Do you make these errors when using high-potential (hi-pot) testers or insulation resistance testers?
• Using without isolating first. The hi-pot injects a high voltage into cabling. Normally, you isolate a circuit to protect yourself from the premises source. In this case, you isolate the circuit to protect others (and connected equipment) from your portable source.
• Isolating the cable at one end only. You must isolate it at each end, else you’re providing additional paths for the injected signal. In addition to being dangerous, this means you’re testing more than just the cable so your test data are worthless.
• Following your established procedures, only. For a particular test set, always review the manufacturer’s safety information and instruction manual also. This helps you highlight specific differences between test sets, rather than confuse them. Various models differ in how you should use them safely.
• Failing to resolve a conflict between the manufacturer’s manual and your written procedures. Eliminate the conflict ahead of time; review new test equipment documentation before releasing for field use.
