Developing Global Consensus: IEEE Standard 1820, Guide on Selection of T&D Insulators
Special considerations can affect application of insulators, surge arresters, bushings and live-line tools under ‘cold weather conditions’, i.e. < 0°C, when contamination can accumulate for months. Moreover ice, rime and snow can accrete on insulators and bridge their normal leakage distance. Frost can stabilize pollution during melting, acting as a heavy non-soluble deposit. This presentation describes consolidated worldwide failure experience during cold weather. Suitable testing procedures are identified and a review provided of guidance offered in IEEE Standard 1820TM, “Guide on the Selection of Transmission and Distribution Insulators with Respect to Cold Weather Conditions”.