A Simple Way to Shorten High Voltage (Hipot) Test Time

Cirris testers are designed to include a feature that can lessen the amount of time spent on high voltage (hipot) testing. Many people who have used Cirris products for years are surprised to learn about this valuable setting. Once learned, this feature can significantly shorten test time.

Cirris testers are designed to include a feature that can lessen the amount of time spent on high voltage (hipot) testing. Many people who have used Cirris products for years are surprised to learn about this valuable setting. Once learned, this feature can significantly shorten test time.

In the high voltage settings menu, you will find a setting called Dwell Time. This setting is found in the menu for creating a dielectric withstand test. A dielectric withstand test ensures the cable or harness can endure the highest voltage necessary. Dwell time sets how long the voltage is applied to a cable.

When visiting customers, Cirris representatives occasionally find instructions handed down over the years that include a higher dwell time. Often the longer dwell time is unnecessary for the type of high voltage test being performed. In these cases, lowering the dwell time will not affect test results and will lessen the amount of time spent testing.

Dwell time on Cirris testers can be set to anything from 10 milliseconds to 2 minutes. The default time in Cirris easy-wire Software is the lowest setting, 10 milliseconds.

Dwell time is an important feature throughout high voltage (hipot) testing. Don’t necessarily rely on old policies for knowing the correct value for this setting. If you are unsure how long your dwell time should last, refer to IPC/WHMA A-620 Cable Testing Standard. This standard can provide suggested values to set for Dwell Time.

The following link will take you to a summary of important points from A-620, including suggested dwell times.

Further reading:

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