Glass as a dielectric for high voltage cable systems

A review of previous studies on the electrical breakdown characteristics of glass is presented along with a discussion of the additional research required. The use of thick wall glass tubing as the dielectric in high voltage (230 kV and higher) underground cable systems is being evaluated under contract with the U.S. Energy Research and Development Administration. The present paper discusses the dielectric requirements of such an insulation system, and gives an outline of the electrical testing portion of the development program.