What is “hipot” testing?
Many people are familiar with a continuity test. A continuity test checks for “good connections.” You do a continuity test by seeing if current will flow from one point to another point. If current flows easily enough then the points are connected. Many people aren’t familiar with a hipot test. “Hipot” is short for high potential (high voltage). A hipot test checks for “good isolation.” You do a hipot test by making sure no current will flow from one point to another point. In some ways a hipot test is the opposite of a continuity test. Continuity Test: “Make sure current flows easily from one point to another point.” Hipot Test: “Make sure current won’t flow from one point to another point (and turn up the voltage really high just make sure no current will flow).” In the simple case a hipot test takes two conductors that should be isolated and applies a very high voltage between the conductors. The current that flows is watched carefully. Ideally not much current will flow. If too muc
Hipot testing, a.k.a. dielectric-withstand testing, consists of applying a known potential between line-to-line or line-to-case to expose any electrical deficiencies in the construction of an EMI filter. This test is performed to expose insufficient insulation, poor workmanship or faulty components.
Many people are familiar with a continuity test. A continuity test checks for “good connections.” You do a continuity test by seeing if current will flow from one point to another point. If current flows easily enough then the points are connected. Many people aren’t familiar with a hipot test. “Hipot” is short for high potential (high voltage). A hipot test checks for “good isolation.” You do a hipot test by making sure no current will flow from one point to another point. In some ways a hipot test is the opposite of a continuity test. Continuity Test: “Make sure current flows easily from one point to another point.” Hipot Test: “Make sure current won’t flow from one point to another point (and turn up the voltage really high just to make sure no current will flow).” In the simple case a hipot test takes two conductors that should be isolated and applies a very high voltage between the conductors. The current that flows is watched carefully. Ideally not much current will flow. If too
