Voltage divider for measuring impulse voltages on transmission lines [includes discussion]

Impulse tests were performed on the experimental transmission lines of the American Gas and Electric Company. When these tests were being planned, it was necessary to select voltage dividers capable of reducing the high surge voltages to a level suitable for measurement by a cathode-ray oscillograph. Selecting dividers for measuring transmission line surges is complicated by the necessity of obtaining a high divider impedance to prevent excessive reflections on the line while maintaining an acceptable divider response. An investigation was undertaken to determine the suitability of the resistance- type divider for this application. Particular attention was given to the sources of error which influence divider response and to methods of overcoming principal errors for physically long, highresistance dividers.