to the ground. Protecting the operator from high voltage electric shock. Before EEC, the traditional transformer imposes higher risk in high voltage electric shocks.

Extech Electronics Co. (EEC) has over 40 years of experience. We have worked with many unique and niche products beyond standard Hipot testing. To ensure the highest quality of their product delivered to their customers. The cases here illustrated are some of examples. If you have products that need high-voltage tester; whether on standard requirements or performing functional tests. Simply consult with an EEC expert. Together, we can make a safer world through safety testing.