Associated Research raises HypotULTRA insulation resistance limit to 200 GΩ

Associated Research has expanded insulation resistance testing on its HypotULTRA 7800, 7804, 7850 and 7854 instruments to 200 GΩ, four times the previous ceiling. The upgrade lets engineers run higher-resistance measurements on the same platform they use for hipot and other electrical safety tests.

Why it matters: - The higher 200 GΩ range lets test teams measure insulation resistance above 50 GΩ without adding a separate instrument. - Associated Research says the change reduces points of failure in a safety compliance sequence and keeps testing on a single platform. - The update is aimed at products that need higher-resistance measurements, including cables, wire harnesses, aerospace components and battery systems.

What happened: - Associated Research announced that newly manufactured HypotULTRA Models 7800, 7804, 7850 and 7854 now measure insulation resistance up to 200 GΩ. - The previous maximum was 50 GΩ. - The announcement was made Oct. 15, 2026, from Lake Forest, Illinois.

The details: - The expanded capability applies only to the four HypotULTRA models that include insulation resistance testing. - The four models share AC hipot, DC hipot, ground continuity and insulation resistance tests. - Model 7800 performs those four tests only. - Models 7804 and 7854 add 40 A ground bond testing. - Models 7804, 7820 and 7850 are exempt from EN 50191 clause 1.2(b), which covers the safe operation of electrical test equipment. - Model 7820 does not include insulation resistance testing and does not get the 200 GΩ capability. - All four updated models include safety interlock, SmartGFI and security-access protections. - The instruments support GPIB, ENET, USB and RS-232 communication interfaces. - The models also provide LabVIEW and IVI drivers for automated test software integration. - The company says no new procedures are required for operators.

Between the lines: - The upgrade reflects demand for higher insulation resistance measurements as compliance requirements move upward. - Because the 200 GΩ function requires new instrument hardware, existing HypotULTRA units cannot be upgraded. - The announcement also lands as Associated Research marks its 90th anniversary.

What's next: - The 200 GΩ capability is available now on newly manufactured HypotULTRA Models 7800, 7804, 7850 and 7854 through Associated Research and its authorized distributor network. - Full specifications, model comparisons and support documentation are available on the HypotULTRA series product page. - Associated Research will continue selling electrical safety test instruments through its family-owned operation, which was incorporated in 1936 and is headquartered in Lake Forest, Illinois.

The bottom line: - Associated Research has made its HypotULTRA line more capable for higher-resistance insulation testing, but only on new hardware.