megohmmeter: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical
Quick answer
What does “megohmmeter” mean?
A specialized electrical instrument for measuring extremely high resistance, typically in the megohm range.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A specialized electrical instrument for measuring extremely high resistance, typically in the megohm range.
Any device used in electrical testing to measure insulation resistance or to verify the integrity of high-resistance components in circuits, cables, or electrical systems.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage differences. The term is standardised in technical English globally.
Connotations
None beyond its technical definition.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialised in both varieties, used exclusively in electrical engineering and related technical fields.
Grammar
How to Use “megohmmeter” in a Sentence
The technician used a megohmmeter [to test the cable insulation].The reading on the megohmmeter [indicated a fault].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “megohmmeter” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The engineer will megohmmeter the new windings before commissioning.
- We need to megohmmeter that circuit.
American English
- We need to megohmmeter the transformer bushings.
- The protocol requires you to megohmmeter each phase to ground.
adverb
British English
- The cable was tested megohmmeter-style.
- He performed the check megohmmeter-quick.
American English
- They verified the insulation megohmmeter-accurate.
- The procedure was done megohmmeter-slow for safety.
adjective
British English
- The megohmmeter function is selected by turning the dial.
- He reviewed the megohmmeter data from the field tests.
American English
- Refer to the megohmmeter specifications in the manual.
- The megohmmeter reading was off the scale.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in procurement documents for electrical testing equipment.
Academic
Used in electrical engineering textbooks and papers on insulation testing or material science.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary domain. Common in manuals, standards (e.g., IEEE), and among electricians, engineers, and technicians for preventive maintenance.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “megohmmeter”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “megohmmeter”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “megohmmeter”
- Misspelling as 'megaohmmeter' or 'meg-ohm-meter'.
- Confusing it with a standard multimeter, which typically cannot measure such high resistances accurately.
- Incorrect plural: 'megohmmeters' (not 'megohmmeter').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A standard multimeter measures voltage, current, and resistance, but typically up to only a few megohms. A megohmmeter applies a much higher test voltage (often 500V or 1000V) specifically to measure insulation resistance in the hundreds of megohms or gigohms range.
'Megger' is a longstanding, dominant brand of insulation resistance testers. In many industries, it has become a genericized trademark, similar to 'Hoover' for vacuum cleaners, especially in spoken technical English.
It is essential for electrical engineers, maintenance electricians, HVAC technicians working on large systems, industrial machinery technicians, and anyone involved in testing electrical installations, motors, generators, transformers, and cables.
A reading significantly lower than expected (e.g., in the kilohm range instead of megohms) indicates poor insulation. This could be due to moisture, dirt, aging, physical damage, or thermal degradation, posing a risk of electrical leakage or short circuit.
A specialized electrical instrument for measuring extremely high resistance, typically in the megohm range.
Megohmmeter is usually technical in register.
Megohmmeter: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɛɡˌəʊmˌmiːtə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɛɡˌoʊmˌmiːtər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. The term is strictly technical.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: MEGa-OHM-METER. A meter for measuring MEGAohms (millions of ohms).
Conceptual Metaphor
A 'high-resistance detective' or a 'leakage finder' for electrical insulation.
Practice
Quiz
A megohmmeter is primarily used to measure: