Product category: Compliance Engineering
News Release from: Clare Instruments | Subject: Flash testing
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial Team on 30 June 2006
All you need to know about Flash/Hipot
testing
John Barnett of Clare Instruments, provides an in-depth explanation of flash/hipot/dielectric withstand testing.
As well as supplying and developing turn-key testing solutions throughout the manufacturing and rental sectors, Clare has been instrumental in the formation of certain BS EN standards This article covers the requirements for the tests, the testing process, and offers practical tips and advice gained from Clare's extensive 50 years experience in the design and manufacture of test equipment
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 6 Nov 2006 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Quadrature flash testing for intelligent circuits
John Barnett describes how the introduction of intelligent electronic circuits has created a new concept in flash (hipot) testing.
Novel safety tests don't destroy control ICs
Specially developed electrical safety testing equipment has helped Electrolux to develop a new range of electronic controlled cookers.
What is the difference between a Flash, Hipot and Dielectric Withstand test? None.
These three terms relate to the same fundamental test.
The term Flash testing is commonplace within the UK market place, the term Hipot and Dielectric Withstand within the rest of Europe and most other geographic regions.
Further reading
Electrical testing helps metal detectors
Safeline has upgraded its PCB assembly line safety testing system with an integrated flash testing station based on the new microprocessor-controlled HAL tester from Clare Instruments.
More options in custom electrical testing
Clare Instruments has upgraded its bespoke custom electrical test design service for manufacturers of electrical and electronic products.
Safety testers comply with recent changes
New tester meets compliance needs of revised lighting industry technical standard
What is Flash/Hipot/Dielectric Withstand testing? This test is not a measurement, but a process for ensuring that a product remains electrically safe when subjected to a high voltage.
A high voltage can occur when transients are present on the power supply.
When subjected to a high voltage the product must not expose the user to a hazardous voltage.
This test is designed to stress the product's insulation, which will ensure that there are no defects in the construction.
This test will ensure that internal wiring and conductor spacing is correct and electrically safe.
If this test is omitted, then a product with poor insulation or internal conductor spacing, may fail under the influence of environmental factors such as ingress of moisture, dirt, or the effect of vibration.
These defects cannot be consistently detected by any other electrical safety test.
Why is the test necessary? In conjunction with the ground bond test, this test is designed to ensure the basic safety of the product.
Legislation such as the LVD, Machinery and Medical Directives demand that 100% of manufactured products are subjected to this test.
In addition a number of independent and government product approvals agencies require that this test is performed, and that records are kept for each product design, and for each product manufactured.
These organisations include: * Underwriters Laboratories (UL) * Canadian Standards Association (CSA) * International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) * British Standards Institute (BSI) * German Electrical Engineers Association (VDE) * Technische Uberwachungs Verein (TUV) * Japanese Standards Institute (JIS) Within the European marketplace these directives must be obeyed for a product to comply with the CE mark regulation.
Relevant agency approval must also be attained before a product can display an agency safety marking logo.
What are the test requirements? Before testing it is important to differentiate between the two distinct test requirements - type testing and routine (production line) testing.
Type testing levels vary according to the relevant product specific standard.