The Megohmeter The "Megger" instrument for measuring the insulation resistance of electrical devices was introduced by the

British firm of Evershed and Vignoles in 1905. A "megger" is used to check that insulation actually insulates, and that there is no leakage. The name is a corruption of Megohmmeter; Meaning that it will measure very high resistances, typically up to 500 Megohms. (500 million ohms) It is an insulation test to see is the insulation has been injured in any way to cause a short circuit when normal power is applied to it. The insulation resistance of different materials varies, and the resistance of any given material will alter according to a number of factors the chief of which, probably, is the degree to which it absorbs moisture. This absorption lowers the resistant of the material in question, while the accumulation of dirt upon the surface of the material, though it does not theoretically alter the insulation resistant of the material itself, does in effect do so, since it provides a conducting path through the dirt along the surface of the material. How to record results As explained earlier the comparison of one reading with another is of greater value in insulation testing than the absolute value obtains on the test. Thus, if the record shows that for months, the insulation resistance of a motor has been between 4 and 5 megohms and a test one day gives only 1 megohm, it is then desirable to make further tests at short intervals to ascertain if trouble is developing. On the other hand, if the results of the previous tests have been between one and two megohms, we need take no special action, as this insulation resistance is in most cases quit satisfactory.

The actual value of the insulation resistance, as measured in tests 1 and 2, which may be considered satisfactory, varies according to the size of the apparatus or installation under test. Such portable apparatus as we are considering at the moment, if it is good condition will usually have a resistant of several megohms. It will be safe to use if the resistance is at least one megohm, but the apparatus in such case should be tested at short intervals to see if a fault is developing. If the test gives a figure which is much below one megohm the apparatus should not be used until the fault has been cleared, which may be affected many cases by cleaning the terminals, or removing and refitting the flexible connecting wire.