High-Altitude Impulse and Switching Surge Tests on a Guyed V Tower

Tests were made at an altitude of 10 540 feet (3220 meters) using 10, 16, and 21 53/4 by 10 inch (14.6 by 25.4 cm) insulators. A 3600-kV impulse generator was used to provide 2 by 45 and 260 by 3600 ¿s test waves. Tests were made with the crossarms bonded and unbonded. Under the worst conditions of bonded crossarms and positive switching surges, it was determined that 14 insulators would be adequate for 230-kV operation at this altitude. The data also provide guides for high-altitude designs at still higher voltages.