| Q. |
What is a Line Leakage test? |
| A. |
A Line Leakage test is a term used to describe a series of tests that monitor the leakage current produced by a product while it is operating. The input voltage to the product is normally adjusted for its highest rated mains voltage, or a value that is 110% of the highest rated mains voltage. |
| Q. |
What products require a Line Leakage test? |
| A. |
In the past, Line Leakage tests were normally specified as type tests for medical products, but are now being performed more frequently as production line tests. Contact your local safety agency office or our Technical Services department for more information. |
| Q. |
What is the difference between a Line Leakage test and a Hipot test? |
| A. |
A Hipot test uses a high voltage to stress the insulation of a product in order to determine if the insulation can adequately prevent leakage current flow. A Line Leakage test measures the effects of a product’s leakage current flow during normal and single fault conditions while the product is operating. |
| Q. |
What is an acceptable level of leakage current during a Line Leakage test? |
| A. |
There are very specific agency guidelines on acceptable levels of leakage current. They can very from 0.01 - 5 mA depending on the test being performed. Check safety agency guidelines for your specific product to be sure. |
| Q. |
What is a measuring device (MD)? |
| A. |
A measuring device (MD) is a resistive and/or capacitive network designed to simulate the impedance of the human body. During a Line Leakage test, an MD is used to measure the amount of leakage current that is flowing through a product’s insulation system.
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| Q. |
What are fault conditions? |
| A. |
Fault conditions are scenarios in which a product fails to operate correctly, or under normal conditions. The three most common fault conditions include: open ground, open neutral, reversed polarity input voltage. Line Leakage testers simulate these conditions individually, or in combination to indicate how a product's leakage current will change if the product were to be operated under less than ideal conditions. |
