The IREQ Ultra High Voltage Laboratory and Test Facilities

The High Voltage Laboratory of Hydro-Quebec Institute of Research (IREQ) has been designed to cater for research and test requirements on equipment for future systems of up to 1,500 kV rms nominal transmission voltage. Some of the factors which were considered during the planning of the laboratory are described. A number of problems which required unusual solutions are mentioned, and in addition, descriptions of the major items of test equipment are given.