A Review on Characteristics and Assessment Techniques of High Voltage Silicone Rubber Insulator

The usage of polymeric insulators in transmission and distribution overhead lines for the last few decades has increased extensively. Silicone rubber (SiR) material is used enormously to make high voltage (HV) polymeric insulators. The SiR insulator provides insulation protection for overhead HV lines. The life span of the SiR insulators is shortened due to the aging effect. The progressive aging ultimately leads to the failure of the insulation system as well as the power supply. Therefore, a regular condition assessment of SiR insulators can help prevent the power system’s failures. A comprehensive study of the various types of aging processes of SiR insulators is reported in this article. Also, the comparative analysis of SiR insulators’ physical, chemical, and electrical properties under the influence of aging is reported here. The usefulness, limitation, and difficulties confronted in the existing methodologies are also reported in this article. This review article would be helpful to implement in future research for applying the HV overhead line insulator.