Review of features of fog chamber at the Ohio State University for polymer insulator evaluation

Non-ceramic (composite) insulators consist of a fiberglass core rod surrounded by a polymer weather-shed housing. The housing is generally manufactured from an elastomer material. Weathershed materials may be subject to degradation and aging in service due to harsh environmental conditions. Performance evaluation of polymer weathersheds can employ fog chambers. Design and operational features of a new fog chamber are reviewed in this paper. Specific characteristics reviewed are: size and main layout of the chamber, insulator arrangement, high voltage source; protection, water circulation and data acquisition systems. Test cycles and techniques are also discussed briefly.