Hioki Earth Tester FT6041 (Left) and High Voltage Insulation Tester IR5051 (Right)

Nagano, Japan, 24th December 2024 – Hioki is pleased to announce that its Earth Tester FT6041 and High Voltage Insulation Tester IR5051 have received a FY2024 Good Design Award from the Japan Institute of Design Promotion. The Good Design Awards have served as a benchmark for outstanding design evaluation and recommendation for over five decades. This recognition brings the total number of Good Design Awards received by Hioki to 81, including two Long Life Design Awards, since 1985. These awards reflect Hioki’s dedication to developing measurement tools that solve real-world challenges with practical design and technical expertise. Both products address critical needs in electrical safety and renewable energy maintenance, setting new standards in functionality, safety, and usability.

Overview and Features of Award-Winning Products

The Earth Tester FT6041 redefines ground resistance measurement with its intuitive approach that eliminates the need to disconnect grounding electrodes. This advancement ensures safety, minimizes downtime, and simplifies the measurement process, even in challenging environments.

• MEC (Measuring Earth with a Clamp) Function: Measures ground resistance without disconnecting electrodes, reducing risks of electric shock and eliminating restoration efforts.

• Durable and Versatile: IP67-rated for dust and water resistance, with an operating temperature range of -25°C to 65°C, ensuring reliable operation under extreme conditions.

• Grounding Mesh Module: Replaces auxiliary grounding electrodes, making it easy to perform measurements on paved or hard-to-access surfaces.

For more information, please click here: Earth Tester FT6041

The High Voltage Insulation Tester IR5051 is designed to meet the growing needs of solar power system maintenance. With its ability to perform accurate measurements during daylight operation, it sets a new benchmark for efficiency and practicality in high-voltage insulation testing. The IR5051 is a compact, lightweight, high-voltage insulation resistance tester capable of outputting up to 5 kV. Its unique measurement technology enables stable measurements of up to 10 TΩ. In addition, the IR5051 can test the insulation resistance of solar PV systems during power generation, and has a CAT III 2000 V safety rating to allow testing of 2000 V PV systems.

• Daylight Functionality: Safely measures solar panels during operation, removing the need for time-consuming nighttime testing or covering panels.

• Smart Diagnostics: Pinpoints ground fault locations via a dedicated app, significantly streamlining maintenance and troubleshooting in large-scale solar installations.

• Portable and Resilient: Compact and lightweight, housed in an IP65-rated case for easy transportation and dependable outdoor performance.

For more information, please click here: High Voltage Insulation Tester IR5051

Comments from Judges

Earth Tester FT6041

Original Judge’s Comments from Good Design Award Website 

The Earth Tester FT6041 was commended for addressing long-standing challenges in ground resistance measurement. Its ability to perform measurements without disconnecting grounding electrodes is a game-changer, eliminating safety risks and reducing operational inefficiencies. The jury highlighted the product’s thoughtful engineering, including its robust design, resistance to harsh environments, and the innovative grounding mesh module, which enables reliable measurements even on paved surfaces. These features provide a seamless solution for operators and contribute to safer and more efficient maintenance practices. ((Note: The above remarks have been translated and rephrased for clarity.)

High Voltage Insulation Tester IR5051

Original Judge’s Comments from Good Design Award Website 

The High Voltage Insulation Tester IR5051 impressed the judges with its practical functionality and attention to field challenges. Its unique ability to perform precise measurements during daylight operation—a feature not previously available—was celebrated as a breakthrough for solar power system maintenance. The judges also praised the product’s ergonomic design, rugged construction, and integration with digital tools, which simplify fault diagnosis and reduce the time spent troubleshooting in expansive solar panel installations. This forward-thinking approach addresses the growing complexity of renewable energy systems and enhances overall maintenance efficiency. (Note: The above remarks have been translated and rephrased for clarity.)

Good Design Award Official Website

For detailed overviews of the award-winning products, please visit the official website of the Japan Institute of Design Promotion.

• Earth Tester FT6041

• High Voltage Insulation Tester IR5051

Hioki Design

Hioki’s approach to product design emphasizes creating solutions that enrich society and enhance the user experience. The company continues to innovate under its guiding principle of “COGNITIVE DESIGN: The right design in every measure.”

For more details, visit Hioki Design

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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.

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