Analysis of contaminant effect on ceramic & polymer insulator surface under artificial environmental condition

Performance of an insulating dielectric may decrease due to aging. The main cause of aging on insulator is contaminant arising on the insulator surface. In this study, effects of contaminants on the coating large leakage current on the surface of the polymer insulator are investigated. To analyze the effects, accelerated age testing module as a form of pre-conditions on polymer insulator aging is designed. Furthermore, dielectric strength testing is performed to determine the effect of contaminants on pre-breakdown voltage. The results of this study showed that the thickness level of contaminants on the surface of the layer affects insulator leakage current and pre-breakdown voltage.