THE DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY P/PM PROCEDURE

ELECTRICAL G7M-0010-01
GLOBAL 02-JAN-2008
Page 1 of 3
i ii
MEGOHM INSULATION TEST

This procedure is to familiarize technicians with the purpose and proper use
Scope
of the megohmmeter insulation testing instrument.

Definition MEGOHMMETER. Resistance measuring device to provide different DC

voltage levels to insulation systems and indicate the resistance in millions of
ohms (MEGOHMS) of the insulation being tested. It is often called a
"MEGGER" which is a registered trade name of the James G. Biddle
Company. Todays models mostly are powered with batteries or rectifiers.

GUARD. A lead on the megohmmeter that allows a particular current to

bypass the meter and not be indicated on the instrument.

Special Equipment Megohm Meter

Fresh Batteries or AC Power Supply for Megohmmeter powered in this

manner.

Thermometer. (wet and dry bulb)

Procedure

Step Action

1 Review Supplier's information on equipment being tested.

2 Discuss the acceptance testing and applicable safety standards with

Owner/Owner Rep. and workmen to insure the safety of all
personnel.

3 Do not perform this test in explosive atmospheres without obtaining

the proper approvals. When testing wire or cable make sure both
ends are barricaded.

4 Megohmmeters can kill people. At the minimum, they can cause a

flinch or jerk which can cause falls. Like any DC source, they can
charge conductors up which will shock after the megohmmeter is
removed. Always ground the tested conductor for at least as long as
the time test energy was put on it.

5 Wear the proper voltage rubber gloves when performing the test if
local required.

DOW RESTRICTED - For internal use only

THE DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY P/PM PROCEDURE
ELECTRICAL G7M-0010-01
GLOBAL 02-JAN-2008
Page 2 of 3

Step Action

6 Megohmmeters are not to be used on energized electrical

equipment.

7 If megohmmeters have three leads, they are E (Earth), L (Load), and

G (Guard). The Load lead should be connected to the conductor
that has the insulation system being tested. The Earth lead should
be connected to ground or the frame of the device being tested. The
Guard lead bypasses current around the meter and is used for some
specialized tests. Disconnect this lead wire when not called for in
the equipment testing procedure.

8 Use crank manual driven megohmmeters at a uniform 150 RPM +/-

20 RPM rate and a motor driven, rectifier or battery powered
megohmmeter may be required if their are many tests to be done.
Keep the megohmmeter as level as possible.

9 Read the insulation resistance at the end of 60 seconds of running

the test unless other time periods or time/ratio test are called for.

10 Always inspect the megohmmeter for calibration and physical

condition of the instrument and its leads. Calibration should have
been made within the past year.

11 Field calibrate the megohmmeter before use by connecting the Load

and Earth leads together. The resistance should read zero when
cranked. Disconnect these leads and cranking should give a
reading of infinity.

12 Always temperature correct the insulation resistance reading. Table

G7M-0020-10 gives correction factors for different types of
insulation. This temperature is the temperature of the insulation and
not the ambient temperature.

13 Table G7M-0020-08 shows the proper test voltage to be used for

different voltage equipment.

14 Record the dry bulb temperature and the wet bulb temperature if
required.

DOW RESTRICTED - For internal use only

THE DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY P/PM PROCEDURE
ELECTRICAL G7M-0010-01
GLOBAL 02-JAN-2008
Page 3 of 3

Reference Material 1. Design Drawings and Specifications

2. Manufacturers Drawings and Instruction Manuals Test Equipment

Manufacturer's Manuals

3. Dow Chemical Company Safety Standards Manual

4. Table G7M-0020-08, Insulation Resistance Test Voltages (Megger).

5. Table G7M-0020-10, Temperature Correction

6. Test Form G7M-0020-02, Insulation Test - Motor DC

7. Test Form G7M-0020-03, Insulation Test - Cable

8. Test Form G7M-0020-04, Insulation Test - Transformer

9. Test Form G7M-0020-05, Insulation Polarization Index

10. Test Form G7M-0020-06, Insulation Test - Step Voltage

11. Test Form G7M-0020-13, Insulation Test - Motor AC

i
02-JAN-2008; MOC N/A; By: Karl Beaty; Supersedes Issue Date 09-APR-2003;
Updated the text to ARIAL. No technical update.
ii
09-APR-2003, MOC 2003_01026, By: Linda Miller , Supercedes Issue Date 04-
MAR-1999, Deleted page break to eliminate blank page.

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