Extending the applicability of insulator flashover models by regression analysis

A combination of experiments and regression analysis has been utilized to extend the useful range of models for estimating flashover performance of insulators under contaminated conditions. Experiments were performed on distribution class insulators employing porcelain, silicone rubber and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber as housing materials. It has been shown that it is possible to include important factors such as hydrophobicity, aging and contamination accumulation in the assessment of insulator performance. The results from this work are useful for selecting the appropriate insulator design (dimensions and material) for different system voltages.