Effect of Form factor, Non-Uniform Contamination, and UV Radiation on Leakage Current in High-Voltage Insulators

Glass and silicone insulator strings on high-voltage lines often operate in areas with high levels of pollution and humidity, such as coastal areas near the sea, deserts, and industrial areas. This pollution, combined with humidity, can form conductive layers on the surface that allow leakage current (LC) to pass through, which sometimes increases to the point of causing a flashover. This study evaluates how geometry (form factor), non-uniform pollution, and aging due to UV radiation influence the magnitude of LC. This provides useful information for laboratory insulator testing, online LC monitoring systems in the field, as well as for the inspection and maintenance of electrical insulators. Two analyses are combined: (i) Cases in service of two strings of five RTV-coated glass insulators…