Simpson 228 AC/DC Leakage Current Tester

Overview

The Simpson 228 AC/DC Leakage Current Tester is a precision handheld instrument engineered for reliable, real-time measurement of leakage current in electrical systems and grounded equipment. Designed in accordance with IEC 61010-1 safety standards for measurement category CAT III 600 V, it employs true-RMS sensing technology to accurately quantify both sinusoidal and non-sinusoidal leakage currents across AC and DC domains. Its core architecture integrates a low-impedance shunt-based current detection circuit coupled with galvanically isolated signal conditioning—ensuring operator safety during live-circuit testing while maintaining high reproducibility (±1.5% reading ±3 digits typical accuracy). The device is widely deployed in preventive maintenance programs for medical electrical equipment (per IEC 62353), industrial control panels, HVAC systems, and laboratory power distribution infrastructure where compliance with UL 61010, NFPA 70E, and ISO 13485–aligned electrical safety protocols is mandatory.

Key Features

• True-RMS measurement capability for AC (10 Hz–1 kHz) and DC leakage current, supporting accurate evaluation of harmonically distorted waveforms common in modern switch-mode power supplies and variable-frequency drives.
• Auto-ranging 0.1 mA to 20 A full-scale range with selectable resolution down to 0.01 mA in low-current mode—optimized for sensitive detection of insulation degradation in Class I and Class II appliances.
• Dual-input safety-rated test leads with insulated alligator clips and finger-safe banana jacks compliant with EN 61010-031.
• Backlit LCD display with hold function and peak-hold capture for transient leakage events exceeding 10 ms duration.
• Battery-powered operation (9 V alkaline) with low-battery indicator and auto-power-off after 15 minutes of inactivity—designed for field portability and extended shift use.
• CE, UKCA, and RoHS certified; meets EMC requirements per EN 61326-1 for industrial environments.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Simpson 228 is validated for use with single-phase and three-phase grounded systems up to 600 V AC/DC. It supports direct connection to equipment grounding conductors, protective earth bonds, and chassis ground points without requiring system shutdown. The instrument complies with the electrical safety verification requirements outlined in IEC 62353 (retest of medical devices), IEC 60601-1 (medical electrical equipment), and ANSI/AAMI ES60601-1. When used in conjunction with documented test procedures, it satisfies GLP audit traceability criteria for calibration records and operator identity logging—though standalone data logging requires external interface via optional analog output module (Simpson AO-228).

Software & Data Management

While the Simpson 228 operates as a standalone field instrument, its analog output port (0–200 mV DC proportional to measured current) enables integration into SCADA or CMMS platforms via third-party signal acquisition hardware. For laboratory-grade documentation, users may pair the unit with Simpson’s optional PC interface cable and legacy SimpsonLog software (v3.2), which supports time-stamped CSV export, pass/fail threshold alerts, and report generation aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 clause 7.8. All firmware updates and calibration certificate templates are available through Simpson’s authorized service centers—each recalibration includes NIST-traceable documentation valid for 12 months under standard operating conditions.

Applications

• Routine leakage verification of hospital-grade outlets, surgical lighting, and infusion pumps per Joint Commission EC.02.05.01 standards.
• Pre-commissioning safety checks on industrial motor control centers (MCCs) and PLC cabinets prior to energization.
• Periodic testing of portable tools and extension cords in manufacturing QA labs under OSHA 1910.303(b)(2) guidelines.
• Root-cause analysis of nuisance GFCI tripping in commercial building electrical subsystems.
• Educational use in electrical engineering labs for teaching fault current path analysis and grounding integrity assessment.

FAQ

Is the Simpson 228 suitable for measuring leakage current in medical devices?
Yes—it meets the measurement performance and safety requirements specified in IEC 62353 Annex B for routine electrical safety testing of medical electrical equipment.
Does the instrument require periodic calibration?
Yes; annual calibration is recommended under ISO/IEC 17025-accredited conditions to maintain measurement confidence and regulatory acceptability.
Can the Simpson 228 measure leakage on ungrounded IT systems?
No—it requires a reference ground path for current return; it is not designed for isolated power system (IT) monitoring per IEC 61557-8.
What is the maximum continuous operating voltage rating?
600 V RMS AC or DC, CAT III environment, as verified per IEC 61010-1 Edition 3.0.
Is firmware upgrade support available?
Firmware updates are limited to critical safety patches and are distributed exclusively through Simpson-authorized service partners upon validation.