Compliance West HT-5000P, Instruction Manual

Page: 7 / 25

2
Section 1
An Introduction to Dielectric Withstand Testing with the HT-5000P ac/dc
200mA
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-5000P ac/dc 200mA 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-5000P ac/dc 200mA can be configured with or without a test duration timer, and
can be set to deliver high voltage after an arc has been detected to pinpoint an area of arcing.
The dielectric withstand test involves high voltage, and caution should be exercised
when using the HT-5000P ac/dc 200mA. The Return Receptacle 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-5000P ac/dc 200mA leakage test uses a separate low-frequency circuit to detect
excessive current between the Output and Return receptacles 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, and or a
component problem in the circuit.
The leakage current is also monitored by the HT-5000P ac/dc 200mA to ensure that
excessive leakage does not keep the tester from developing full voltage required for the high
voltage test. The HT-5000P ac/dc 200mA will provide full voltage at any leakage current level
up to 200mA. Set the acceptable leakage current limit using the Shutdown Limit Potentiometer
on the front panel.
If the green Full Voltage indicator lights and the test continue, the leakage current was
below the acceptable limit. If the red Excess Leakage indicator lights, the buzzer sounds,
and the test is terminated; the leakage current was above the acceptable limit.
High Voltage Dielectric Withstand Test
This test checks for insulation system breakdown’s by applying a high voltage between
the Output and Return receptacles on the front panel. The HT-5000P ac/dc 200mA uses a
separate high-frequency circuit to detect arc breakdowns.
Set the test duration with the Timer Control Potentiometer on the front panel. The test
time is counted from the time the Full Voltage indicator is lit to the completion of the test. The
Timer Control Switch must be set to ON, or the HT-5000P ac/dc 200mA will test only while the
Test Button is pressed. The minimum test time is one second regardless of the setting of the
Timer Control Switch.