Compliance West HT-10KVDC, Instruction Manual

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Section 1
An Introduction to Dielectric Withstand Testing with the HT-10KVDC
The dielectric withstand test is a test which is recognized by safety agencies worldwide as a valid
criterion of safe assembly of end-use equipment. The HT-10KVDC is designed as a research
instrument to determine the dielectric properties of component assemblies of end-use equipment.
It applies a high-voltage potential between Output and Return test leads and monitors Leakage
Current and watches for Dielectric Breakdown during the test. To aid in testing, the HT-
10KVDC can be configured with or without voltage ramp time, with or without a test duration
timer, and can be set to deliver high voltage after an arc has been detected to allow safety
engineers to pinpoint the problem.
The dielectric withstand test involves high voltage and caution should be exercised when
using the HT-10KVDC. The Return Jack on the front panel is connected to ground potential, and
setups should be designed with this in mind, to guard against the operator contacting high
voltage. Always make sure the return lead is firmly connected.
Leakage Test
The HT-10KVDC leakage test uses a separate low-frequency circuit to detect excessive current
as a result of low impedance between the Output and Return jacks on the front panel. There is
not a specific leakage current level pass/fail requirement at this time for most equipment.
However, higher than normal leakage current on a particular sample may indicate an assembly or
component problem in the circuit.
The leakage current is also monitored by the HT-10KVDC to ensure that excessive
leakage does not keep the tester from developing full voltage required for the high voltage test.
The HT-10KVDC will provide full voltage at any leakage current level up to 5 mA DC. The
leakage current trip level is adjustable on the rear panel.
If the green Full Voltage LED lights and the test continues, the leakage current was
below the amount set by the rear panel adjustment.
If the red Excess Leakage LED lights, the buzzer sounds, and the test is terminated, the
leakage current was over the amount set by the rear panel adjustment.
High Voltage Dielectric Withstand Test
This test checks for insulation system breakdowns by applying a high voltage between
the Output and Return jacks on the front panel. The HT-10KVDC uses a separate high-
frequency circuit to detect arc breakdowns of greater than 100 nsec duration.
The duration of the test is controlled by the test time control on the back panel. The test
time is counted from the time the Full Voltage LED is lit to the completion of the test. The timer
may be defeated, allowing the test to continue for as long as the TEST Button is pressed. The
minimum test time when the timer is defeated is one second.
If the green Hipot Pass LED lights, the test cycle has been successfully completed,
meaning there was no dielectric breakdown,
If the red Hipot Fail LED lights, a breakdown arc has been detected.