Flashover Failure of Polymer Insulator in Distribution Lines

배전용 폴리머애자의 섬락고장

This study was investigated for searching a cause of flashover failure of polymer insulator and preparing countermeasures. Hydrophobicity, microstructure and chemical structural change of polymer weathershed were studied by polymer characterization methods. In addition, the electrical properties such as power frequency dry flashover voltage/impulse voltage tests, contamination characteristics were carried out. The hydrophobicity of polymer weathershed was decreased significantly and cracks were observed on the surface. Also, the electrical characteristics did not satisfy the KEPCO specification. The failed polymer insulators showed the more leakage current than 4 years service-aged ones. From the result, it can be concluded that the flashover failure of polymer insulator was attributed to the surface aging and severe contamination.