10 Volt Analog Interface - This drop in interface simulates the interface found on HypotPLUS II and provides manufacturers the ability to install HypotULTRA III into analog controlled test systems. The analog signal provides access to the same voltage and current controls as found on HypotPLUS II.

ALTERNATING CURRENT (AC) - Current that reverses direction on a regular basis (usually 60 times per second in the United States).

ARC DETECTION - The ability of a circuit to detect the short duration current spikes normally in the range of 10 microseconds which have peak amplitudes in the milliamp range. These high frequency spikes normally appear on the peaks of the output wave prior to catastrophic or destructive arc breakdown which result in complete failure of the insulation.

BREAKDOWN - The failure of insulation to effectively prevent the flow of current, sometimes evidenced by arcing. If voltage is gradually raised, breakdown will begin at a certain voltage level (whereby current flow is not directly proportional to voltage). Once breakdown current flows, especially for a period of time, the next gradual application of voltage will often show breakdown beginning at a lower voltage than initially measured.

CAL-ALERT^® - The patented CAL-ALERT feature automatically alerts the user when the instrument is due for re-calibration. This eliminates the need for manual tracking of calibration dates.

CE MARK - The CE Mark is the manufacturer?s or importer?s mark of conformity declaring compliance with all applicable directives (Safety, EMC, Machinery, Medical and others). The use of the CE Marking and the Declaration of Conformity will be mandatory for most products sold in the European Community.

CHARGE-LO - The Charge-LO Circuit sets a minimum charging current which is based on the DC test voltage, the rate of rise, and the capacitance of the DUT. This circuit confirms that the DUT is connected when performing a test.

CLASS I PRODUCTS - Products grounded through a third pin of the input cord.

CLASS II PRODUCTS - Products not grounded through the input cord. These products must have double insulation.

CONDUCTIVE - Having a volume resistivity of no more than 103 ohm-cm or a surface resistivity of no more than 105 ohms per square cm.

CONDUCTOR - A solid or liquid material that current can pass through, and has a volume resistivity of no more than 103 ohm-cm.

DATA STORAGE CARD - The Data Storage card is an interface option that provides an internal memory, allows for data collection and includes bar code scanning capability. The card also includes a serial interface that can be configured for RS-232 or RS-485 communication. It comes complete with a 256 MB memory stick for downloading internal data.

DIELECTRIC - An insulating material positioned between two conductive materials in such a way that a charge or voltage can appear across the two conductive materials.

DIRECT CURRENT (DC) - Current that only flows in one direction. Direct current comes from a polarized source, meaning one terminal is always at a higher potential than the other.

DOUBLE INSULATED PRODUCTS - This is a product where the insulation is comprised of both Basic and Supplementary Insulation. The basic insulation is the insulation which is applied to live parts to provide basic protection against electrical shock. Supplementary insulation is independent insulation applied in addition to basic insulation in order to provide protection against electrical shock in the event of a failure of basic insulation.

DUT - Device Under Test.

Ethernet Communication Card - The Ethernet card allows customers to remotely set up and execute tests and retrieve data from a PC with a network connection. The card also allows for barcode scanning and provides an active RS-232 serial port.

FREQUENCY - The number of complete cycles in one second of alternating current, voltage, electromagnetic or sound pressure. In the case of alternating current and other forms of wave motion it is expressed in hertz.

GPIB - General Purpose Interface Bus.

HIPOT TEST, SECURITY or FLASH TEST, DIELECTRIC VOLTAGE WITHSTAND TEST and HIGH POTENTIAL TEST - Common terms for the deliberate application of over-voltage to a DUT to test dielectric strength.

IEEE-488 - A GPIB standard for instrument control.

INSULATING - Having a volume resistivity of at least 10⁸ ohm-cm or a surface resistivity of at least 1014 ohms per square cm.

INSULATION - Gas, liquid, or solid material that has a volume resistivity of at least
10⁸ ohm-cm and is used to reduce or prevent current flow between conductors.

ISO 9000 - Standards created by the 91-nation International Standards Organization (ISO) to define the basics of a quality system for manufacturing.

LEAKAGE - AC or DC current flow through insulation and over its surfaces, and AC current flow through a capacitance (whereby current flow is directly proportional to voltage). If breakdown does not occur, the insulation and/or capacitance is considered a constant impedance.

MEGOHMMETER - A meter capable of measuring resistances greater than 200 megohms. Usually requires a higher voltage power supply than ohmmeters that measure less than 200 megohms.

PLC - Programmable Logic Control, an automation method using relay technology.

RAMP-HI - The Ramp-HI feature allows you to set a high limit charging current during the Ramp function which is higher than the high limit setting which would be chosen for the dwell cycle. This allows you to charge the DUT as rapidly as possible without causing false failures.

RS-232 - A standard form of serial communication through a personal computer.

Safety Agency Listing - A Safety Agency Listing on an Electrical Safety Tester means that the product has been tested to and passed strict safety agency standards, including type tests such as protective ground circuit, voltage and dielectric withstand tests. It assures the user that the fundamental design of the instrument is safe for normal use.

SENSITIVITY - The minimum current flow required to cause an indication of unacceptable performance during a Dielectric Voltage-Withstand test.

SmartGFI^® - The patented SmartGFI is a high speed shut down circuit that provides maximum operator protection. If the circuit detects excessive leakage to ground it shuts down the high voltage in less than 1 millisecond. SmartGFI is automatically activated if the DUT is not grounded. The operator does not need to make the decision whether to activate the SmartGFI.

SPC - Statistical Process Control. A system by which one samples and inspects the output of a process to determine if one should adjust the process to bring the items or goods into an acceptable quality standard.

TQM - Total Quality Management. A comprehensive system of measuring the efficiency, effectiveness and adaptability of the total process.

VERI-CHEK^® - The VERI-CHEK feature is a menu driven process by which the instrument's failure detectors are proven to be functioning properly, "verifying" the functionality of the electrical safety tester and connected accessories.