Abstract :
Tracking is the principal factor limiting the safe working electric stress of modern low-loss insulation in power system applications and involves surface breakdown initiated by surface discharges. Knowledge of the factors involved in the deterioration and breakdown of insulation by tracking is essential for the reliable and economic design and operation of electrical equipment. An international standard testing method has been established in order to evaluate the comparative tracking resistance of different insulating materials (liquid-contaminant, inclined-plane tracking method; BS 5604; 1986, IEC 587; 1984). The author discusses the use of this method in relation to energy measurement, surface hydrophobicity, contact angle, surface roughness, silicone rubber coatings, and energy absorbing fillers
Keywords :
energy measurement; insulator contamination; insulator testing; silicone rubber; standards; surface discharges; surface topography; 1984; 1986; BS 5604; IEC 587; comparative tracking resistance; contact angle; energy absorbing fillers; energy measurement; inclined-plane tracking method; international standard testing method; liquid-contaminant; low-loss insulation; power system applications; safe working electric stress; silicone rubber coatings; surface breakdown; surface discharges; surface hydrophobicity; surface insulation testing methods; surface roughness; tracking;
