Polymer insulator test procedures and techniques followed during fog chamber test series

Non-ceramic (composite) insulators consist of a core fiberglass rod and a set of polymer weathersheds. The weathersheds may be subjected to degradation and aging due to various environmental stresses. Performance evaluation of polymer weathersheds can employ various techniques. First, this paper briefly summarizes the features of a new fog chamber at The Ohio State University. Then, details of the manysided procedures and techniques of a test series, a joint project of The Ohio State University and The Ohio Brass Company, involving a total of 50 polymer insulators of 5 different weathershed materials are reviewed in the paper.