“Hipot” is an abbreviation for high potential (high voltage). A Hipot test, also called a Dielectric Withstand Test, checks for good isolation. A hipot tester is an electronic device that verifies the electrical insulation in a cable, transformer, electric motor, printed circuit board or any other wired assembly. This useful tool consists of a source of high voltage, current meter and a switching matrix to connect the high voltage source and the current meter to all of the contact points in a cable.

The main use for Hipot testers is to verify insulation of circuits. To accomplish this test, high voltage is applied between the circuits to verify a lack of current flow. A normal test should connect any circuit in common to ground. Then, the tester disconnects one circuit at a time and connects that circuit to high voltage. The flowing current is tested to make sure the level is low enough. Proper insulation is extremely important for safety and quality of electrical circuits.

The HT-2000 AC Hipot tester 0-2000V, up to 20mA is extremely affordable and user-friendly. One setup will conduct UL-CSA Ground continuity tests and the Hipot test, without a need for additional equipment. AC Hipot testing is best used for medical equipment in patient care areas, products that do not use Y capacitors, fixtures and portable lamps. This tester is also extremely easy to determine results; a green light means pass and a red light with a buzz means fail.

The HT-2800 DC Hipot tester 0=2800V, up to 5mA is extremely easy to operate. This tester conducts UL/CSA Ground continuity and DC Hipot tests with one setup. It will conduct in-depth by testing arc detection and leakage current. The HT-2800 performs the dielectric withstand and ground continuity production line tests required by UL and CSA. DC Hipot testing is best suited for computers, long cables or wires, products using Y capacitors for RFI supression, manufactured homes and telephone central station equipment.

The HTT-1 Hipot and Ground Continuity Function Checker was designed to be extremely reliable, safe and fast in verifying proper operation of Hipot and Ground Continuity Testers between calibration cycles. The user can check the result of the three failure modes encountered in production Hipot and ground circuit testing. These modes include open ground, high leakage current, and dielectric breakdown. The testing can be done separately or in any combination.

All three of these Hipot testers are manufactured by Compliance West USA. They each meet safety agency requirements by UL, CSA, TUV and CE for production line testing at unrivaled prices. They are ranked amidst the fastest and most accurate test equipment on the market.  Hipot testers are imperative to insure safety when working with energized circuits.