Aerial Device Dielectric Testing
If an aerial device is being relied on as insulated equipment, its dielectric integrity needs to be maintained and periodically tested.
Dielectric Testing for Insulated Bucket Trucks & Aerial Devices
Mondak Equipment provides dielectric testing for insulated bucket trucks and vehicle-mounted aerial devices, including equipment from manufacturers such as:
- Altec
- Terex / Hi-Ranger
- Versalift
- and others
Sometimes the unit is simply due for its annual test.
Other times there has been a repair, damage, contamination, or another concern and you need to know whether the insulating system is still performing as it should.
Tell us what equipment you have and what you need. We'll start there.
The Test Set We Use
We recently purchased an HVI ALT-130/60 AC aerial-lift dielectric test set.
It is designed for testing insulated aerial booms, bucket trucks, and liners at up to 130 kV AC.
Our personnel have completed the necessary training.
When Is Dielectric Testing Due?
Once insulated aerial equipment is placed into service, periodic annual dielectric testing is required under the applicable ANSI A92.2 requirements. Additional dielectric testing can also be required following certain repairs, replacement of insulating components, suspected damage, or other events that may affect the insulating system.
If you are not sure when your unit was last tested, give us the manufacturer, model, serial number, and any previous inspection records you have.
What Can Affect Dielectric Performance?
A failed dielectric test does not automatically mean the entire boom is bad.
There are a number of conditions that can affect how an insulated aerial device performs during testing, including:
- Dirt and contamination
- Moisture
- Surface condition
- Cracks or gouges
- Damaged fiberglass
- Previous repairs
- Hydraulic leaks around insulated sections
- Bucket or liner damage
- Condition of insulating components
Terex specifically notes that contamination, environmental exposure, surface condition, and damage can affect dielectric performance, while cracks and damage to the bucket or liner can also reduce dielectric strength.
Sometimes the problem is fairly straightforward.
Other times more inspection and repair work is needed before the equipment can pass testing.
If the Unit Does Not Pass
A failed dielectric test gives you a result.
The next question is:
What needs to be done about it?
Mondak is an equipment repair company as well as a testing provider.
If a unit does not pass, we can help determine what needs attention before it is tested again.
Depending on what is found, that may involve:
- Cleaning and contamination issues
- Fiberglass or insulating-component concerns
- Bucket or liner damage
- Hydraulic leaks
- Hoses and related components
- Mechanical repairs
- Electrical or control problems
- Repairs associated with previous damage
Repairs to insulated boom sections may themselves require dielectric testing before the equipment returns to service.
Insulated Aerial Equipment We Work With
Mondak works on insulated aerial devices from manufacturers including:
Altec
Insulated overcenter, non-overcenter, telescopic, and related aerial equipment.
Terex / Hi-Ranger
Insulated Hi-Ranger aerial devices and related utility equipment.
Versalift
Insulated vehicle-mounted aerial devices and related equipment.
Other Manufacturers
If your equipment is not listed, give us the manufacturer and model.
Different aerial devices have different classifications, designs, and test requirements, so the test needs to match the specific equipment.
Annual Inspection & Dielectric Testing
Dielectric testing and the annual aerial-device inspection are related, but they are not the same service.
The annual inspection looks at the overall condition and operation of the aerial device.
The dielectric test evaluates the insulating system.
For applicable insulated equipment, you may need both.
Keeping the two services together can also make it easier to address anything found during inspection or testing.
Sometimes You Already Know There Is a Problem
Not every dielectric-test job starts with routine annual testing.
You may already know:
- The boom was damaged
- Fiberglass was repaired
- An insulating component was replaced
- The bucket or liner was damaged
- The unit contacted an energized line
- The equipment has been sitting for a long time
- The previous test did not pass
In those situations, tell us what happened.
That information can help determine what inspection, repair, or testing needs to happen next.
Dielectric Test Coming Due?
Give Mondak the:
- Manufacturer
- Model
- Serial number
- Year
- Last dielectric-test date if available
- Any recent repairs or damage
If you are not sure exactly what the equipment needs, that is fine.
Tell us what you have and why you are calling. We'll start there.
Contact Mondak Equipment