Insulator damage in high current discharges

The results of ongoing insulator performance tests are reported. Various insulator materials were subjected to high current discharges on the order of 2 × 10⁵Amperes with a pulse repetition rate on the order of one pulse every 7 seconds in atmospheric air. Insulator samples were inserted into a Surface Discharge Switch (SDS), with a ringing discharge of 435 kHz and approximately 90% reversal, for increased charge transport. The voltage hold-off strength and the cold voltage recovery are reported.