Performance of nonceramic insulators under tropical field conditions

This paper presents the results of investigations on the performance of nonceramic insulators in tropical field conditions. Six different types of 33 kV insulators (silicone rubber, EPDM composite, porcelain, and RTV coated porcelain) were installed at six different test sites exposed to marine, industrial, and clean environments in Sri Lanka and Tanzania. The visual scrutiny, hydrophobicity class (HC) and surface conductivity were used for the evaluation of the field performance. The silicone rubber and RTV coated insulators preserved the hydrophobic properties although some biological growth was found on them. The EPDM insulators showed distinct surface changes. At the same time, damage due to dry-band arcing appeared on the porcelain insulators exposed to marine pollution.