What is Hipot Testing?

Many people are familiar with continuity tests – a test that ensures the smooth flow of current from point A to point B. Hipot testing is the exact opposite of a continuity test; it’s a test that makes sure that no current will flow from one point to another. The term ‘hipot’ is short for high potential testing and also goes by several other names including insulation resistance test, dielectric withstand test, dielectric breakdown test, and overvoltage testing.

Importance of Hipot Testing

Hipot testing is designed to ensure the insulation used in an electric motor is doing its job. When the insulation is not performing as expected or is defective, it’s a danger to anybody who comes into contact with it as it can shock or even electrocute them. In addition to that, defective insulation in an electric motor causes short circuits or leakage of power which can damage it or cause it to fail. If a defective electric motor goes unnoticed, it can lead to serious problems.

The hipot test is used to determine the sufficiency of electrical insulation for normally occurring overvoltage ephemeral. This test is non-destructive and can be used for all devices in a specified duration to ensure that the insulation is working properly. A hipot test is particularly helpful in uncovering problems to do with crushed or nicked insulation, terminal spacing glitches, dirt, moisture, and other contaminants around the conductor, stray wires, and other problems that may originate from the manufacturing process.

Best Way to Uncover Problems with Your Motor

This test provides the best way of unearthing such issues. Sometimes, a hipot test can be undertaken in conjunction with another non-destructive test such as an electric motor vibration analysis or an IR thermographic study for more accuracy. If you want to conduct a hipot test as part of your electric motor preventative maintenance program or you need any type of electric motor repair services, call Run ‘Em Again Motors for assistance.