Assessment of the electrical performance of distribution insulators exposed to the development of the fungus phanerochaete chrysosporium

This paper presents a study carried out in Bogota D.C. — Colombia, in which a set of electric insulators were exposed to the development of the fungus Phanerochaete Chrysosporium. Ceramic and polymeric insulators frequently used in Colombian distribution systems were selected. The biocontamination process is performed under regulated conditions using a controlled environment chamber able to adjust the temperature, relative humidity and solar radiation. In order to conduct the biocontamination of insulators and encourage the Phanerochaete Chrysosporium growth, these elements were placed inside the chamber for a period of six weeks. Electrical tests were carried out before and after the biocontamination. These tests include measurements of flashover voltages at low frequency and leakage currents. Finally, the results obtained from tests are compared and the effects that produces the development of the microorganism over the electrical performance of insulators were determined.