Leakage Current Measurement & Its Advantages
Leakage current flows from an equipment’s output or input to the ground or framework, and it may come from either the ac dc hipot tester circuit. The current travels via other pathways, like the human body, if the equipment is not correctly grounded. This may also happen if the ground is inept or is deliberately or accidentally disturbed.
When an accidental electrical connection between the ground and an energized component or conductor develops in equipment, leakage current flows. The ground may be either the zero-voltage reference point or the earth ground. The current leaking from the power supply unit should ideally pass via the ground connection and into the earth ground of the installation.
The Causes of Leakage Current
The insulation contains both electrical resistance and capacitance, allowing current to flow in both directions. Due to the high resistance of insulation, only a tiny amount of electricity should leak. However, if the insulation is old or broken, the resistance will be reduced, allowing a large amount of electricity to pass. Longer conductors also have a greater capacitance, resulting in more leakage current.
In the meanwhile, filters in electronic equipment guard against power spikes and other disturbances. The presence of capacitors on the input of these filters contributes to the wire system’s total capacitance and the overall amount of leakage current.
Minimizing the Effects of Leakage Current
So, how can you get rid of or at least reduce the negative consequences of leakage current? Calculate the leakage current before determining the source. A leakage current clamp meter is one method of doing this. These are similar to clamp meters used to measure load currents. However, they work considerably better when measuring currents less than 5 mA. Low currents are not detected by most clamp meters.
The value of ac high voltage tester measured by a clamp meter relies on the intensity of the alternating electromagnetic field around the conductors after the jaws are placed around it.
Measurement of Leakage Current to Ground
The leakage current measured when the load is turned on includes leakage in load equipment. Circuit wire leakage is even lower if the leakage is sufficient with the load connected. Disconnect the load if just circuit wire leakage is needed.
Measuring Leakage Current through the Ground Conductor
Place the clamp around the ground rod to calculate the total leakage flowing to the planned earth connection.
Tracing the Source of Leakage Current
This set of tests determines the total leakage as well as the source. The initial measurement should be performed on the panel’s primary conductor.
Measurements 2 to 5 are taken in that order to determine which circuits have the most leakage current.
Advantages Of Leakage Current Measurement Are:
The item under test is not put into operation, and its polarity does not need to be reversed, which is one of the advantages of leakage current measurement.
No Stressing Due To High Switching Current
Ac high voltage tester is an indication that the insulation on conductors is ineffective. With the assistance of a low current leakage current clamp and the ability to analyze ordered data, it is possible to trace the source of leakage current. If necessary, this enables you to re-allocate loads more impartially during the installation.