An insulation tester is an important tool when doing home renovation projects. Ideally, testing should be done prior to installing wallpaper, adding soundproofing material or other major repair projects, especially in older homes where the quality of the electrical system is not known. Testing is important, as insufficient insulating can result in leaking current. Leaky current can result in a variety of problems, many of which are hazardous. These devices are fairly easy to use and testing is a good DIY project for most homeowners.

How an Insulation Tester Works

The tester applies DC voltage to the insulation system and measures the current that results. The results of the test show if the insulation is working well, or if it is allowing current to leak.

Portable testers come in 50, 100, 250, 500 or 1000 volts. It's important to use the right tester for the right system. Low voltage testers are required for low voltage systems, and high voltage testers for high voltage. Higher voltage is generally used for commercial systems, motors or transformers. Some digital testers work over a range of voltage and can be set for higher or lower volts.

Testers come in a variety of models. Portable, hand held devices cost a few hundred dollars and are the easiest to use. Larger units are not as portable and can cost a few thousand dollars. The voltage is the most important consideration, whether you are using a portable or larger device.

Importance of an Insulation Tester

Testing is a good idea when doing home improvement projects around the house from the kitchen to the patio. Testing measures current leakage, which can cause a variety of problems. Insulating material deterioration allows electrical current to seep out

of the insulated covering, like a leaky water pipe allows water to seep out into the walls of your home.

Leaking current creates heat, which can cause a fire. The current can seep out and flow into another pathway, like the water pipes in your kitchen or bathroom. This can cause electrical shock in the shower or sink. Leaking current also results in higher electric bills. In addition, it can cause the ground faults in your home to trip repeatedly and eventually overheat.

Causes of Insulating Material Deterioration include: o Excessive heat o Excessive cold o Moisture o Vibration o Dirt o Oil

Using an Insulation Tester o Before applying the tester, be sure to disconnect the power from the system being tested. o Disconnect all electronics. These can get damaged during the testing process. Double check to be sure all electronics are disconnected prior to testing. This is a common and very costly mistake. o Make sure the voltage of the tester you are using is right for the insulation you will be testing. o If you're not sure about the voltage, find out. When in doubt, use a lower voltage tester, rather than risking using a device that is too strong.

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