In an era of dynamic electrification in the passenger car segment, we can side-track whether the electric car is the future or not. According to PZPM, in 2021 the number of registered electric cars (BEV) and plug-in hybrid cars (PHEV) increased by 93% compared to 2020. A total of 38 thousand. cars with high voltage systems appeared on Polish roads. The fact is that the number of new electric or hybrid cars is constantly increasing, and therefore the demand for their servicing is also increasing.
Probably every workshop looking to the future knows everything about safety procedures in working with vehicles equipped with high-voltage systems, or is intensively trained in this matter. Along with the knowledge necessary to operate this type of vehicle, there is a need for specialized tools that will allow the mechanic to safely and effectively carry out all the necessary service activities. The need for personal protective equipment such as gloves, boots or a helmet is obvious. The need to use insulated tools is also clear, as electric shock can even result in death. From the entire range of specialist tools necessary to work with “electricians”, let’s focus on a device that can clearly confirm that we work safely.
The high voltage meter, because we are talking about it, is a tool necessary both from a practical point of view and for procedural reasons that must be followed when working with HV (high voltage) systems. The MT-HV Hella Gutmann is a device specially designed to work with electric and hybrid cars. As a complete system, MT-HV can perform and record measurements not only of high voltage up to 1 kV, but also insulation resistance, electrical potentials of equipotential bonding on HV elements and resistance measurements on service connectors.
Together with the MT-HV meter cooperating with the mega macs X diagnostic device, we get access to measurement instructions for over 160 vehicle models (the database is constantly expanded), which makes the whole a complete measurement system with the possibility of keeping electronic documentation of the steps taken in the safe disconnection of the high system voltage. MT-HV in the PRO version also offers an advanced oscilloscope with the function of low voltage supported measurements.
But let’s get back to the topic of electric cars and HV measurements. The procedure for safe disconnection of high voltage in an electric car usually includes only instructions to check with a tester whether it is present on specific test terminals in the car. When operating this type of vehicle, remember that the HV system is also an element of the car and, like any other, requires appropriate service work. Therefore, it is important that the specialist devices that you own also offer the functions of measuring resistance, insulation resistance and measuring electrical potentials of equipotential bonding, thanks to which the workshop will be able to expand the range of services offered.