As a key tool to ensure the safety of electrical equipment, electrical safety testers verify that products meet national and industry safety standards by accurately detecting various electrical parameters. They are widely used in multiple fields, from production workshops to scientific research laboratories, acting as "invisible guardians" of electrical safety.
I. Core Application Scenarios of Safety Testers
Safety testers cover the entire lifecycle of electrical equipment, playing an irreplaceable role in manufacturing, daily maintenance, consumer electronics, and industrial equipment.
1. Consumer Electronics and Household Appliances
In production lines for TVs, refrigerators, and washing machines, safety testers conduct voltage withstand and insulation resistance tests to prevent electric shocks caused by circuit faults. For example, if the high-voltage transformer in a microwave oven has poor insulation, safety tests can identify such risks in advance.
2. Industrial and Automation Equipment
Industrial robots and frequency converters operate under high loads for long periods. Safety testers regularly check their ground resistance and leakage current to ensure electrical safety in complex working conditions. In automotive electronics production, testers also inspect on-board chargers and battery management systems to prevent short circuits or overloads.
3. New Energy and Medical Devices
Charging piles and battery packs for new energy vehicles undergo strict voltage withstand and insulation tests to avoid arcs or leakage during charging. Medical devices like ECG machines and infusion pumps must pass not only conventional tests but also special indicators such as patient leakage current, ensuring no micro-shocks to the human body.
II. Core Testing Contents of Safety Testers
Electrical safety tests focus on "preventing electric shocks and faults," covering four basic tests and multiple specialized tests to comprehensively evaluate equipment safety.
1. Withstand Voltage Test: Preventing High-Voltage Breakdown
A high voltage (AC or DC, several thousand volts) is applied between the device shell and power terminals to check if leakage current exceeds limits. Excessive leakage indicates potential insulation breakdown, which may cause electric shocks. For example, poor insulation in LED lamp wires will show abnormal leakage during high-voltage tests, requiring immediate repair.
2. Leakage Current Test: Simulating Human Contact Safety
It includes two modes:
Static Leakage: When the device is not working, 1.06 times the rated voltage is applied to detect leakage between the shell and power supply (using an isolation transformer to simulate human impedance).
Dynamic Leakage: The same test is repeated while the device operates (e.g., motor running), evaluating leakage risks in "hot" conditions.
Tests follow standards like IEC60335-1 (household appliances) and IEC60601-1 (medical devices) to ensure the tester’s impedance matches human physiological characteristics.
3. Insulation Resistance Test: Evaluating Insulation Quality
A DC high voltage (250V/500V/1000V) is applied between the device shell and power terminals. Insulation resistance is calculated from leakage current. Lower resistance indicates severe insulation aging or damage. For example, if the insulation resistance of an industrial motor’s windings is below 0.5MΩ, short circuits may occur.
4. Ground Resistance Test: Ensuring Effective Ground Protection
A high current (10A/25A) is applied between the device shell and ground terminal to measure conduction resistance. If resistance exceeds 0.1Ω, the ground protection fails to divert leakage current. This test is critical for metal-shell devices like ovens and machine tools.
III. Special Testing Requirements for Specific Fields
Some industries require customized tests due to unique scenarios:
Medical Devices: Beyond conventional tests, they need to check patient leakage current and surface contact current. Testers must include dedicated human simulation networks (e.g., as per IEC 60601) to avoid nerve stimulation from weak currents.
IV. Selection and Application Recommendations
Testers can be single-function (e.g., RK2671 for voltage withstand only) or multi-functional (e.g., RK7112 for voltage withstand + insulation). Key selection tips:
Choose multi-functional testers for consumer electronics to improve production efficiency.
For medical device testing, ensure compliance with standards like IEC60601-1.
For high-power devices (e.g., motors), use isolation transformers with sufficient capacity to handle startup current surges.
Through scientific selection and standardized testing, safety testers build a safety barrier for electrical equipment, reducing risks from the source.
Contact Person: Ms. Penny Peng
Tel: +86-18979554054
Fax: 86--4008266163-29929