HIOKI E.E. CORPORATION is pleased to announce the launch of the IR5051 High Voltage Insulation Tester on April 26, 2024. The IR5051 can measure extremely high insulation resistance up to 10 TΩ (tera-ohms, where tera represents 1 trillion times). The measurement is stable because it eliminates the influence of noise. The IR5051 features a PV (photovoltaic, i.e., solar panel) insulation resistance measurement function that can measure even on a string¹ during power generation. The IR5050 High Voltage Insulation Tester without the PV insulation resistance measurement function will also be released.

Improving the safety and efficiency related to electrical maintenance will always be a high priority in society. Hioki supports the inspection of renewable energy facilities through electrical measurement, contributing to the realization of a sustainable society.
 

High Voltage Insulation Tester IR5050, IR5051, and IR5050 with accessories

• 1: String: multiple solar panels connected in series

Background of development

Global investment in renewable energy is rapidly increasing as an effort to attain a society with low carbon emissions. This has led to a surge in solar power generation facilities. As these facilities are used for long periods of time under harsh conditions, preventive maintenance becomes essential. Insulation resistance measurement is one of the critical safety inspections to prevent equipment failure and electric shock accidents.

Large-scale solar power plants have tens of thousands of solar panels covering vast areas of land. Efficient work is crucial for maintaining and inspecting each and every of them.

Hioki has extensive experience in solar panel insulation measurement. In the past, it was difficult to inspect solar panels during the day because of limitations in the measurement method. In order to measure insulation resistance (or any kind of resistance), measurement instruments must apply an electric current (commonly referred to as the “test current” or “test voltage”) to whatever is being measured. The problem with measuring solar systems during daytime occurs because the test current would be added onto (or “superimposed onto) the electric current being generated. It was impossible to measure resistance from this sum of two currents. This resulted in a need to test at night (when no power would be generated), placing a burden on test measurement technicians. To solve this issue, in 2015, Hioki launched a new insulation tester for solar panels (the IR4053-10). It’s groundbreaking ability to measure during generation, and thus during daytime, revolutionized the solar power market.

The IR5051 is a continuation of Hioki’s innovation. Currently, solar power generation facilities are shifting toward higher voltage generation, mainly 1500 V, to improve power generation efficiency and reduce facility costs. Further improving upon their previous innovation of insulation resistance measurement technology for solar panels (measurement during power generation), Hioki has developed the IR5051 for high-voltage solar power generation facilities of 1500, and even 2000 volts.

As a company leading in measuring instruments for many years, Hioki has strongly provided solutions to issues faced by businesses in the renewable energy market. The IR5050 and IR5051 enhance the safety and reliability of electrical equipment by improving maintenance efficiency and reducing the burden on technicians. By supporting long-term stable operation of electrical facilities, Hioki contributes to the realization of a sustainable society.

Key features of the IR5050 and IR5051

Power generation will not interfere with the measurement of solar panels (IR5051)

The IR5051 has a PV insulation resistance measurement function. This feature ensures efficient measurements that are unaffected by currents generated by the solar panels. When used in conjunction with our smartphone app "GENNECT Cross," it can identify the defective panel within a string after insulation failure is discovered. It provides a total solution for insulation resistance measurement, from daytime measurement to pinpointing defective panels.

High safety performance of CAT III 2000 V and CAT IV 1000 V

Solar power generation facilities operating at high voltages require high safety performance from insulation resistance meters. The IR5050 and IR5051 meet the design criteria of CAT III 2000 V and CAT IV 1000 V, an extremely high level of safety categories in international standards.
Insulation resistance is generally measured in a voltage-free state. However, these measuring instruments have high safety features to prepare for any unforeseen accidents. Furthermore, the IR5051’s safety performance also covers measurements during power generation in solar facilities with voltage ratings of up to 2000 V.

Reliable stability and noise resistance

Electromagnetic noise from the surrounding environment can cause fluctuations in insulation resistance measurements. Even the slightest movement of the technician's body or the slight swaying of cables can cause fluctuations in measured values. Fluctuations occur especially when measuring objects with extremely high insulation resistance, such as high-voltage cables.
The IR5050 and IR5051 eliminate fluctuations caused by electromagnetic noise, enabling reliable diagnosis of insulation deterioration even when measuring extremely high insulation resistance. Elimination of electromagnetic noise fluctuations enables reliable determination of insulation degradation.

Applications

• Maintenance and inspection of solar power generation facilities
• Insulation diagnosis of high-voltage equipment in substations and factories
• Regular maintenance of electrical equipment in buildings and facilities

Availability

The High Voltage Insulation Tester IR5050 and IR5051 will be available starting April 26, 2024.

Links

HIGH VOLTAGE INSULATION TESTER IR5051

HIGH VOLTAGE INSULATION TESTER IR5050

Recommended Tools for 15 Measurements in Solar Installation and Maintenance

Contact us

For inquiries such as quotes, demonstrations, and trial usage, please use Hioki’s contact form for a personalized reply from your closest or most appropriate Hioki representative.

• The information provided is current as of the date of publishing.
• Please note that prices, specifications, and other information contained in this texts are subject to change without notice.
• The company names and product names used in this text are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective companies.

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