Maximizing High-Voltage Measurement
Accuracy with the Vitrek 4700
Accuracy with the Vitrek 4700
A Metrology Engineer’s Perspective
Author: Ken Sams, Metrology & Quality Assurance Engineer
INTRODUCTION
In the realm of high-voltage electronic test and measurement, precision, convenience and safety are all critical. As a Metrology & Quality Assurance Engineer at a leading manufacturer of test equipment, I’ve relied on the Vitrek 4700 High-Voltage meter for applications that demand direct measurement of high voltages with minimal uncertainty. This paper explores the 4700’s advantages in detail, especially in challenging calibration and production environments.
INDUSTRY CHALLENGE
Figure 1. Vitrek 4700 High Voltage Meter
The Vitrek 4700 addresses these limitations with a robust platform offering:
- Direct measurement up to 10,000 V
- Probes supporting measurements to 150 kV
- 0.01% DC and 0.1% AC accuracy
- Frequency rating down to 0.1 Hz
Its HVL-Series probes store calibration data internally, eliminating external error sources. This simplifies setup and improves traceability in regulated environments.
APPLICATION IN OUR FACILITY
At our facility, we deploy four Vitrek 4700s and four high-voltage probes (HVL-100 and HVL-150). These units are used daily by our production and repair teams. Initially, adoption faced resistance from veteran technicians familiar with divider-based workflows. However, after seeing the benefits — intuitive UI, real-time crest factor display, built-in frequency readouts — they now rely on the 4700.
The unit’s compact size makes it ideal for field service work. Our field techs carry the meter and probe onboard as carry-on luggage for critical service calls involving up to 140 kV test systems.
Figure 2. Three Vitrek SmartProbes shown with detachable probe tip.
PROBES & TRACEABILITY
Traditional probes, like the Fluke 80K-40, assume fixed divider ratios (e.g., 10,000:1), but those are only approximations. Vitrek’s HVL probes record and communicate their exact calibration ratio directly to the 4700. This innovation significantly improves measurement accuracy while reducing operator workload.
Our team values this feature when servicing insulation testers and cable fault equipment — two product categories with output voltages ranging from 25 kV to 140 kV.
LOW FREQUENCY AND NICHE APPLICATIONS
Our equipment includes low-frequency (VLF) devices operating at 0.1 Hz. Typical DMMs are not rated for accuracy at such frequencies. In Germany, our engineers previously wrote scripts to simulate waveform readings by averaging DC samples — a tedious, non-traceable workaround. With the Vitrek 4700, this process is replaced by direct, spec-rated measurements, dramatically improving efficiency and audit compliance.
CALIBRATION AND SUPPORT
We send all Vitrek units back to the manufacturer for annual calibration. The turnaround time and support have consistently met our industrial lab’s expectations. Despite frequent use and occasional wear, the instruments are serviceable and rugged. Our technicians have become protective of the units—they schedule work around availability when a unit is out for calibration.
USER FEEDBACK & OPERATIONAL IMPACT
The 4700’s user interface has simplified operations even for our most senior technicians. Features such as real-time crest factor display, simultaneous AC/DC readout, and frequency measurement have reduced our reliance on manual calculations. As a result, accuracy, consistency, and technician satisfaction have all improved.
The meter’s ability to support dual probes and rear inputs opens future possibilities for differential measurement and space-constrained setups.
FINAL THOUGHTS
For teams working with high-voltage products — from insulation testers to dielectric breakdown testers — the Vitrek 4700 provides a unique combination of performance and convenience. It has become a cornerstone in our calibration and service processes, enabling us to streamline operations while meeting rigorous metrology standards.
INDUSTRY CHALLENGE
The Vitrek 4700 addresses these limitations with a robust platform offering:
- Direct measurement up to 10,000 V
- Probes supporting measurements to 150 kV
- 0.01% DC and 0.1% AC accuracy
- Frequency rating down to 0.1 Hz
Its HVL-Series probes store calibration data internally, eliminating external error sources. This simplifies setup and improves traceability in regulated environments.
USER FEEDBACK & OPERATIONAL IMPACT
The 4700’s user interface has simplified operations even for our most senior technicians. Features such as real-time crest factor display, simultaneous AC/DC readout, and frequency measurement have reduced our reliance on manual calculations. As a result, accuracy, consistency, and technician satisfaction have all improved.
The meter’s ability to support dual probes and rear inputs opens future possibilities for differential measurement and space-constrained setups.
