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4
4.1

Insulation requirements
Introduction

A basis for the function of an electrical system is that equipment that is part of the system shall have an insulation not only suitable for the system voltage, but also for the overvoltages that can occur in the system. This chapter gives a summary of the IEC and ANSI/IEEE requirements as well as the testing necessary to ensure that those requirements are fulfilled. Furthermore, a few viewpoints are shared about the choice of insulators and creepage distances with respect to climate and environment. 4.2 Insulation coordination

The requirements given in today's standards are based on experience, calculations and statistics. The results have been compiled in the rules for "insulation coordination" the principles of which are defined in IEC publication 60071-1 as follows: "The selection of the dielectric strength of equipment in relation to the voltages which can appear on the system for which the equipment is intended taking into account the characteristics of the available protective devices." [IEV 604-03-08] 4.3 Definitions

For better understanding, some of the definitions related to insulation coordination and dielectric testing are given below. disruptive discharge This term relates to the failure of electrical insulation under electrical stress. The failure exhibits itself in the form of a discharge which completely bridges the insulation under test. The voltage between the electrodes is herewith reduced to practically zero. sparkover disruptive discharge in a gaseous or liquid medium. flashover disruptive discharge over the surface of a dielectric in a gaseous or liquid medium. puncture disruptive discharge through a solid dielectric. external insulation air insulation and the exposed surfaces of solid insulation which are subjected to both dielectric stresses and to the effects of atmospheric and other external conditions such as pollution, humidity and vermin. internal insulation internal, solid, liquid or gaseous elements of the insulation, which are protected from the effects of atmospheric and other external conditions such as pollution, humidity and vermin. self-restoring insulation insulation which fully recovers its insulating properties after a disruptive discharge caused by the application of a test voltage. non self-restoring insulation insulation which loses its insulation properties, or does not recover them completely, after a disruptive discharge caused by the application of a test voltage.

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wet test test intended to simulate the effect of natural rain on external insulation. withstand voltage value of a test voltage, to be applied to the test object under specified conditions, during which a specified number of disruptive discharges is tolerated. rated insulation level set of standard withstand voltages which characterize the dielectric strength of the insulation. standard insulation level for circuit-breakers rated insulation level, the standard withstand voltages of which are associated to Table 4-2. 4.4 Overvoltages

Voltages and overvoltages are divided into three classes depending on their wave shape and duration. These classes are the following: A. Continuous (power frequency) voltage; B. Temporary overvoltages (at power frequency); C. Transient overvoltages, consisting of: slow-front overvoltages; fast-front overvoltages; very-fast front overvoltages; combined overvoltages.

For the definition and shape of the described overvoltages see Table 4-1: Classification of voltages and overvoltages (from IEC 60071-1). As can be seen in Table 4-1 there are standardized voltage shapes defined for the temporary overvoltages, fast-front overvoltages and slow-front overvoltages. A detailed description of these three overvoltages as well as the chopped wave and combined voltage is given below. 4.4.1 Short-duration power-frequency voltage

The standard voltage for the temporary overvoltage is the short-duration power-frequency voltage, a normal alternating voltage with a frequency in the range of 48 to 62 Hz. It is normally referred to as the power-frequency voltage. 4.4.2 Lightning impulse

The standard fast front impulse waveshape is that of the full lightning impulse, a lightning impulse that is not interrupted by a disruptive discharge. The lightning impulse has a front time of 1,2 s and a time to half-value of 50 s (see Figure 4-1). The waveshape is more commonly referred to as a 1,2 x 50 s waveshape. The insulation level of a circuit-breaker is often expressed as the required withstand voltage of the standard lightning impulse for the specific rated voltage. It is also known as the Lightning Impulse Withstand Level (LIWL). For example, a 245 kV circuit-breaker has an insulation level of 1050 kV. The older expression BIL (Basic Insulation Level) means the same as LIWL.

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Table 4-1 Classification of voltages and overvoltages

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Figure 4-1 - Full Lightning Impulse

T1 O1 T2 front time (1,2 s 30 %) virtual origin time to half-vale (50 s 20 %)

Tolerance on the peak: 3 %

The impulse waveshape is determined as follows (see Figure 4-1): The front time (T 1 ) is defined as 1,67 times the interval T between the instants when the impulse is 30 % and 90 % of the peak value (points A and B). The time to half-value is defined as the time interval between the virtual origin O 1 (crossing of the time axis and the straight line drawn through A and B) and the instant on the tail when the voltage has decreased to 50 % of the peak value. Chopped impulse

4.4.3

The chopped impulse is also referred to as chopped wave. This is a lightning impulse during which a disruptive discharge caused a rapid collapse of the voltage, usually by means of a triggered gap in the circuit. The voltage drops to zero or close to zero, with or without oscillations (see Figure 4-2)

Figure 4-2 - Chopped wave

Tc C and D time to chopping define the duration of voltage collapse (1,67 times the time interval between C and D) and are used for definition purposes only

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The instant of chopping is that time at which the rapid collapse of voltage that characterizes the chopping first occurs. The time to chopping (T c ) is the time interval between the virtual origin O 1 and the instant of chopping. 4.4.4 Switching impulse

The standard waveshape of the slow-front overvoltage is the switching impulse, an impulse having a time to peak T p of 250 s and a time to half-value of 2500 s (see Figure 4-3). The switching impulse is more commonly referred to as a 250 x 2500 s impulse. The term SIWL (Switching Impulse Withstand Level") is used to characterize the withstand level of equipment in terms of switching impulse.

Figure 4-3 - Switching Impulse

T1 T2 Tp time above 90 % time to half-vale (2500 s 60 %) time to peak (250 s 20 %)

Tolerance on the peak: 3 %

The impulse waveshape is defined as follows: The time to peak (T p ) is defined as the time interval between the actual origin and the instant when the voltage has reached its peak value. The time to half-value (T 2 ) is defined as the time interval between the actual origin O and the instant on the tail when the voltage has decreased to 50 % of the peak value.

The time above 90 % together with the time to zero (T 0 , the time between the actual origin and the instant when the voltage has its first passage through zero) are sometimes used as an alternative way to specify the impulse waveshape. 4.4.5 Combined voltage

A combined voltage is voltage generated by two separate sources, each connected to a separate terminal of the test object. For example during a test across the open contacts of a circuit-breaker each terminal is connected to a separate voltage source, one giving a power frequency voltage, the other an impulse voltage (lightning or switching impulse). The peak of the impulse usually coincides with the opposite peak of the power frequency voltage (see Figure 4-1). This test is also referred to as superimposed wave test or bias test.

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When a high-voltage laboratory does not have the possibility to perform combined voltage tests, it is allowed to replace this test by a test with one voltage source. In the case of a combined voltage test consisting of a power frequency and impulse test, the test may be replaced by an impulse test. The peak value of the impulse shall than be equal to the sum of the impulse and the peak value of the power frequency voltage. This will result in a more onerous test. Example (see also Table 4-2): Rated voltage: SIWL for bias test: Peak of power frequency: Pure impulse test across open contacts: 420 kV 900 kV 420 2/3 = 343 kV 1243 kV

Figure 4-4 - Combined voltage test

4.5

Insulation levels

IEC uses different principles for their requirements depending on the rated voltage. A split into two ranges of rated voltage has been made as follows (IEC 60071-1): Range I: 1 kV < U r 245 kV;

Range II: U r > 245 kV.

where U r is the rated voltage. In the ANSI/IEEE circuit-breaker standards (C37.04, C37.06 and C37.09) there is no such split in different voltage levels. Table 4-1 comprises values in accordance with IEC 60694 and ANSI/IEEE C37.06 for the withstand voltages to earth and across the open contacts. The values are also valid between phases except for voltage range II. See also section 4.5.

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Table 4-2 - Withstand voltages to earth and across open contacts

Rated voltage Ur (kV) Power frequency dry/wet Lightning impulse withstand level (LIWL) 1,2 x 50 s (kV peak) Chopped wave Switching impulse withstand level (SIWL) 250 x 2500 s (kV peak) to earth across pole

(kV rms)

(kV peak) 2 s 3 s

IEC
52 72,5 123 145 170 245 95 140 185/230 230/275 275/325 360/395 460 to earth dry 300 362 420 550 800 380 450 520 620 830 across pole dry 435 520 610 800 1150 250 325 450/550 550/650 650/750 850/950 1050 to earth across pole -

950 1050 1050 1175 1300 1425 1425 1550 1800 2100

950 (170)* 1050 (170) 1050 (205) 1175 (205) 1300 (240) 1425 (240) 1425 (315) 1550 (315) 1800 (455) 2100 (455)

750 850 850 950 950 1050 1050 1175 1300 1425

850 700 (245)* 950 800 (295) 1050 900 (345) 1175 900 (450) 1425 1100 (650)

ANSI
dry 72,5 123 145 170 245 362 550 800 160 260 310 365 425 555 860 960 10 s wet 140 230 275 315 350 350 550 650 750 900 1300 1800 2050 452 710 838 968 1160 1680 2320 2640 402 632 748 862 1040 1500 2070 2360 825 1175 1425 900 1300 1550

* The values between brackets refer to the peak of the power frequency that has to be applied to the opposite terminal when a combined voltage test is required.

4.5.1

Range I

Up to and including 245 kV the determination of the insulation level is based on the fact that the low frequency overvoltages and the fast front overvoltages are predominant. Both IEC 60071-1 and ANSI C37.06 follow the same philosophy. Additional to the short-duration power frequency and lightning impulse withstand levels, ANSI/IEEE C37.06 specifies a chopped wave withstand level, with a time to chopping of 2 and 3 s, respectively. The peak value of the 2 s wave is raised by 29 % compared to the full wave and the peak of the 3 s wave by 15 %.

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In the higher voltage range the slow-front overvoltages are predominant. The power frequency voltage is less important and the values given for voltage range II are reduced and given for purposes of routine testing. The voltage across the open switching device is approximately 15 % higher compared to the phase-to-earth value. IEC 60694 specifies a combined voltage (lightning impulse with power frequency) level for voltage range II. The power frequency voltage is equal to of 0,7 x rated phase-to-ground voltage. The reason why the power frequency voltage is reduced to 70 % of the phase-to-earth value is that the likelihood that the maximum fast-front overvoltage occurs on a terminal of a switching device when its other terminal is energized with the maximum voltage at opposite polarity is small. The reduction to 70 % has been shown to be more than adequate during the last decades. If a circuit-breaker is going to be used in a system where synchronizing operations are required, IEC 60694 specifies a combined voltage for the switching impulse (switching impulse with power frequency). The peak value switching impulse is somewhat reduced compared to the withstand value to ground. The power frequency voltage is equal to the phase-to-ground value of the rated voltage. The reason for the reduction of the peak of the switching impulse is the following: The rated switching impulse withstand voltage phase to earth is designed to cover the highest slow-front overvoltages. They can occur at the remote end of a line after fast reclosing on trapped charge and are of the same polarity as the instantaneous power frequency voltage of the system. Therefore, the highest slow-front overvoltages which can occur on the opposite polarity of the power frequency are those generated by switching operations at the remote end. These impulses are lower than the previous. ANSI/IEEE C37.06 also considers the slow-front overvoltages to be predominant in voltage range II, but does not specify combined voltage tests. The switching impulse withstand level across the open contacts is higher compared to the value to earth. Power frequency voltage levels are higher than stated in IEC 60694. Requirements for chopped wave are specified throughout voltage range I and II. The chopped wave requirement is a remnant of the time when bushings of dead tank circuit-breakers were protected by rod gaps. 4.6 Special requirements between phases

IEC60071-1 treats the problem with high slow-front overvoltages (switching impulses). Against a background of performed studies, the Technical Committee of IEC dealing with insulation coordination (TC 28) has arrived to the conclusion that much higher values apply between phases. See Table 4-3. For ANSI there are no special requirements between phases.

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Table 4-3 - Withstand voltages between phases for voltage range II

Rated voltage Rated switching impulse withstand level (SIWL) Phase-to-earth withstand voltage (kV) 300 362 420 550 800 (kV) 750 850 850 950 950 1050 1050 1175 1300 1425 1,5 1,5 1,5 1,5 1,5 1,5 1,6 1,5 1,7 1,7 phase-to-phase (ratio to phase-to-earth voltage) phase-to-phase withstand voltage (kV) 1125 1275 1275 1425 1425 1575 1680 1760 2210 2420

4.7 4.7.1

Dielectric tests on circuit-breakers General

In this section a comparison is given of the test procedures for dielectric tests on circuitbreakers required by IEC 60056 and ANSI/IEEE C37.09. As shown in Table 4-2, the test voltages of the two major standards are not the same for the two voltage ranges. The test procedures required by the two standards are also different. Dielectric tests on circuit-breakers are usually performed as withstand tests. IEC 60060-1 and IEEE standard 4 give three different test procedures for the withstand voltage tests: For the power frequency withstand test, IEC 60-1 and IEEE standard 4 propose a test in which the voltage is raised from zero to the withstand level and maintained for the specified duration.
For the impulse withstand tests, IEC and IEEE standard 4 propose three different test procedures:

1. A test consisting of the application of 3 impulses. The equipment is considered having passed the test if no indication of failure is obtained. This test is hereafter referred to as a 3/0 test. 2. A test consisting of application of 15 impulses of which 2 disruptive discharges across self restoring insulation are allowed. No indication of failure shall be obtained in the non-self restoring part of the insulation. This test is hereafter referred to as a 15/2 test. 3. A test consisting of application of three impulses. If no disruptive discharge occurs, the test object has passed the test. If more than one disruptive discharge occurs, the test object has failed to pass the test. If one disruptive discharge occurs in the selfrestoring part of the insulation, nine additional impulses shall be applied and the test object is considered having passed the test if no further disruptive discharge occurs. This test is hereafter referred to as a 9/1 test. This test procedure is a modification of the test procedure given in ANSI/IEEE C37.09 (see 4.7.4) and is statistically equivalent to the 15/2 test. The dielectric tests on circuit-breakers are performed to earth, on a closed and open circuit-breaker; between phases (obligatory for circuit-breakers with a common frame); across open contacts, voltage applied to each terminal in turn (not necessary if the poles are symmetrical, for ex. V- and T-elements).

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In a wet test the test object is exposed to conditions that simulate natural rain. The intensity of the rain is expressed in terms of mm/min and is measured with a standardized collection vessel (refer to IEC 60060-1 or IEEE standard 4), following a standardized measuring procedure. The main characteristic values for the wet tests are: Average precipitation rate: Horizontal component Vertical component Resistivity 1,5 mm/min ( 0,5 mm) 1,5 mm/min ( 0,5 mm) 100 m ( 15)

4.7.3

Power frequency withstand test

The power frequency voltage withstand test is performed 245 kV dry and wet; > 245 kV dry only.

The time duration of the test is 1 min. for the dry and wet tests in accordance with IEC 60056. ANSI/IEEE C37.06 specifies a duration of 1 min. for the dry test and 10 s for the wet test. 4.7.4 Lightning impulse withstand test

Lightning impulse withstand tests are always performed as dry tests. IEC 60056 requires the lightning impulse withstand test to be performed using the 15/2 method. Impulses of both negative and positive polarity shall be applied for both voltage ranges. ANSI/IEEE C37.09 specifies a modified 9/1 test procedure. Three impulses shall be applied of both polarities. If one flashover occurs during the series of three impulses, three additional impulses shall be applied and the circuit-breaker is considered having passed the test if no further flashovers occurs (in other words: a 6/1 test). 4.7.5 Chopped wave test

Additional to the lightning impulse withstand tests, ANSI/IEEE C37.09 requires a test with chopped wave. The test procedure to be used for the chopped wave is the modified 9/1 method (see 4.7.4), with impulses of both polarities for both voltage ranges. Chopped wave test on circuit-breakers are not required by IEC 60056. 4.7.6 Switching impulse withstand test

Switching impulse withstand tests are performed dry and wet. The test procedure to be used in accordance with IEC 60056 is the 15/2 method, with impulses of positive polarity only for the dry tests and impulses of both polarities for the wet tests. ANSI/IEEE C37.09 follows the modified 9/1 (see 4.7.4) test method with impulses of both polarities for the dry and wet tests.

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The withstand of external insulation is affected by the atmospheric pressure and the humidity. The withstand values given in Table 4-1 are valid for standard atmospheric conditions. The standard reference atmosphere is defined as: temperature t 0 = 20 C; pressure b 0 = 101,3 kPa (older expression 1013 mbar); humidity h 0 = 11 g/m .
3

The air density correction factor k 1 for a given pressure b at a given temperature t depends on the relative air density and can generally be expressed as:

b 273 + t 0 k1 = b 0 273 + t

Where t and t 0 are expressed in C and the atmospheric pressures b and b 0 are expressed in the same units. The exponent m is defined in IEC 60060-1. The humidity correction factor k 2 is expressed as k 2 = k , where w is defined in IEC 60060-1. k is depending on the type of test voltage. If the atmospheric conditions at the testing site deviate from the standard, correction factors may be applied for pressure and humidity. The voltage applied during a test on external insulation is then determined by multiplying the specified test voltage by the atmospheric correction factor K t = k 1 k 2 . The correction factor is normally the highest for the positive impulse. A test report on dielectric tests normally states absolute voltages. Correction may be applied only to the external insulation. The maximum allowable correction factor for any test is 5 %. If the correction factor for a certain test is 5 % or higher, the values given in the report may be divided by max 1,05 or 0,95 (whichever applicable) in order to obtain the correct impulse level. Example: for a test on a 245 kV circuit-breaker the test voltage used at the test was 1050 kV The correction factor K t during the test was 0,95 or lower, but was not applied. This means that the external insulation was stressed at a voltage of at least 1050/0,95 = 1105 kV. This knowledge can sometimes be used for installations at high altitude (see 4.8) 4.7.8 RIV tests
w

IEC 60056 specifies that RIV tests are applicable to circuit-breakers having a rated voltage of 123 kV and above. The test procedure required in IEC 60056 is in accordance with CISPR publication 16 and is given in detail in IEC 60694. The RIV level shall not exceed 2500 V at a voltage corresponding to 1,1 times the rated phase-to-ground voltage. The voltage is applied during 5 minutes and the measurement is performed at a frequency of 500-2000 kHz. The test procedure for RIV tests according to ANSI/IEEE C37.09 is given in NEMA publication 107. The test voltage is 1,05 times the rated phase-to-ground voltage. The allowable values of the interference level are given in NEMA standards publication SG 4, table 4-1. The highest allowable interference level from 123 kV and upwards is 2500 V at 1000 kHz. Atmospheric correction factors do not apply to RIV tests.

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Both IEC 60056 and ANSI/IEEE C37.04 state that the rated insulation levels are valid for installations at an altitude of max. 1000 m above sea level. The air density decreases with increasing altitude, which means that the mean free path of an electron (average of the distance an electron travels between collisions) increases. As a result, the speed of the electrons increases and therewith the probability that one electron can free another electron when it collides with a molecule. In other words: the higher the altitude, the higher the probability of an external discharge. For this reason, one has to be careful when equipment is intended for installation at altitudes higher than 1000 m. In this case the insulation level of external insulation related to the standard atmospheric conditions can be determined by multiplying the rated insulation level at the service location with a constant K a given by the following formula (see also IEC 60694 and ANSI/IEEE C37.010):

Ka = e
shape:

H 1000 8150

, where H is the service altitude in meters and m is a factor depending on wave

m=1 voltages;

for power frequency, lightning impulse and phase-to-phase switching impulse

m = 0,9 for longitudinal (across open circuit-breaker) switching impulse voltage; m = 0,75 for phase-to-earth switching impulse voltage.

For internal insulation, the dielectric characteristics are identical at any altitude and no special precautions need to be taken. Calculation is done as follows: Example: A 245 kV circuit-breaker is going to be installed at an altitude of 2000 m above sea level. The customer specification calls for an insulation level of 1050 kV at site level. The required insulation level at sea level will be obtained using the formula for K a given above and the following considerations: For lightning impulse and power frequency m = 1, hence K a = 1,13. This means that the circuit-breaker needs to be tested at sea level with a voltage of 1050 x K a = 1187 kV. The nearest standardized impulse voltage is 1175 kV, which belongs to a system voltage of 362 kV. Usually there is sufficient margin on a 362 kV circuit-breaker to meet the requirement of 1187 kV. The requirement for the power frequency withstand is 520 kV (dry and wet). This is not fully covered by the requirements for a 362 kV circuit-breaker (see also Table 4-2). However, a 362 kV circuit-breaker has been tested with switching impulse (dry and wet), which gives higher stresses on the external insulation compared to the power frequency test, hence one can safely assume that a 362 kV circuit-breaker fulfils the requirements of a 245 kV circuit-breaker used at 2000 m above sea level.

Conclusion: The circuit-breaker fulfilling the requirements for the high altitude will be a 362 kV circuit-breaker. The formula for the altitude correction factor is given in graphical form in Figure 4-5.

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Figure 4-5 - Altitude correction factor

4.9 4.9.1

Environmental effects and insulator shapes Pollution

All dielectric tests are performed on apparatus in new condition i.e. clean insulators. Under those conditions, the current flowing over the surface of the insulator (the so-called leakage or creepage current) is minimal. Depending on the site conditions, insulator surfaces of outdoor equipment will sooner or later collect deposits. When the deposits mainly consist of salt, which is normal in coastal regions, the surface resistance of the insulator decreases dramatically. The insulation withstand capability of the insulator is herewith essentially reduced especially in periods of dew or fog. The salt deposits absorb the moisture and the surface resistance decreases drastically and this causes the leakage current to increase. Heating by the leakage current resulting in uneven drying of the

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surface can cause partial discharges (streamers) which might lead to a disruptive discharge across the insulator (flashover). During periods of rain, the insulators are naturally washed. Substations in, for example, coastal areas often have routines established to prevent heavy deposits of salt from collecting on the insulators. These routines range from manual cleaning to fully automatic cleaning. Some utilities have installations that clean the insulator surfaces by flushing them with water (in some cases even distilled water) at regular intervals in order to restore the insulation level. Installations for automatic flushing are installed a.o. along the Swedish west coast. 4.9.2 Insulator profiles

One way to prevent flashovers due to pollution of insulators is to increase the surface resistance, by lengthening the path of the leakage current across the insulator surface (the so-called creepage distance). An increase of the creepage distance increases the surface resistance, decreases the leakage current and decreases the probability of a flashover. Outdoor insulators are therefore provided with sheds (see Figure 4-6). The sheds may have different shapes depending on the requirement for the creepage distance. Figure 4-7, Figure 4-8 and Figure 4-9 show sheds of the most common types of insulators.

Figure 4-6 - Insulator with sheds

Figure 4-7 - Normal sheds

Figure 4-8 - Alternating sheds

Figure 4-9 - Under rib sheds

The shed shapes according to the Figure 4-7 and Figure 4-8 are the most common on the market today. These insulators have smooth surfaces and attract less pollution through lack of turbulence.

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The shed shape in accordance with Figure 4-9 was used very frequently when long creepage distances were required. This insulator gives especially a long protective creepage distance, a requirement of former standards (British Standard BS 116:52). 4.9.3 Environmental classes

IEC 60815 gives a choice of specific creepage distances related to the pollution severity level. A total of four levels are defined (see Table 4-4)

Figure 4-10 - Protected creepage distance (90)

Table 4-4 - Pollution levels

Pollution level I Light Example of typical environments Areas without industries and with low density of houses equipped with heating plants Areas with low density of industries or houses but subject to frequent winds and/or rainfall

Agricultural areas 1) Mountainous areas

II Medium III Heavy IV Very heavy -

All these areas shall be situated at least 10 km to 20 km from the sea and shall not be exposed to winds directly from the sea 1) Areas with industries not producing particularly polluting smoke and/or with average density of houses equipped with heating plants Areas with high density of houses and/or industries but subjected to frequent winds and/or rainfall Areas exposed to wind from the sea but not close to the coast (at least several kilometres distant) 2) Areas with high density of industry and suburbs of large cities with high density of heating plants producing pollution Areas close to the sea or in any case exposed to relatively strong winds from the sea 2) Areas generally of moderate extent, subjected to conductive dust and to industrial smoke producing particularly thick conductive deposits Areas generally of moderate extent, very close to the coast and exposed to sea-spray or to very strong and polluting winds from the sea Desert areas, characterized by no rain for long periods, exposed to strong winds carrying sand and salt, and subjected to regular condensation

1) Use of fertilizers by spraying, or burning of crop residues, can lead to higher pollution level due to dispersal by wind. 2) Distances from seacoast depend on the topography of the coastal area on the extreme wind conditions.

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Under the condition that the insulators are designed in accordance with certain standards that cover: distance between sheds;
ratio between shed distance and shed length; ratio between creepage distance and flashover distance; alternating sheds; shed angle; creepage and profile factors,

the following specific creepage distances are stated (see Table 4-5):
Table 4-5 - Specific creepage distance vs. pollution level
Pollution level Minimum nominal specific creepage distance between phase and earth in mm/kV 16 20 25 31

I II III IV

Light Medium Heavy Very heavy

With "kV" in the term "mm/kV" the rated voltage U r (phase value) in accordance with IEC 60694 is meant. The minimum nominal creepage distance of an insulator is determined by the relation:

l t = a l f U r k D , where
lt a lf minimum nominal creepage distance (mm); application factor related to the type of insulation considered (see Table 4-6); minimum nominal specific creepage distance according to Table 4-5 (mm/kV);

U r rated voltage (kV); k D correction factor for diameter. average diameter D m < 300 mm: 300 D m 500 mm: D m > 500 mm: k D = 1,0 k D = 1,1 k D = 1,2

For more information regarding D m see IEC 60815.

Table 4-6 - Application factors for creepage distance
Application to insulation Between phase and earth Between phases Across open contacts of a circuitbreaker Application factor a 1,0 3 1,0

NOTE 1 Circuit-breakers that may be exposed to out-of-phase conditions may need a somewhat longer creepage distance across the open contacts. An application factor a = 1,15 has been suggested for such applications. NOTE 2 Non-vertical insulators liable to be covered with melting snow may require a longer creepage distance.

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Due to the fact that a nominal creepage distance is given, a tolerance on the creepage distance is allowed, being {(0,025 x d) + 6} mm, with d equal to the nominal creepage distance (in mm). This factor is roughly calculated 3 %. 4.9.4 Other viewpoints regarding creepage

The ANSI/IEEE requirements regarding creepage distances are stated in ANSI C37.06 table 6 and are as follows:
Table 4-7 - Creepage distances according to ANSI/IEEE
Rated Voltage (kV) 72,5 121 145 169 242 362 550 800 Minimum creepage distance (inch) 42 70 84 93 140 209 318 442 (m) 1,067 1,778 2,124 2,489 3,556 5.309 8,077 11,227

When specifying a creepage distance/kV, the USA and some countries in Latin America often refer to the phase-to-earth voltage instead of the phase-to-phase voltage. Australian surveys have confirmed that the shape of the insulator is an important factor and this has resulted in a formula for the calculation of the "Insulator Pollution Performance Number P". The formula contains all parameters as mentioned in section 4.9.3. The fact, that the flashover distance (string distance between live part and earth) is the dominating parameter is not entirely unexpected. 4.10 Clearances in air IEC 60071-1 states values for the phase-to-earth and phase-to-phase air clearances for the voltage ranges I and II. The tables given below state the minimum clearances in air that ensure the specific withstand level for different electrode configurations. The tables are suitable for general application. Table 4-8 correlates the minimum air clearance for unfavorable configurations with the standard lightning impulse withstand voltage. They are applicable for phase-to-earth as well as clearances between phases.

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Table 4-8 - Correlation between standard lightning impulse withstand voltages phase-toearth and phase-to-phase and minimum air clearances
Standard lightning impulse withstand voltage (kV) 325 450 550 650 750 850 950 1050 1175 1300 1425 1550 1675 1800 1950 2100 Minimum clearance in air (mm) 630 900 1100 1300 1500 1700 1900 2100 2350 2600 2850 3100 3350 3600 3900 4200

Table 4-9 correlates the minimum air clearances for electrode configurations of the "conductor-structure" configuration and the "rod-structure" configuration with the standard switching impulse voltage phase-to-earth. The "rod-structure" configuration is the worst electrode configuration that can be encountered in practice. The "conductor-structure" configuration covers a large range of normally used configurations.
Table 4-9 - Correlation between standard switching impulse withstand voltages phase-toearth and minimum air clearance
Standard switching impulse withstand voltage (kV) Minimum phase-to-earth clearance

Conductor-structure (m) 750 850 950 1050 1175 1300 1425 1550 1,6 1,8 2,2 2,6 3,1 3,6 4,2 4,9

Rod-structure (m) 1,9 2,4 2,9 3,4 4,1 4,8 5,6 6,4

Table 4-10 correlates the minimum air clearances for electrode configurations of the "conductor-structure" configuration and the "rod-structure" configuration with standard switching impulse withstand voltage phase-to-phase. The unsymmetrical "rod-structure" configuration is the worst electrode configuration that can be encountered in service. The "conductor-structure" configuration covers all symmetrical configurations with similar electrode shapes on the two phases.

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4-19

Table 4-10 - Correlation between switching impulse withstand voltages and minimum phaseto-phase clearances
Standard switching impulse withstand voltage Phase-to-earth Ratio of the phaseto-phase to the phase-to-earth value 1,5 1,5 1,6 1,5 1,7 1,5 1,6 1,5 1,7 1,7 1,6 Phase-to-phase Minimum phase-to-phase air clearance Conductorstructure rod-structure

750 850 850 950 950 1050 1050 1175 1300 1425 1550

1125 1275 1360 1425 1615 1575 1680 1763 2210 2423 2480

2,3 2,6 2,9 3,1 3,7 3,6 3,9 4,2 6,1 7,2 7,6

2,6 3,1 3,4 3,6 4,3 4,2 4,6 5,0 7,4 9,0 9,4

The air clearances applicable in service are determined using the following rules: Range I: The air clearance phase-to-earth and phase-to-phase is determined from Table 4-8 for the rated lightning impulse withstand voltage. The standard short duration power frequency withstand voltage can be disregarded when the ratio of the standard lightning impulse to the standard short duration power frequency is higher than 1,7. Range II: The phase-to-earth clearance is the higher value of the clearances determined from Table 4-8 for the standard lightning impulse and from Table 4-9 for the standard switching impulse withstand voltages. The phase-to-phase clearance is the higher value of the clearances determined from Table 4-8 for the standard lightning impulse and from Table 4-10 for the standard switching impulse.

2000-03-24