What is High Voltage Testing?

Circuits and equipment are generally classified as ‘High Voltage’ when they have a nominal voltage exceeding 1000 Volts AC or 1500 Volts DC. High voltages are generally found in the electrical distribution network where it is common to see systems operating at 11,000 VAC, 33,000 VAC, 132,000 VAC and even 400,000 VAC. High voltages are often used in the electrical systems for power generation, power distribution, the rail network, petrochemical refineries, electrical service and maintenance industries.

While all electricity can be dangerous, the energy levels seen in high voltage systems represent a significant hazard. In addition to electrocution, serious burns can be received either by electricity flowing through the body or by arcing. Many people mistakenly believe that the only way to be harmed by electricity is if you touch live parts, but high voltage electricity is capable of traveling through the air, this effect is called arcing and can be seen during a thunder storm as lightning. It is for this reason that high voltage test equipment usually has long probes ensuring a safe distance between the user and the system under test.

Seaward’s high voltage test range is designed for use on power system voltages of up to 33kV and includes ergonomically designed portable neon and digital voltage indicators, capacitive voltage indicators, circuit phasing equipment, insulator leakage detectors and current clamps.