HIPOT

At a guess, it means it's had a earth leakage test done using a high test voltage to earth. 500VDC is used for doing this during PAT testing procedure in the UK. However, not all appliances are suitable for HI-POT testing, and for those that aren't, alternative methods have to be used, such as measuring the earth leakage in normal operation.

Alternatively, it might mean the appliance is OK to HI-POT test. Equipment conforming to BS EN 60950 should be OK to test at up to 500VDC, but unless IT equipment is so marked, you should assume such a test might damage it.

It means the appliance passed a high potential (Hipot) test. This is generally done at 1000 volts plus 2 x voltage rating, or 1240 volts for a

120 volt appliance. It checks the integrity of the insulation, and also that adequate spacings exist between terminals of opposite polarity. This is a standard test that is done on the manufacturing line for most appliances.

Ben Miller

Ben,

You are referring to a DC high potential test. The test could as well be AC and the type test is usually specified as in DC Hi Pot test. In fact, .1 Hz high potential test sets were used for a time on large generator stator windings since DC tests overstress resistance grading on the end turns.

Regards,

John Phillips