Which test equipment can confirm a suspected short circuit or ground fault in a 3-phase circuit?

The megohmmeter is highly effective for confirming a suspected short circuit or ground fault in a 3-phase circuit due to its ability to measure insulation resistance. It applies a high DC voltage to the insulation of the conductors, which allows it to detect potential problems such as short circuits and ground faults.

When using a megohmmeter, if there is a low resistance reading, it indicates that there may be a short circuit or a fault to the ground, allowing the technician to address the issue before energizing the system. This tool is particularly useful in industrial settings where equipment and wiring are subjected to harsh conditions that may affect insulation integrity.

While a multimeter is capable of measuring voltage, current, and resistance, its range is limited compared to a megohmmeter and is not suitable for detecting insulation problems under high voltage. An insulation resistance tester does measure insulation resistance, but it typically operates at lower voltages than a megohmmeter, which may not be as effective for diagnosing issues in high-voltage industrial circuits. A clamp meter is designed primarily to measure current flowing through a conductor and would not provide the necessary information to confirm a short circuit or ground fault in terms of insulation integrity.