Insulation meter identifies dangerous electrical wiring

Damaged or degraded wire insulation can cause breakdowns in critical electrical equipment such as generators, switchgear and motor windings. Far worse, it can deliver a lethal shock to anyone that comes into contact with the current through a short circuit or a short to ground. To safeguard new and existing installations, IDEAL offers its easy-to-use Digital Insulation Meter that  quickly determines the integrity of insulation by identifying capacitive, absorption and leakage current at multiple test voltages and resistance up to 20G ohms.  In addition, this versatile diagnostic tool measures earth-bond resistance so the user can verify the continuity of protective bonding. It also automatically senses and displays AC/DC voltage to 600V, plus calculates the Polarization Index (PI) and Dielectric Absorption Ratio (DAR).

Insulation testing is most effective as part of a scheduled maintenance program. Repetitive testing is made easier with the IDEAL meter’s straightforward Pass/Fail function and internal storage of values. While it is compact enough to be held in one hand, the meter is durable enough to withstand the rigors of heavy commercial and industrial usage. Safety is a given with all IDEAL products. The digital insulation meter was designed with a 600 V Cat IV overvoltage rating and will disable itself if connected to a live circuit exceeding 30 volts. A live voltage hazard indicator is also prominently displayed on the front panel to warn the electrician before use on an energized circuit. Once testing is complete, the meter automatically discharges capacitive voltage from the equipment under test that may present a shock hazard.