Characterization of field-aged nonceramic insulators

Condition assessment of nonceramic insulators is complicated. Unless there is a large-scale deterioration that can be visually observed, it is difficult to predict the extent of aging or degradation. In this paper, a novel technique using lasers has been proposed to quantify aging in the housing materials that do not exhibit visible degradation. As the laser is a constant energy source, it provides a means for estimating remaining life.