Experiment Number -7

AIM:

To find the flash over voltage of suspension insulator.

Apparatus:

1. Suspension insulator.
2. Control desk voltmeter.

Circuit Diagram:

Theory:

Tests on insulator:

The tests on insulators are subdivided into the following categories:-

a) Type test:
This test is performed to prove /check the design patterns. It is done on a sample when new
designs or design changes are introduced.
b) Routine test:
These are to check the quality to ensure the reliability of the individual test objects and
consistency of the material used in the manufacture.

Power frequency tests:

a) Dry and wet flash over tests:

Here ac voltages of power frequency is applied across the insulator and increased 20% per
sec at 75% of the estimated test voltage to such a value that breakdown occurs along the
surface of the insulator. If the test is conducted under normal conditions without rain, it is
called dry flashover test. In general , wet tests are not intended to reproduce the actual
operating conditions but only to provide a criterion based on the experiences and a
satisfactory service operation will be obtained. The test object is subjected to a spray of
water of given conductivity by means of nozzles. The spray of water is arranged such that
whole of water drop falls approximately at an inclination of 45 degrees to the vertical, the
characteristics of the spray are:
Precipitation rate : 3 ± 10%(mm/min)
Direction: 45 degree to vertical
Conductivity of water: 100 micro siemens ± 10%
 Temperature of water: ambient ± 15 degree centigrade.

The international electrochemical conversion in its recent document has revised the test
procedure as follows:
Vertical component: 1-1.5 mm/min
Horizontal component: 1-1.5 mm/min
Temperature of water collected: ambient 15 degree centigrade
Conductivity at 20 degree C: 100+15 µ siemens.

b) Wet and dry withstand tests(one minute):

In these tests, the voltage specified in the relevant specifications is applied under dry and
wet test conditions for a period of one minute without insulator mounted as in series
condition , the cost of pin type insulator increases very rapidly with increase in line voltage.
Suspension insulators are used therefore above 33 KV.

Procedure:
1. A conductor is suspended from insulator and it is attached to cross arm.
2. One of HV terminals is connected to conductor through high resistance.
3. Metal part of insulator is earthed.
4. Voltage applied through HV transformer, it is increased & flashover occurs. This reading is
flashover voltage.
5. This experiment is repeated to get more accurate results.

Formula:
𝑃 293
𝑑= 𝑋
760 273 + 𝑡

Observation:

Observed voltage(v) Actual = Observed voltage x Corrected Voltage(v)

t/p ratio