(949) 587-0400
Celectronics
Compatible Electronics

Dielectric Strength & Hi-Pot Testing Services

Home › Product Safety Testing › Dielectric Strength Testing

Dielectric Strength & Hi-Pot Testing Services

Compatible Electronics performs dielectric strength (hi-pot) testing as part of accredited safety evaluations under IEC 62368-1, IEC 60335-1, IEC 60601-1, IEC 60204-1, IEC 61010-1, and all major product safety standards at our NVLAP-accredited laboratory (Lab Code 200527-0).

NVLAP Lab Code 200527-0 ISO/IEC 17025:2017 IEC 62368-1 · IEC 60335-1 · IEC 60601-1 Lake Forest · Brea · Newbury Park

What is Dielectric Strength Testing?

Dielectric strength testing — commonly called hi-pot (high potential) testing — verifies that a product's insulation system can withstand the voltage stress required by its applicable safety standard without breakdown. A high AC or DC voltage is applied across the insulation barrier (e.g., primary to secondary, primary to earth, or across reinforced insulation) for a defined duration. The test confirms that clearances, creepage distances, and insulation materials provide adequate protection against electric shock under normal and abnormal operating conditions.

Dielectric strength testing is a mandatory clause in virtually every IEC product safety standard in our scope — including IEC 62368-1, IEC 60335-1, IEC 60601-1, IEC 61010-1, and IEC 60204-1. It is always performed alongside leakage current testing and ground continuity testing as part of a complete electrical safety evaluation.

💡 AC vs DC Hi-Pot: Most IEC standards specify an AC hi-pot voltage (e.g., 1500 V AC for basic insulation in IEC 62368-1). DC hi-pot is sometimes used as an alternative — the equivalent DC voltage is typically 1.414× the specified AC value. Our engineers select the correct method and voltage per your applicable standard.

Standards Requiring Dielectric Strength Testing

  • IEC 62368-1 — Clause 5.4 / Annex G: ES2/ES3 boundary insulation
  • IEC 60335-1 — Clause 16: Leakage current and electric strength
  • IEC 60601-1 — Clause 8.8: Dielectric strength — patient and mains isolation
  • IEC 61010-1 — Clause 6.8.4: Electric strength test
  • IEC 60204-1 — Clause 18.3: Voltage withstand test
  • IEC 60335-2-29 — Battery charger insulation verification
  • IEC 60730-1 — Clause 13: Dielectric strength of controls
  • IEC 61851 — EV charging system insulation verification

What We Test

  • Primary to secondary isolation — across reinforced / double insulation
  • Primary to earth / protective conductor
  • Secondary to earth — SELV circuit isolation verification
  • Mains to patient applied parts — IEC 60601-1 patient isolation
  • Across open contacts — switching devices, relays
  • AC hi-pot — sinusoidal voltage at 50/60 Hz per standard
  • DC hi-pot — equivalent DC voltage where permitted
  • Impulse withstand — 1.2/50 µs impulse per IEC 60664-1 where required
  • Post-moisture conditioning — hi-pot after humidity preconditioning
  • Insulation resistance pre-check — before destructive hi-pot application

Related Safety Tests

Leakage Current Testing Ground Continuity Testing Temperature Rise Testing IP Ingress Protection Testing IEC 62368-1 Testing IEC 60601-1 Testing IEC 60335-1 Testing IEC 61010-1 Testing ESD Immunity Testing All Safety Testing Services

Ready to Get Your Product Tested?

Contact our safety engineers for a quote or to discuss your testing requirements.

📝 Request a Test Quote 📞 (949) 587-0400

Product Safety Testing

Ready to

get started?

Contact Us