Abstract: A method for testing an insulation of a conductor segment for an electrical machine for defects by: a) electrically connecting a conductor segment connection of the conductor segment to a test connection; b) capacitive charging of the conductor segment; c) relatively moving the conductor segment and a test contact in order to scan the area to be tested of the insulation with the test contact, and d) checking whether an electrical connection exists between the test connection and the test contact during step c) in order to conclude that there is a defect in the insulation. Step b) occurs before or during step c). Also a device for performing such a test method.