Megger is a device used to measure insulation resistance. Megger is a combination of both generator and an ohmmeter. This instrument is used to measure the high-value resistance (IR value).

1. Principle of Megger

2. Types of Megger

3. Working of Megger

4. Uses of Megger on Ship

Principle of Megger:

Megger works on the principle of Electromagnetic Induction. The operation of a megger is based on a moving coil meter. When current is flowing in a conductor, which is placed in a magnetic field, it experiences a torque.

Types of Megger:

1. Electronic Type (Battery Operated)

2. Manual Type (Hand Operated)

Working of Megger:

The parts of Megger are as shown above:

The armature of the generator is rotated by the hand-driven crank lever. The clutch mechanism is designed to slip at a predetermined speed. This facilitates the generator to maintain a constant speed and hence the constant voltage while testing.

The two coils a and B constitute a moving coil voltmeter and an ammeter both are combined to form one instrument.

The hot terminal of the equipment whose insulation resistance has to be measured is connected to the testing terminal X, the terminal Y is connected to the body of the equipment which is generally grounded.

When the crank handle is rotated, a voltage is generated in the generator. The generated voltage is applied across the voltage coil A through a resistance R1.

When the terminals X and Y are free initially, no current flows through coil B. The torque produced by coil A rotates the moving element to show infinity.

While testing, the terminals X and Y are connected across the terminal and body of the machine for measurement. Now the current passes through the deflecting coil B. The deflecting torque produced by coil B interacts with the torque of coil A and rotates the moving element to indicate the resistance valve.

The voltage generated by this instrument is around 500 volts. Meggers are available to generate 1000 volts, 2500 volts, and 5000 volts also.

High voltage meggers are either motor-operated or power-operated

Uses of Megger on Ship

The Megger enables us to measure electrical leakage in wire, results are very reliable as we shall be passing an electric current through the device while we are testing. The equipment basically used for verifying the electrical insulation level of any device such as motor, cable, generator winding, etc

It is used to test the resistance of

• Cable Insulation Resistance.

• All Motors, generators, and transformers winding’s insulation resistance.

• All semiconductor devices when reverse biased.

What is the use of megger?

A Megger is used to measure the insulation resistance of a cable wire.

What is the acceptable Megger reading for a motor?

A minimum value of one megohm is needed for insulation resistance. The minimum resistance of 2.4 megohms should be found in the insulation of the motor.