Megohmmeters

Chapter 8

Megohmmeters
The proper use of a megohmmeter indicates many things to an experienced
user. These instruments are used to check the very high electrical resistance
of a component in millions (mega) of ohms. Service technicians have used
them with great success on large electric motors for many years, and these
uses have led to their use in many other areas of the air conditioning and
refrigeration industry
. However, most technicians have not had much expe-
rience with megohmmeters. This chapter presents the importance of
megohmmeters in service work.

Megohmmeters are currently used to check the electrical resistance of mo-

tor oil. This oil acts as an insulator in centrifugal and hermetic compressor
motors. As the contaminants in the oil increase, the electrical resistance
decreases. Thus, as the oil becomes contaminated, the resistance reading
drops. When the contaminants are metallic particles or moisture, the resis-
tance drops drastically, causing a much lower resistance measurement.
Because of this, when regular resistance checks on a system are made and
an accurate record is kept, a contaminated condition may be detected and
corrected before any serious damage occurs to the system.

Because of the very high insulating effect of the winding insulation, the
ordinary ohmmeter cannot detect moisture and other contaminants in the
system. Ohmmeters do not generate enough voltage to detect high resis-
tance problems that might cause problems in the very near future. On the
other hand, the megohmmeter produces very high voltages, usually around
500 volts dc (vdc) and measures from 1 to 1000 ohms. An ohmmeter with
a higher voltage output is not recommended for the inexperienced user,
because a higher voltage may cause a weak winding to fail under test con-
ditions, resulting in a burned out motor
.

The 500 vdc capacity of the megohmmeter allows a circuit to ground to be

detected if the winding insulation is weak. In this manner
, a breakdown of
the winding insulation can be detected and precautions taken before any
real damage occurs. The megohmmeter is used to locate weak motor wind-
ing insulation and to detect moisture accumulation and acid before they

©2002 by The Fairmont Press. All rights reserved.

 have the opportunity to cause more damage. This is not to say that
megohmmeters will or should replace acid test kits or moisture indicators,
which are also used for this purpose.

Megohmmeters are especially useful in a preventive maintenance program.

Megohmmeters are also very useful in checking refrigeration systems be-
fore signing a maintenance contract for the unit.

MEASURING WINDING RESISTANCE

The readings taken with a megohmmeter indicate the winding resistance to
ground. When the insulation is in good condition, the resistance is normally
very high. The 500 volt megohmmeter uses 500 vdc across the winding
insulation to ground in order to measure the resistance of the insulation.

Readings should be taken immediately after the system is shut down, after
operating for at least one hour. When all of the readings are taken under the
same basic conditions and with virtually the same winding temperature,
the readings can be properly interpreted. If any corrections are needed for
various reasons, the instrument manufacturer usually provides them for the
conditions encountered, such as temperature differences.

To measure the resistance, turn of f all electrical power to the unit and re-
move the electrical wires from the terminals being tested. The
megohmmeter will measure all electrical paths in the circuit being tested.
When the wiring is left attached, the megohmmeter will measure the resis-
tance of the complete circuit and will indicate the lowest resistance to
ground in the circuit.

When using a megohmmeter be sure to follow the instrument

manufacturer’s instructions to prevent damage or electrical shock. Never
use an ohmmeter on a motor winding that is under a vacuum. Be sure the
instrument test leads are in proper working condition.

Equipment should be tested regularly, and these readings should be re-

corded. This record will indicate any changes in the condition of the system.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE READING

Most industry experts agree that the motor winding should have a mini-
mum of 100 megohms resistance. W indings that have a resistance of 100

©2002 by The Fairmont Press. All rights reserved.

 megohms to infinity are in very good condition. W indings that have less
than 100 megohms are a cause for concern. Table 8-1 is a listing of the
common resistance reading levels of a system with varying degrees of con-
tamination.

It has been found through experience that changing the filter-drier, perhaps
several times, causes an increase in the resistance. Many times this brings
the resistance to above 100 megohms. When a resistance of 100 megohms
or less is found, be sure to check for electrical problems in the other parts
of the system, including the hermetic compressor motor terminal block.

Figure 8-2 is an example of a megohmmeter check log. You may want to

make some changes to include some of the readings that are preferred for
the specific installation on which you are working.

Table 8-1. Megohmmeter reading significance

Required Condition Required Percent of

reading indicated preventive windings
(megohms) maintenance in field

Over 100 Excellent None 30%

100-50 Some Change

moisture filter-drier 35%
present

50-20 Severe Several

moisture and/or filter-drier
contaminated changes;
oil change oil if
acid is present 20%

20-0 Severe Check entire

contamination system and make
corrections. Consider
an oversized filter-drier,
refrigerant and oil change,
and re-evacuation. 15%

©2002 by The Fairmont Press. All rights reserved.

 Figure 8-2. Example of a megohmmeter check log

INSULATION RESIST ANCE RECORD

Date Meter Device Air temp. Humidity Comments

reading temperature (°F) (%)
(1) Hot Cold

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©2002 by The Fairmont Press. All rights reserved.