Humidity Effects and Breakdown Characteristics of Class II Insulating Gloves

The paper discusses how humidity and other atmospheric conditions affect the electrical testing of insulating gloves used for live line maintenance. Results of humidity effects upon the AC and DC in-service testing of new gloves and gloves used in service between 0.5 to 11 years are presented. The paper also gives, results of Class II electrical breakdown tests made on new gloves and glQves used between 0.5 year and up to 11 years in service. The average electrical breakdown level for 11 new gloves tested was found to be 71 percent higher than the 30 kVAC rms value given in the Standard.