Experiment No.

1
High Voltage Lab Layout
Experiment No. 1
High Voltage Lab Layout
A. General requirements of HV Lab:
1.Custom made according to the type of equipment, available space and
accessories.
2.Ground level location is preferred, and floor loading has to be considered
while designing the lab.
3.Lab should be free from dust, humidity, draught.
4.Windows should be located at ground level and should have provision for
black out so that arcing can be easily observed.
5.Control room should have good view of the lab.
6.Adequate access door should be provided to bring in the equipment and
test specimen.
7.Proper safety and warning system must be provided.
8.Lab should have adequate and proper clearance. Proper spacing should be
kept within the equipment.
9.Area around the equipment should be suitably demarked.

B. Classification of HV lab:
1.Small Lab:

• Less than 10kW/10kVA

• Less than 10kJ
• 300 kV AC single equipment
• 500 to 600 kV (Cascaded)
• Less than 100kV (impulse generator)

• 200 to 400 kV DC
2.Medium size Lab:

• Used in the industries for routine test

• 100 to 1000 kV
• 20 to 100 kJ
• 200 to 600 kV
3.Large size lab:

• Used in the industries for routine test as well as type tests and
also for research

• Test transformer (1.5 to 2MV)

• Impulse generator (5 to 6 MV)

• HVDC rectifier (1.2 to 1.5 MV)
4.Ultra High Voltage Lab:

• Used for basic design of experimental transmission.

C. Tests which can be carried out in the HV lab:

1.Withstand test
2.Flashover test
3.Pollution test
4.Partial discharge test
5.Tan (δ) measurement
6.Power frequency test
7.Impulse test:

• Switching
• Lightning
8.DC voltage test
9.Radio interference voltage (RIV) measurement
10.High current test
D. Equipment in HV lab:
1.HV generator (Transformer)
2.Impulse Generator
3.HVDC source rectifier
4.High current generator
5.Oil testing kit
6.Power frequency testing equipment
7.Testing facilities for RIV and for partial discharge
8.Sphere gap for voltage measurement
9.Schering Bridge for dielectric testing
 E. Grounding of HV lab:
There are three types of groundings:
1.Ideal Ground:

• Equipotential plane approximately by copper or galvanized iron

sheet.

• Very Expensive
2.Single point Grounding:

• Earthing grid is grounded at single point.

3. Bus grounding:

• Grounding is done at several points in a lab

• Least satisfactory
F. Design and Specification of grounding system:
1.Metal sheet is embedded in a concrete floor
2.Generally copper conductors are used
3.Grounding grid is a mesh of 1m X 1m and is connected to metal grids of
RCC construction of lab
4.Chicken mesh of 1cm X 1cm is used to reduce the electromagnetic
interference

G. Rating of COEP HV lab equipment:

1.AC/DC high voltage generator:

• Input: AC-230V, 1 phase,50/60 Hz

• Output Voltage:
AC: 0 to 100 kV, 50Hz
DC: 0 to 60 kV

• Output current:
AC:50mA,50Hz
DC:20mA
2.Impulse voltage generator:

• Input:0 to 60kV
• Nominal impulse generating voltage:50 kV to 500 kV
• Capacitor:0.05 µF X 10 nos

3.Horizontal sphere gap voltmeter:

• Model: YHIG -500 K-1 KJ

• Sphere Diameter 250 mm
• Gap scale:0-100 mm
4.Vertical sphere gap voltmeter:

• Sphere gap:12.5 cms

• Suitable for 16.8 kV to 215 kV
5.Oil testing kit:

H. Safety precautions to be taken in HV lab:

1.Exposed metal parts on equipment which are not in use but in proximity
of live equipment should be treated as live to electromagnetic induction and
discharged before touching.
2.Capacitors which are not in use should be shorted.
3.Flashover can be noisy and source of electromagnetic interference.
4.Some equipment require permanent earthing. This equipment must
have connection which requires mechanical assistance to remove from
circuits.
5.Electronic devices which cause or are susceptible to electromagnetic
interference should not be used.
6.Any equipment to be energized must have all exposed metal connected
to ground unless that metal is not a part of circuit.
7.Keep the mobile phones switched off in HV lab.
 Experiment no.2
Study Of Corona Discharge
Aim: To study the phenomenon of Corona.
Title: Study of Corona discharge.
Theory: 1. INTRODUCTION
Corona is defined as a self-sustained discharge in which the field intensified
ionization is localized over the distance between the electrodes. Corona is
characterized by discharges emitted from the periphery of a conductor when
the surface electric field exceeds the disruptive field of surrounding air.
Corona is a partial discharge between two electrodes and not a complete
breakdown.
2. EFFECTS OF CORONA
i) Continuous loss of power
ii) Distortion of current waveform interference in communication system,
iii) Audible noise
iv) Brush discharge visible in darkness
3. DISCHARGE MECHANISM
Free electrons are generally present in the air because of the natural radio-
activity or cosmic rays. The electrons near the energized conductor under the
influence of electric field would move either towards or away from the
conductor. During its movement along the path of field gradient, it would thus
ionize them. Due to ionization, there would be positive ions, and free electron
leading to further collisions and ionization. The Ionization of air causes
redistribution of the field gradient. The Ionization of air cause redistribution
which might be such that field gradient in the region close to the conductor
would be in excess of the breakdown potential gradient required for air. The
air layer at a distance from the conductor retains its original insulating
property where the field gradient is less that required for breakdown.
In practice, the effect of corona is accounted for operating voltage above 100kV
between phases. It is more important for lines operating at still higher
voltages.
4. DISRUPTIVE CRITICLE VOLTAGE ᵟ
The potential difference between conductors, at which the electric field
intensity at the surface of conductors exceeds the critical value and generates
corona is known as disruptive critical voltage.

Vd= [(3x103)r δ mo In (D/r)) / √2 kV

(for 3 phase with equal spacing)

Visual critical voltage: The potential difference at which corona just becomes
visible is called as visual critical voltage.
Vd = (2.17x103) r δ m In(D/r) kV
Where
r = radius of conductor in cm
D = spacing between the conductors in cm
δ = air density factor
δ = 3092*b/ (273+t)
m = irregularity factor for the surface of the conductor

5. EFFECTS OF CORONA:
i) Corona is accomplished by power loss
ii) A luminous glow is observed around the conductor (luminous glow).
iii) Hissing sound is produced.
iv) Ozone gas is produced.
v) Corona produces interference in communication circuit.
Empirical formula for calculating corona power loss under fair weather
condition:
Pc= (242.4 / δ) x (f+25) x (√r/D) x (Vph-Vd)2 x 10-5 kW/km/ph
Where
Vph =phase voltage in kV (rms)
Vd = Disruptive critical voltage in kV (rms)
r = radius of conductor in cm
D = spacing between the conductors in cm
f= supply frequency in Hz
δ = air density factor
δ = 3092*b / (273+t)
b = barometric pressure in cm of Hg
t= temperature in degree centigrade

6. FACTORS AFFECTING CORONA:

1. Electrical factors: Increase the transmission voltage, voltage gradient,
frequency
in any of these factors increases the corona loss.
2. Conductor factors: The surface conditions, diameter of the conductor and
type of
the conductor affect corona. As the roughness of the conductor surface
increases
he corona loss increases. As the diameter of the conductor increases, corona
decreases. For EHV lines bundled conductors are used to reduce the field
gradient due to increase in the virtual diameter of the conductor.
3. Atmospheric conditions: As the density of the air reduces corona effect
occurs at
a lower value of voltage. Increase in altitude, presence of rain & or dust
particles
and conductivity of the air affects the corona loss.
7. EXPERIMENTAL SET UP:-

Corona cage-
A corona cage in simplest arrangement consists of large which forms the outer
cage and a single thin conductor wire is string inside it. The metallic cylinder
is kept at the ground potential and the wire is connected to the High Voltage
terminal. The corona conductor and cylinder are co-axial. Normally cage
consists of three sections. A long middle section which is principal cage, with
two short guard cages at either end grounded in order to minimize edge
effects. An inspection window is provided in the middle position to the outer
cage so as to observe corona. The principal advantage of cage arrangement is
that it requires lower voltage for creating the required surface field gradient
on the conductor than in an overhead line above the ground.
8. OBSERVATIONS:

Observation Voltage for Average value Voltage for Average value

No. audible visible corona
(kV)
corona
(kV)
(kV)

1.

2.

3.

4.

9. CONCLUSION:
Corona Cage
 EXPERIMENT NO.3

FLASHOVER ALONG THE SURFACE OF A SOLID

DIELECTRIC
EXPERIMENT NO.3
FLASHOVER ALONG THE SURFACE OF A SOLID DIELECTRIC

Aim:- To study the flashover along the surface of a solid dielectric.

Theory:-
Introduction of dielectric in an air gap, considerably changes its dielectric
strength. In such a case following factors exerts considerable influence on
breakdown voltage.
a) Material of the dielectric.
b) Condition of the surface of the dielectric along which the discharge
develops.
c) The form of the dielectric field in the gap between the electrodes.

When breakdown occurs in air along the surface of a solid dielectric, the term,
flashover is used instead of breakdown voltage for discharge in the
surrounding gas volume.
Under uniform fields, flashover voltage along the surface of a solid dielectric
is always considerably less than the breakdown voltage of a gap purely in air.

Presence of air layers between the dielectric and electrodes exert influence on
the values of the flashover voltage since permittivity of solid dielectric
increases field intensity a few times on account of which ionisation in air layer
arises much earlier than in the main air gap. The products of ionisation go
out from the air layer to the surface of the dielectric and promote much earlier
initiation of the discharge along the surface. Therefore, in practical,
constructions all measures are taken to ensure compact joint between the
electrodes and the solid dielectric. The electrodes are usually fixed to porcelain
insulators with the help cement which ensures good mechanical strength and
absence of any air gap. However even with compact joints of electrodes and
the dielectric, the flashover voltage along the surface remains much lower
than, for pure air gap. This is shown in fig. 3
Flashover voltage depends on the following factors:-
1) Humidity: - It is observed that flashover voltage increases somewhat in
the beginning with increase in relative humidity of air. But at a value of
relative humidity corresponding to the consideration of moisture on the
surface of the dielectric (60%- 70%) a sharp decrease of flashover
voltage takes place.

2) Hygroscopity: - On account of hygroscopity of the material there is

always a surface layer of absorbed moisture even at low values of
 relative humidity. Since water possesses ion conductivity, the field
intensity along the surface gets distorted and becomes non uniform and
the flashover voltage gets reduced.
3) Material: - for different material flashover voltage is different, if the
material is hygroscopic, flashover voltage is less.
4) Length of flashover:- considerable increase in the flashover voltage can be
achieved, if the surface of dielectric has corrugations, acts as barrier the pure
gaps.

PROCEDURE:-
1. Two samples were taken, one solid plain cylinder and the other
having similar dimensions but with corrugations.
2. High voltage was applied across the cylinder
3. Flashover voltage (kV) was noted down.

OBSERVATIONS:-
EFFECT OF CORRUGATIONS:-

S.N. PLAIN CYLINDER CORRUGATED CYLINDER PLAIN AIR

GAP(WITHOUT
ANY SOLID
INSULATOR)
BREAKDOWN
VOLTAGE (kV)
AUDIBLE FLASHOVER AUDIBLE FLASHOVER
VOLTAGE(kV) VOLTAGE(kV)
NOISE NOISE
VOLTAGE(kV) VOLTAGE(kV)
1)
2)
3)
4)
Avg
GIVEN:-
1. Height of plain cylinder = 39mm
2. Diameter of plain cylinder = 20.6mm
3. Height of corrugated cylinder = 39mm
 4. Diameter of corrugated cylinder
a. Inner diameter= 24.31mm
b. Outer diameter = 31.78mm
5. Height of air column between electrode = 39mm

CONCLUSION:-
 Experiment No. 4
Breakdown of Liquid Dielectric
Experiment No. 4
Breakdown of Liquid Dielectric
Aim: To study breakdown of liquid dielectric.
Theory:
Liquid dielectrics are more useful as insulating materials than solids or
gases due to some of its inherent properties. They are the mixtures of
hydrocarbons and are weakly polarised. They are 10¹ times denser than gases.
The dielectric strength of gases are ideally considered to be 10 MV/cm, but
practically it is of the order of 100 kV/cm.
A liquid dielectric should withstand breakdown voltage without danger of
sparking. It should be free from moisture, products of oxidation, any fibrous
impurity and other contaminants. The presence of water in oil affects the
electric strength of insulating oil and it decreases very sharply if fibrous
impurities are present in addition to water.
Liquid dielectrics are used mainly as impregnants in high-voltage cables and
capacitors, and for filling up of transformers, circuit breakers, etc. It also acts
as heat transfer agents in transformers, and as arc-quenching media in
circuit breakers.
For the proper operation of transformer, transformer oil is tested in HV
laboratory using oil testing kit. Its ideal breakdown strength is 15 kV/mm.
The procedure for testing of oil in HV laboratory is given below.
Procedure:
1. The test cell (oil cup) is to be cleaned and dried.
2. Fill the test vessel with the dielectric oil sample to be tested, avoiding
bubble formation.
3. Set the gap between the electrodes as 2.5 mm and immerse the
electrodes in oil vessel. Place this assembly in the oil testing kit.
4. Switch on the supply from mains.
5. On the panel of the Oil Testing Kit, set maximum voltage value.(e.g.
Set the value as 70 kV).
6. Select option for breakdown test.
7. The voltage will increase gradually in steps till breakdown of oil in the
gap occurs.
8. Note down the reading for breakdown voltage, which is available on
the digital meter.
9. Take 6 readings and discard the first one (as per IS). Take average of
remaining 5 readings as breakdown voltage of oil.
10. Calculate the breakdown strength in kV/mm.
Observation Table:

Gap length between electrodes: 2.5mm

Sr. Breakdown Voltage Average breakdown Remark

No. Voltage
(kV)
(kV)
1. ------ (To be discarded)
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Note: *First reading o be discarded as per IS.

Average Breakdown Voltage (kV)

Breakdown Strength = kV/mm
Gap length (mm)
Conclusion:

Diagram:
 EXPERIMENT NO. 5
Break down in Various Gap Configurations
EXPERIMENT NO. 5
Break down in Various Gap Configurations

Aim: To study the effect of electrode configuration on breakdown of air gap.

Equipment: Sphere gap arrangement set, various electrodes for
configurations.
Introduction:
In non-uniform fields, the distribution of field intensity in space between
electrodes is uneven. If the electrodes have similar Profile, field intensity has
a maximum value on surface of electrodes and minimum at the middle. If the
profile of the electrode is different, the greatest value of field intensity occurs
on surface of electrode having smaller radius of curvature and region of
minimum intensity is shifted to the bigger electrode. The degree of non-
uniformity greatly affects breakdown voltages in non-uniform field, which was
studied in lab.
Theory:
In uniform field such as sphere-sphere, coaxial cylinders etc., the applied field
varies across the gap. Referring to Townsend’s current growth equation, the
average number of ionizing collisions(a) made by an electron per centimetre
travelling in the direction of the field varies with gap configurations. The
average current in the gap before the occurrence of breakdown is given by
equation
I=I0 *eαd/(1-reαd-1 )
As the distance between the electrode’s ‘d’ increases in the above equation:
(1-reαd-1 )= 1
for values of d<d.; I = Io.
And if d=d, then I ∞

This is called Townsend’s breakdown criterion and is written as:

(1-reαd-1 )= 1
Normally eαd is very large, therefore:
(reαd-1 )= 1

Procedure:
1. Make arrangements to measure breakdown voltage by using various
electrode configurations.
 2. Take anyone electrode configuration e.g. sphere-sphere . Adjust the
distance between the electrodes to a certain value.
3. Apply voltage till gap between two electrodes breaks down.

4. Repeat above procedure for various distances and electrode

configurations.

5. Compare the observations.

Observation Table:
1. Plane- Plane Electrode Configuration
Gap Breakdown Voltage(kV) Remark
(mm) 1 2 3 Average

2. Needle-Needle gap Configuration

Gap Breakdown Voltage(kV) Remark
(mm) 1 2 3 Average

3. Rod Plane Arrangement

Gap Breakdown Voltage(kV) Remark
(mm) 1 2 3 Average

4. Needle Plane Electrode Configuration

Gap Breakdown Voltage(kV) Remark
(mm) 1 2 3 Average

5. Sphere-Sphere Electrode Configuration (Sphere Diameter : 12mm)

Gap Breakdown Voltage(kV) Remark
(mm) 1 2 3 Average
6. Sphere-Sphere Electrode Configuration (Sphere Diameter : 25mm)
Gap Breakdown Voltage(kV) Remark
(mm) 1 2 3 Average

Graph : Plot graphs of Break-down voltage v/s gap distance.

Conclusion:
 Experiment No. 6
Effect of gap length on breakdown strength of liquid
dielectric
Experiment No. 6
Effect of gap length on breakdown strength of liquid dielectric

Aim: Effect of gap length on breakdown strength of liquid dielectric

Theory: Liquid are use in high voltage equipment’s to serve a dual purpose of
insulation and heat dissipation. They have the advantage that a puncture
path is self-healing. Temporary failure due to overvoltage’s is reinsulated
quickly by liquid flow to the affected area. Highly purified liquids have
dielectric strength as high as 1MV/cm. Under actual service condition the
breakdown strength reduces considerably due to presence of impurities.
A liquid dielectric should withstand breakdown voltage without damage
or sparkling. The dielectric strength is measured in 1KV/mm. The breakdown
test is carried out with the help of standard test cell with polished spherical
or hemispherical electrodes separated by an oil gap.

The breakdown in liquid dielectric can be explained by

1) Suspended particle theory
2) Stressed oil volumed mechanism
3) Cavitations and bubble mechanism

All the theories mentioned above do not consider the dependence of

breakdown strength on oil gap length. They all try to account for the
maximum obtainable breakdown strength. However, the experimental
evidence shows that the breakdown strength of the liquid dielectric depends
upon the gap length given by:

Vb =A x dn
Where d=gap length
A = constant
N= constant(n<1)
 Procedure :-
Internal connection diagram is shown in Fig. A. Testing kit is supplied by
1phase,230V,50Hz supply. In this testing kit there is facility of automatic
discharge of electrodes. To carry out the experiment, the procedure to be
followed is as given below

1. The test cell(oil cup) is cleaned, dried and oil is poured to a certain level
in the cell, avoiding bubble formation.
2. Set the distance between electrode gap as 1mm.
3. Check that the door of testing kit is closed properly, and then switch of
the power supply.
4. Set the maximum test voltage at 70kV.
5. Click on new select and select 70kV as maximum test voltage.
6. Click on the start button. This will automatically gradually increase
voltage across the electrodes from 0kV.
7. Observe the test cell. As soon as the oil breaks down, trip signal is
initiated and the voltage at which this breakdown occurs is recorded as
breakdown voltage for that oil gap length.
8. Now set various gap distances. And repeat procedure from step3.

Observation Table:-
Sr.No Gap Break Break Break Break Break Avg- Break
Length Down Down Down Down Down Break Down
(mm) Voltage Voltage Voltage Voltage Voltag Down Strength
e
(kV) (kV) (kV) (kV) Voltag (kV/mm)
(kV) e
I II III IV
V (kV)
1

Conclusion:
 EXPERIMENT NO 7
Sphere gap Voltmeter
Key
1. Insulating support
2. Sphere bank
3. Operating gear, showing maximum dimensions
4. High-voltage connection with serios resistor
P Sparting point of high-voltage sphere
A Height of P above earth plane
B Radius of space free from external structuras
X ltem 4 not to pass through this plane within a distance B from P
NOTE: The figure is drawn to scale for a 25 cm sphero-gap at radius spacing.
Figure 2 - Horizontal sphero-gap
Key
1. Insulating support
2. Sphero shank
3. Operating gear, showing maximum dimensions
4. High-voltage connection with series resistor
5. Stress distributor, showing maximum dimensions
P Sparking point of high-voltage sphere
A Height of P Above earth plane
B Radius of space free from external structures
X Item 4 not to pass through this plane within a distance B from P
NOTE: The figure is drawn to scale for a 100 cm sphero-gap at radius spacing.
Figure 1 - Vertical Sphere-gap
EXPERIMENT NO. 7
To measure the High voltage using sphere gap voltmeter
Title: To measure High voltage using sphere gap voltmeter.
Aim: To study the use of sphere-gap arrangement as a voltmeter.
Equipment’s: High voltage source 11 ph Transformer 230/100 kV, 50 Hz).
sphere-gap arrangement with control panel
Theory: The breakdown voltage at spark between two metal parts may be
used as measure of voltage highest encountered value in HV testing.
Configuration of two spheres is a classical example of weakly non uniform
field. The degree of non-uniformity increases with increase in distance
between conductor diameters D. Sphere gap happens to be the commonly
acknowledged means in international practice for measuring direct,
alternating and pulsating/impulse voltage.
Out of all gaps having weak non uniform field, sphere gap can be
manufactured most easily
The methods of mounting spheres are:
1. Horizontal arrangement.
2. Vertical arrangement.
Horizontal arrangement:
Since the voltage to be measured is applied between HV terminal and earth
between High voltage terminal and sphere Supports are mounted on
arrangement. At same time, in order to avoid earth effects: the set is mounted
on higher level: it again increases size of insulators
Vertical arrangement:
This arrangement is very suitable for measuring high voltages. We can
increase the gap by simply moving HV sphere. The height of lab is to be very
large i.e. approximately 15 m.
Calibration table is to be completed on basis of spheres and different sizes of
spheres and different gap length at specified condition of temperature
pressure. (760 mm of Hg. 20° C.)
Advantages of sphere gap voltmeter:
1. It may be conveniently used for calibration of measuring devices for HV
testing
2. This method is simple and can be used for voltages in range of 1kV to
2,500 KV.
3. Sphere gap is also used for voltage measurement in surge test
4. It provides cheap, simple and reliable method
Precaution:
1. ultra violet insolation in the gap decreases the spark over voltage and
therefore ultraviolet or ionizing radiations should be avoided.
2. Clearance as per is as shown in fig. should be maintained.
3. In order to avoid pitting of sphere a current limiting resistance of
1n/volt may be used.
4. After testing, spheres should be properly cleaned and maintained.
5. No body having conducting surface should be present near to sparking
point of high voltage sphere at a distance of (0.25V + V/300) m.
6. Time interval between consecutive flashover should be large enough to
avoid heating of spheres.
Factors affecting the spark voltage of sphere gap:
Various factors that affect the spark over voltage of sphere gap are.
a) Atmospheric Conditions
b) Nearby earthing objects
c) Polarity & rise time
A) Effects of atmospheric conditions:
I. Air density:
The spark over voltage for sphere gap depends upon air density which varies
in change in temperature and pressure. If spark over is under test condition
of temp T, pressure P Torr: if spark over voltage is Vy under standard
condition of temperature & pressure.
T-20C, P=760 mm of Hg
Then V = Vok
Since k=const.
Table 2 – Peak values of disruptive discharge voltages(U50 values in impulse
tests) in kV for alternating voltages at power frequencies, full lighting and
switching Impulse volatages of negative polarity and direct voltages of both
polarities
 Experiment No:8
Breakdown of Solid Dielectrics
Experiment No:8
Breakdown of Solid Dielectrics
Aim: To study breakdown of various Solid Dielectrics.
Equipment: HV Testing Equipments, High Voltage Transformer, Sheets of
different Solid dielectric material.
Theory: Solid insulators are insulators forming barriers to the flow of charge
between various parts of apparatus when high voltage is applied across them.
Requirements of a good dielectric are:
1. They should have high resistivity to reduce leakage current. They must
withstand high voltage without breakdown, i.e., high dielectric strength
2. Their density must be low as they are used on volume basis and not on
weight basis. 3. High thermal conductivity is essential
4. Low co-efficient of thermal expansion to avoid stresses and structural
damages.
5. They must be chemically inactive
There is a wide range of synthetically produced as well as natural
dielectrics. Insulator choice depends upon thermal, mechanical, chemical and
electrical properties. Classification of Solid insulating materials is made as
follows:
a) Naturally occurring: Carbon, varnish, rubber, marble, mica, asbestos, etc.
b) Fibrous nature: Wood, paper, cardboard, cloth, etc. c) Synthetic materials:
Plastic, polythene, polystyrene, ceramic, etc.
d) Solid dielectrics: Bituminous, waxes, resins, thermoplastics, thermostats,
etc.
Breakdown of Solid dielectrics
In practice, breakdown of solid insulating material occurs due to prolonged
processes. This can be due to:
1. Partial discharge
2. Tracking on the surface
3. Chemical and Electrochemical deterioration
i) Oxidation
ii) Hydrolysis in the presence of moisture
iii) Chemical action in the presence of oxygen moisture, ozone etc., resulting
in degradation of the insulation

4. Intrinsic breakdown:
When voltages are applied only for short durations of the order of 10-8 s the
dielectric strength of a solid dielectric increases very rapidly to an upper limit
called the intrinsic electric strength. Based on this principle, two types of
intrinsic breakdown mechanisms have been proposed.
1. Electronic Breakdown
2. Avalanche or Streamer Breakdown
5. Electronic Breakdown:
When solid dielectrics are subjected to high electric fields, failure occurs due
to electrostatic compressive forces which can exceed the mechanical
compressive strength
6. Thermal Breakdown:
When an electric field is applied to a dielectric, conduction current, however
small it may be, flows through the material. If the heat generated exceed the
heat dissipated breakdown occurs. Thermal breakdown sets up an upper limit
for increasing the breakdown voltage when the thickness of insulation is
increased.

Procedure:
Different solid dielectric in the form of the thin sheets were tested in the
laboratory for their breakdown strength and results are tabulated in the
observation table.

Observation table:
Sr. Types Thickness Breakdown Voltage rms(kV) Breakdown
No. of strength(kV/mm)
(mm)
paper
I II III Avg

1.

2.

3.

4.

Conclusion:
Breakdown test on solid dielectric:
 Experiment No: 9
Breakdown of composite dielectri
Experiment No: 9
Breakdown of composite dielectrics
Aim: To find dielectric strength of composite dielectrics.

Apparatus: HV testing kit, High voltage Transformer, sample of composite

dielectric.

Theory: In insulating system more than one insulating material is used. The
different materials can be used in parallel with each other; such insulation
systems are called as composite dielectric. Such composite dielectric is used in
low and high voltage appliances such as cables, capacitors, transformers, oil
filled switchgear, bushing, etc.
Properties of composite dielectrics

A composite dielectric consists of large number of layers arranged over one

another. This is
called the “layered construction”.

Important properties of composite dielectrics are given below: 1.Effect of layers:

It consists of two or more layers of same materials. Two sheets have a higher
dielectric strength than a single layer sheet of same material and same total
thickness.
2. Effect of layer thickness:

Increase of layer thickness gives increased breakdown voltage up to a certain

limit. A discharge having penetrated one layer cannot enter the next layer until
a part of the interface also obtains the potential which can produce an electric
field stress comparable to that of discharge.
3. Effect of Interface:

The interface between the two dielectric surfaces in a composite dielectric

system determines its breakdown and actual breakdown and actual breakdown
strength. Discharge usually occurs at the interfaces and the magnitude of the
discharge depends upon the associated surface resistance and capacitance.
When surface conductivity increases the discharge magnitude also increases
resulting in damage to dielectric.
Breakdown Mechanism in composite dielectric material.
 1. Short time breakdown:

If electric field is very high, failure may occur in seconds or even faster without
any substantial damage to insulating surface prior to breakdown. The
breakdown results from one or discharges, when applied voltage is high.
Breakdown was observed to occur more readily when breakdown particles are
electrons rather than positive ions. Variation in thickness of solid insulation
affects breakdown voltage.

2. Long term breakdown (Ageing of insulation)

The principal effects responsible for ageing of insulation which leads to

breakdown are caused from thermal processes and partial discharges.
i) Ageing and breakdown due to partial discharge

During manufacturing of composite insulation, gas filled cavities will be present

within the dielectric. When voltage is applied to such a system, discharge occurs
within the gas volume. These discharges are called “partial discharges” and
involve transfer of electric charge between the two parts in sufficient quantity
to cause discharge of local capacitance. The impact of this charge on dielectric
surface produces a deterioration of insulating properties. Ageing depends upon
geometry, discharge inception voltage Vi and discharge magnitude.
ii)Ageing and breakdown due to accumulation of charges on insulator surface

During discharge a certain quantity of charge (electrons or positive ions) gets

deposited on solid insulators surface. The charge deposits for a large duration.
Due to these charges, the surface conductivity thereby increases and cause
damage to the dielectric.

Procedure

Different composite dielectric with layered construction, were tested in the

laboratory for their breakdown strength, and results are tabulated in the
observation table.
Observation Table

Sr. Sample Thick Breakdown Average

voltage rms(kV)
No. ness Breakdown
(mm) voltage(kV)
1.

2.

3.

Calculations:

Breakdown strength = Average breakdown voltage/Thickness of sample

Conclusion:
EXPERIMENT NO. 10
Testing of Cables
EXPERIMENT NO. 10
Testing of Cables

Observation Table: Testing of Cable

A) Insulation Resistance Test:--

Insulation resistance I measured by 500 volts D. C. Megger between cores.

1) Red + Yellow against Blue + Black + Earth : More Than M-ohm

2) Red + Blue against Yellow + Black + Earth : More Than M-ohm

3) Red + Black against Yellow + Black + Earth : More Than M-ohm

B) High Voltage Test:--

The high voltage test is carried out by applying an A. C. voltage of 3 kV at about

50 Hz for 5 minutes between cores.

1) Red + Yellow against Blue + Black + Earth : Withstood

2) Red + Blue against Yellow + Black + Earth : Withstood
3) Red + Black against Yellow + Black + Earth : Withstood
AMENDMENT NO. 1 MAY 1994
TO
IS 1554 (Part : 1988 SPECIFICATION FOR PVC
INSULATED ( HEAVY DUTY) ELECTRIC CABLES
PART 2 FOR WORKING VOLTAGES FROM 3.3 kV UP TO
AND INCLUDING 1 100 kV
( Second Revision)

(Pag« clause 0.7 ) - Substitute the following for the existing

clause:
'0.7 A category of cables with improved fire
performance bas been included in this standard.
Classification of such cables is in Appendix A.'
( Page 2, clause 1.3) -Insert the following ItC\\' clause 1.4
after 1.3:
'1.4 This standard also covers with improved fire
performance, categories Cl C2, as given in Appendix A.
For additional requirements have been included wherever
necessary ( see 18.1.3,
and 20.2.1 ).
- Normal 10 classified as of
category 0 I. ·
[ 3, clause 7.1 (b) J- Substitute 'formed wires' for 'strip'.
(Page 3, clause ) - Substitutethe following for the
sentence:
galvanized steel wire/formed wires/tapes shall comply
with the
requirements of IS 3975: except that provisions of
3.3.1 and
shaII notapply.'
i Page 3, 8.1 ) - Insert the following clause after
8.1:
For with improved fire performance, the outer sheath
shall, in addition, meet the requirement of tests applicable
for required category ( 18.1.3 and )
(Page 5, clause line 3 ) - Substitute 'Table for 'Table
5'.
( Page 6, clause )- Insert tbe foJJowing new

11.1.3 after
'18.1.3 The following shall constitute additional type tests
for cables with
improved performance as per the categories given in
Appendix A:
( Reaffirmed 2001 )