How to measure insulation resistance
Insulation resistance testing is an important part of electrical equipment maintenance and safety inspections, and is used to evaluate whether the insulation performance of electrical equipment meets standards. This article will introduce in detail the testing methods, precautions and common problems of insulation resistance to help you better understand and operate.
1. Basic principles of insulation resistance testing

The insulation resistance test is to measure the resistance value of the insulating material by applying a DC voltage (usually 500V or 1000V) to the device under test. The higher the insulation resistance value, the better the insulation performance; otherwise, there may be safety hazards.
2. Steps of insulation resistance test
The following are the specific steps for insulation resistance testing:
| steps | Operating Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1. Preparation | Make sure that the device under test is powered off and discharged; check whether the test instrument (such as a megohmmeter) is working properly. |
| 2. Connect the test leads | Connect the megohmmeter's red test lead to the conductor part of the device under test and the black test lead to the ground terminal or case. |
| 3. Apply voltage | Press the test button of the megohmmeter, apply DC voltage (usually 500V or 1000V) and hold it for 15-60 seconds. |
| 4. Read data | Record the stable insulation resistance value (in megaohms, MΩ). |
| 5. Discharge | After the test is completed, disconnect the test leads and discharge the device under test to avoid the danger of residual voltage. |
3. Precautions for insulation resistance testing
1.Safety first: Before testing, make sure the equipment is powered off and wear protective gear such as insulating gloves.
2.environmental factors: Environmental factors such as humidity and temperature will affect the test results. It is recommended to conduct the test in a dry environment.
3.Test voltage selection: Select the appropriate test voltage according to the rated voltage of the device under test (such as 500V for low-voltage equipment, 1000V or higher for high-voltage equipment).
4.multiple tests: For important equipment, it is recommended to test multiple times and take the average to improve accuracy.
4. Common problems and solutions in insulation resistance testing
| question | Possible reasons | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Insulation resistance value is too low | Insulation materials are aged, damp or contaminated | Clean or replace insulation; check ambient humidity. |
| Test results are unstable | The test lead has poor contact or the device under test is not fully discharged. | Reconnect the test leads; make sure the device is fully discharged. |
| No reading on the megohmmeter | Low battery or instrument failure | Replace the battery or send the instrument for repair. |
5. Standard reference values for insulation resistance testing
The standard values of insulation resistance of different equipment may vary. The following are reference standards for common equipment:
| Device type | Minimum insulation resistance value (MΩ) |
|---|---|
| household appliances | ≥1 |
| low voltage cable | ≥10 |
| High voltage equipment | ≥100 |
6. Summary
Insulation resistance testing is an important means to ensure the safe operation of electrical equipment. Through correct testing methods and precautions, the insulation performance of the equipment can be effectively evaluated and potential problems can be discovered in a timely manner. It is recommended to conduct insulation resistance tests on key equipment regularly to ensure its long-term stable operation.
If you still have questions about insulation resistance testing, it is recommended to consult a professional electrical engineer or refer to relevant industry standards (such as IEC 60364, GB/T 16895).
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