High-Voltage Laboratory Testing Instruments — Lab vs Field Differences

Lab vs Field — Different Categories

A high voltage laboratory testing instruments set serves a different purpose than a field tester. Lab instruments calibrate field instruments; field instruments confirm equipment health on site. EK engineers specify both, and they must work together.

Lab Spec 1: Voltage Range

• Field: typically 250 V - 5 kV.
• Lab: typically 250 V - 30 kV or higher (for cable acceptance).
• Field instrument: EK-C350 (5 kV).
• Lab pairing: EK partners with HV lab equipment vendors for the higher range.

Lab Spec 2: Accuracy

Field: ± 5 % typical. Lab: ± 0.5 % minimum (4 × the device under test it calibrates). The EK-C350 is calibrated against NIM-traceable lab references at this ratio.

Lab Spec 3: Automation

1. Lab: automated test sequences (PI / DAR / step-voltage / breakdown).
2. Field: same sequences, button-driven.
3. EK-C350 supports automated PI / DAR / step-voltage triggered by single button.

Lab Spec 4: Calibration Traceability

Lab: cert traceable to national standard with uncertainty budget published. Field: same cert chain, lower precision. EK-C350 ships with NIM-traceable cert and uncertainty budget on request.

Lab vs Field Workflow

• Lab calibrates the field EK-C350 annually.
• Field EK-C350 confirms substation insulation health monthly.
• Lab reference and field instrument share calibration interval.

Documentation Compatibility

Both lab and field instruments produce CSV in the same column format — drop-in for fleet condition-assessment software. The EK-C350 USB export is compatible with major HV lab management systems.

EK Recommendation

For utility T&D fleets needing both lab and field instruments, EK can specify the matched pair. Talk to EK service teams.