First, we must check good insulation and bad insulation. Good insulation has high resistance and bad insulation has relatively low resistance. Electric wires are insulated with a resistance sheath to control the electrical conductivity of copper or aluminum wires. Although the wires are insulated, some current leaks. Defects in the insulation allow current to escape, which can be harmful to circuits and machinery.

By testing insulation regularly, problems can be identified and resolved before accidents or equipment failures occur, which brings us to how do you determine which insulation resistance tester is right for your job?

Logic tells you to choose an insulation resistance tester based on your specific needs. Choosing the right insulation resistance tester is more about specification than application. In choosing the right device for you, it is often necessary to test and measure the voltage of the current, but power may be the driving factor, depending on experience, personal preferences and work-related circumstances, such as the environment in which you will be working, and other criteria to consider including user preferences and price.

1. Let's take a closer look at the voltage requirements. The output voltage applied to the equipment should be based on the manufacturer's recommended DC insulation resistance test voltage.

2. Measuring current is another consideration. Are you measuring leakage current or polarization current? The leakage current can be found using an insulation tester and provides you with information to calculate the amount of contamination in the insulation. You can obtain the leakage current by point reading simply by applying the test voltage to the component under test and then obtaining a resistance reading after 60 seconds. This is the industry standard for determining the leakage current through the insulation.

To find the polarization current, the insulation resistance tester must run for a longer time (about 10 minutes) because this type of current takes longer, with the user reading after a minute and then reading again at the 10-minute mark. This will give you the polarization index, which should be tested monthly as part of daily maintenance, and the latest results should always be compared with the last month's results.

3. Your level of experience with the insulation resistance tester is also a major factor in choosing the insulation resistance tester; If you are experienced and confident in interpreting readings, any tester may be suitable for you, depending on your application and environment. For less experienced users, a simple and limited method is recommended, along with some on-the-job training in insulation resistance testing.

4. Environment is also a key factor in deciding which type of tester to buy. Will it be used indoors or outdoors? Will it be used in factories or stores? Will it be used for troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, or both? All of these factors will determine the size and type of tester you choose.

After determining the main considerations, the range can be further narrowed according to the price points that need to be met.