Knowledge learning丨The difference between DC resistance and insulation resistance and their testing methods

23-01-2024


Insulation Resistance Tester


Insulation resistance testers can help many power workers conduct various types of 

power tests more conveniently. So what is the difference between DC resistance and 

insulation resistance? What are the differences in their testing methods?


1. DC resistance


DC resistance is the inherent static resistance of a conductor. The resistance imposed 

on an object byapplying a certain amount of DC current to the object. The resistance 

is calculated according to Ohm's law.


This resistance is called DC resistance, and the unit is ohms (Ω). For example, DC 

resistancecan be used to measure the coil resistance of a transformer,the windings 

of a transformer, the DC resistance of wires,etc.


The purpose of measuring DC resistance is to check the quality of windings or coils 

and the integrity of thecircuits of electrical equipment such as transformers and 

motors, so as to find out the causes of wire breakage, joint welding, contact, etc. 

caused by mechanical stress. Vibration during manufacturing or operation. 


In addition, when the transformer is performing a temperature rise tesit is also 

necessary to convert the temperature value under the corresponding load based on the 

DC resistance value under different loads.


2. Insulation resistance


Compared with DC resistance, insulation resistance has more uses. In power systems, 

insulation resistance is everywhere.


Insulation resistance is used to measure the resistance value of the insulation strength 

of equipment such as large transformers, transformers, generators, high-voltage 

motors, power capacitors, power cables, and lightning arresters.


The purpose of measuring insulation resistance is to find defects such as foreign 

objects that affect the insulation of the conductive parts of electrical equipment, 

moisture and dirt in local or entire insulation, severe deterioration of insulating oil, 

insulation breakdown and severe thermal aging.


The purpose of measuring the insulation resistance of the transformer is to check the 

integrity of the winding insulation. The better the insulation,the smaller the leakage 

current, and the better the operating performance and safety. 


Since the insulation resistance is very high, an insulation resistance tester witha higher 

voltage level is generally used to measure the insulation resistance.


3. The difference between DC resistance and insulation resistance


Both DC resistance and insulation resistance are based on Ohm's law. DC resistance 

is used to solve the measurement of inductive load resistance. Insulation resistance 

is a special tool to determine the degree of insulation.


Judging from the measurement results of the two resistors, the smaller the DC 

resistance, the better the insulation resistance, and the larger the insulation resistance, 

the better. The necessary connection between the two is to create two different test 

functions using the same measurement principle.


4. Differences in testing methods


DC resistance is measured by bridge method and current method. The measurement 

range of the bridgmethod is relatively narrow. It is divided into single-arm bridge 

method and double-arm bridge method. 


When the resistance value of wires and cables is 1 or above, the single-arm bridge 

connection method is used; when the resistance value is less than 1,the double-arm 

bridge method is used. The principle of the current method is to use a constant 

current source to output different constant currents according to the resistance 

values of wires and cables.


Insulation resistance testing generally uses the voltage and current method. For the 

insulation resistance measurement of wires and cables with metal sheaths, most of 

them measure the insulation resistancebetween the conductor and the shielding layer; 

for wires and cables without metal sheaths, whenmeasuring the insulation resistance 

value, the wires and cables under test must be immersed in water. , andthen measure 

the insulation resistance between the conductor and the water.


Specializing in insulation resistance testers, Wrindu presents the RD3215E Insulation Resistance Tester, an exemplary high-performance model tailored for testing insulation resistance in large-capacity, high-voltage equipment, and substations. Boasting a user-friendly touch screen, this Insulation Resistance Meter guarantees clear data visibility and straightforward operation, proving indispensable across diverse industries 

such as power, telecommunications, and industrial maintenance.


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