Lightning Surge Insulation Characteristics of Polymer Insulators for 6.6kV Power Distribution Lines

Abstract:
Polymer insulators with silicone compounds as external covering materials have been widely used as insulators for dis-tribution lines in Japan since around 2000, primarily owing to their exceptional water-repellent properties. Porcelain insulators, being inorganic, primarily face concerns related to physical damage. However, for polymer insulators, which use silicone compounds as an organic material, it becomes crucial to consider deterioration due to aging. In this study, we evaluated the deterioration of lightning impulse withstand voltage performance of polymer insulators that have been in use for an extended period in harsh salt-damage areas. The results indicate that the lightning impulse withstand voltage of all samples exceeded the specification value.