Water treeing theories-current status, views and aims

The matter of water treeing is both phenomenal in its economic impact and fascinating from scientific point of view. This is reflected in the vast number of papers that appeared since water trees were discovered in Japan. Still, the subject requires attention to maintain and increase insulation reliability. Recently, a review was performed on the understanding of water treeing up to 1997. The present paper is a condensed version of that review to which the reader be referred for further details and little over 140 references. Subsequently, this paper discusses: the term 'water treeing'; the most important properties of water trees; the main water treeing theories; countermeasures.