What instrument is commonly used to assess the integrity of insulation around conductors?

The megohmmeter is specifically designed to measure the resistance of insulation and is crucial for assessing the integrity of insulation around electrical conductors. This instrument applies a high voltage to the insulation and measures the resistance in megohms, allowing technicians to determine whether the insulation is sufficient to prevent electrical leakage or breakdown. A high resistance reading indicates that the insulation is intact and effective, while a low resistance reading suggests potential insulation failure or degradation.

Other instruments, like the multimeter, may measure resistance but typically do so at a lower voltage level, which may not be sufficient for accurately assessing insulation integrity. An oscilloscope is used for analyzing the waveform of electrical signals and does not measure insulation resistance. A clamp meter measures current through conductors without direct contact but does not assess insulation quality. Thus, the megohmmeter is the most suitable choice for this specific task.