The effectiveness of the insulation of a component is determined by a dielectric to withstand test, also known as the high potential (hipot) test. Hipot tests help find pilfered or crumpled insulation, stray wire strands or braided shielding, conductive or corrosive contaminants around the conductors, terminal spacing problems, and tolerance errors in cables.

The test determines whether the insulation from the primary circuit to grounded or accessible parts has sufficient electric strength to withstand the normal overvoltage which could occur in service.

A dielectric test can verify the performance headroom of the insulation, ensuring that the insulation will not fail because of insulation degradation from aging, moisture, wear due to vibration, or other causes.