Insulation resistance

Insulation resistance is an important parameter when assessing the quality of insulating materials in electrical cables. It indicates how well the insulating material blocks the flow of electrical current between two conductors or between a conductor and the shielding. The insulation resistance is a property of the insulating material itself and depends not only on the thickness of the insulation, but also on the material properties.

A high insulation resistance means that the insulating material has a very high resistance to the flow of current and thus prevents the leakage of electrical current. Ideally, the insulation resistance should be around 1 gigaohm per kilometre. Over longer distances, the insulation resistance can decrease due to leakage currents and other environmental influences.

In cable assembly, insulation resistance is often measured as part of quality control to ensure that the manufactured cables meet the required standards. These measurements are used to ensure that the insulation material provides the required insulation performance and that the electrical safety of the cables is guaranteed.