A DC hipot tester produces a high potential (voltage) electrical current to test the insulation of an electrical component. Hipot tests are performed on components like transformers, electrical motors, and printed circuit boards; in other words, devices which require insulation to be effective.
A DC hipot tester, also known as a dielectric voltage withstand tester, determines the safety of a product or electrical component. Insulation may break down due to moisture, aging, vibration, wear, or a variety of other reasons, so these testers are needed to analyze the amount of current leakage.
Whether to use a DC hipot or an
AC hipot depends on the DUT. Anything connected to a grid requires AC; meanwhile, battery-powered equipment or digital logic circuits fall under DC. Many devices use both AC and DC, and so need both types of hipot testing performed.