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High-voltage detector testing to IEC 61243-1

Q: What exactly is checked during testing?

Five steps: a visual and dimensional inspection of the housing, insulating part, hand guard, contact electrode and markings; a check of the built-in self-test element; a leakage current measurement across the insulating part under dry conditions; determining the threshold voltage and comparing it with the device's reference value; and a check that the indication appears clearly every time, both visibly and audibly.

Q: Up to what voltage can you test?

We test capacitive voltage detectors for high-voltage networks up to and including 33 kV Unom, so the common networks of 10, 20, 30 up to 33 kV. Working with higher voltages? Contact us and we will help or refer you.

Q: What do I receive after testing?

Every device gets a test marking with the test date and the next test date, and you receive a test report per device, traceable by serial number, with the measured values and the result. In case of rejection you get a substantiation of what we found; we always report this in advance, so you can replace in time.

Q: Do you also test phase comparators or insulating sticks?

Not at this time. We focus on capacitive voltage detectors and insulating gloves. Phase comparators and insulating sticks are on the roadmap but are not yet part of our offering. If you have questions about those, get in touch; we are clear about what we do and don't do.

Q: How long does testing take?

Expect 5 to 10 working days after receipt, excluding transport. When confirming your request, we will provide the expected turnaround time along with the transport costs. In a hurry? Indicate this with your request and we will see what is possible.

Have your capacitive high-voltage detectors tested to IEC 61243-1. IONIO checks the insulating part, the threshold voltage and the indication, and you receive a test report per device with the next test date. For high-voltage networks up to 33 kV Unom.

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Why have your high-voltage detectors tested

Proving absence of voltage is the third of the five golden rules. The voltage detector is the tool your worker uses to take that step, and on which they then base their safety. If the device does not work as it should, an installation that is still live gets declared dead.

The insulating part also ages without being visible. Moisture and contamination make the surface more conductive, and micro-cracks cannot be spotted with the naked eye. That is why IEC 61243-1 requires periodic testing of detectors in use.

Safety. You know the device switches within the bandwidth the standard sets.
Duty of care. Health and safety law requires electrical equipment to be inspected periodically and demonstrably in order.
Proof. A test report shows auditors and clients that your detectors have been tested.

What the test involves

The standard describes a fixed set of checks for devices in use. We carry them out in full:

Visual and dimensional inspection. Housing, insulating part, hand guard, contact electrode and readability of the markings.
Check of the self-test element. Does the built-in self-test work as intended?
Leakage current measurement across the insulating part. Under dry conditions, with the test voltage corresponding to the device’s rated voltage.
Determination of the threshold voltage. This value must fall within the bandwidth set by the standard, and we compare it with the device’s reference value.
Check of the indication. Does the signal appear clearly every time, both visibly and audibly?

Devices that do not pass are taken out of service. We report this in advance with an explanation, so you can replace in time.

Our testing range: up to 33 kV Unom

We test capacitive voltage detectors for the common high-voltage networks: 10 kV, 20 kV, 30 kV up to 33 kV Unom. This covers most of the distribution network.

Working with higher voltages, or is it about phase comparators or insulating sticks? Get in touch. We are clear about what we do and don’t do, and will refer you if needed.

What you get back: every device with a test marking showing the date and the next test date, and a test report per device, traceable by serial number. In case of rejection, a substantiation of what we found.

Testing interval and pricing

The standard does not prescribe a fixed interval but does set an upper limit: no device may go longer than six years without a retest, even if it has been sitting in a cupboard the entire time.

In practice, your own operations, the manufacturer’s recommendations and usage determine a shorter interval. We advise you on a suitable interval and can schedule testing as a fixed cycle.

Price on request, including test report.

For larger quantities, we agree on a suitable price together. Transport costs depend on the length of the devices and the size of the shipment; we confirm these together with the turnaround time before you send anything.

How it works

You register your detectors, with brand, type and the rated voltage at which they are used.
We confirm the turnaround time and transport costs within one working day.
You ship the devices, or we collect them.
We test, mark and report.
You receive the devices back with the reports.

Want to know more about what the standard requires? Read Voltage detector testing to IEC 61243-1 or the overview of all high-voltage PPE. Also need glove testing? See our glove testing.