Long-Term Mechanical Properties of High Voltage Composite Insulators

This paper presents the results of time to rupture tests on HV composite insulators with maximum tensile rupture loads in excess of 450 kN. Three insulator designs were evaluated and the results of tests at different temperatures are given. Based on the extrapolations of the more than 10 000 hours test results, the 50-year life rupture load is decreased to between 54 percent and 66 percent of the maximum rupture load depending on the insulator design.