Flashover reduction in ceramic insulator by using filler for RTV silicon rubber coating and its suitability in local environmental conditions in Pakistan

Abstract

This paper is focused on the methods to evaluate the performance of Ceramic insulators with respect to the natural environment of Pakistan. The toughened Ceramic insulators with Room Temperature Vulcanizing (RTV) and High Temperature Vulcanizing (HTV) silicone rubber, their electrical characteristics, physical inspection and inferred results are presented. The ceramic insulators testing samples with RTV silicon rubber by coating with different fillers is proposed. The electrical characteristic of RTV coated ceramic insulators was analyzed by measuring flashover voltage and leakage current. The hydrophobic properties of RTV and HTV coated ceramic insulators were also examined during physical observations. Moreover, the methods to improve and enhance the characteristics of already installed ceramic insulators by coating them with RTV and HTV silicone rubber to reduce transmission line maintenance cost is also presented. This research concludes that the RTV Silicon Rubber coating increases the hydrophobic properties of glass insulators and therefore provides resistance to sudden flashovers during high fog, rain and humid conditions.