For a winding temperature of approx. 25° C, the minimum insulation resistances are 20 MΩ 
(U ≤ 1000 V) or 300 MΩ (U > 1000 V). The values apply for the complete winding to ground. 
Twice the minimum values apply to the measurement of individual assemblies.
● Dry, new windings have an insulation resistance of between 100 and 2000 MΩ, or possibly 
even higher values. An insulation resistance value close to the minimum value could be 
due to moisture and/or dirt accumulation. The size of the winding, the rated voltage and 
other characteristics affect the insulation resistance and may need to be taken into account 
when determining measures.
● Over its operating lifetime, the motor winding insulation resistance can drop due to ambient 
and operational influences. Calculate the critical insulation resistance value depending on 
the rated voltage by multiplying the rated voltage (kV) by the specific critical resistance 
value. Convert the value for the current winding temperature at the time of measurement, 
see above table.
Measuring the polarization index
1. To determine the polarization index, measure the insulation resistances after one minute 
and ten minutes.
2. Express the measured values as a ratio:
PI = R
insul  10 min
 / R
insul 1 min
Many measuring devices display these values automatically following the measurement.
For insulation resistances > 5000 MΩ, the measurement of the PI is no longer meaningful and 
consequently not included in the assessment.
R
(10 min)
 / R
(1 min)
Assessment
≥ 2 Insulation in good condition
< 2 Dependent on the complete diagnosis of the insulation
NOTICE
Damage to insulation
If the critical insulation resistance is reached or undershot, this can damage the insulation 
and cause voltage flashovers. 
● Contact the Service Center (Page 137).
● If the measured value is close to the critical value, you must subsequently check the 
insulation resistance at shorter intervals.
Limit values of the anti-condensation heating insulation resistance
The insulation resistance of the anti-condensation heating with respect to the machine housing 
should not be lower than 1 MΩ when measured at 500 V DC.   
Assembly
5.1 Preparations for installation
SIMOTICS TN Series N-compact  1LA8
44 Operating Instructions 05/2016