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Transmission and Distribution: UNIT-4 Insulators Testing of Insulators
Transmission and Distribution: UNIT-4 Insulators Testing of Insulators
DISTRIBUTION
U N I T-4
I N S U L ATOR S
T E S T I N G O F I NS U L ATOR S
TESTING OF INSULATORS:
The insulator should have good mechanical and dielectric strengths to
withstand the load and operating or flashover voltages, respectively.
However, it should be free from pores or voids, which may damage the
insulators.
For this, the following three tests are performed.
FLASHOVER TESTS:
Three types of flashover tests are to be conducted before the insulator can be said to have passed the
flashover test.
1. Power frequency dry flashover test
2. Power frequency wet flashover test
3. Impulse frequency flashover test
POWER FREQUENCY DRY FLASHOVER TEST:
. In this test, voltage is applied between the electrodes of the
insulator mounted in the manner in which it is to be used.
. Gradually the applied voltage is increased until the
Surrounding air breaks down.
. This voltage is known as flashover voltage, and must be
Greater than that of the minimum specified voltage.
. The insulator must be capable of withstanding the minimum
Specified voltage for one minute.
PERFORMANCE TEST:
Before giving the satisfactory performance of the insulators, the following tests are to be conducted.
1. Puncture voltage test
2. Mechanical strength test
3. Electro-mechanical test
4. Porosity test
PUNCTURE VOLTAGE TEST:
. The purpose of this test is to determine the
puncture voltage.
. In this test, the insulator is suspended in
insulating oil.
. The voltage is applied and increased gradually
until the puncture takes place.
. The voltage at which the puncture starts is called
puncture voltage.
. This voltage for suspension type insulator is
30% higher than that of the dry flashover voltage.
ROUTINE TEST:
Before the finally recommended insulator is used in the field, it is required to satisfy the following
routine test.
1. High voltage test
2. Proof load test
3. Corrosion test
HIGH VOLTAGE TEST:
. In this test, the pin insulators are inverted and
are placed in water up to the neck.
. The spindle hole is also filled with water, and
high voltage is applied for 5 min.
. After the completion of the test, the insulator
should remain undamaged.
CORROSION TEST:
In this case, the insulator with its fittings is suspended in a copper sulphate (CuSO 4)
solution at 15.2C for one minute.
Then, the insulator is removed, wiped, cleaned and put again in CuSO 4 solution.
This procedure is repeated four times, which results in zero metal deposits over the
insulator.