Multi-aging test technology for estimating long time performance of polymer insulators

This paper presents multi-stress chamber experiments and tracking wheel test to examine the tracking and erosion performance of a polymer insulator for transmission. Multi-stress testing is able to demonstrate deficiencies of polymer insulator materials and designs, including the nature of interfaces in insulation design. We have investigated IEC 61109 Annex C (5000 h aging test) and CEA tracking wheel test as test methods of artificial accelerated aging. The aging degree of the polymer insulator is estimated by leakage current, measurement of hydrophobicity degree, damage conditions of insulator surface, withstand voltage test etc.