UNIT 2 : BREAKDOWN IN

GASES , SOLIDS,LIQUIDS AND

VACUUM DIELECTRICS
2.1 INTRODUCTION
In electrical equipment , materials
are used as dielectrics , insulators

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 1
Anna University
and coolants. In this unit we
shall discuss about the
breakdown phenomena in
different kinds of dielectric
materials. Before taking up the
breakdown phenomena, let us see
the major difference between
a dielectric material

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 2
Anna University
and an insulating material.
2.1.1 Difference between
dielectrics and insulators:
Dielectric materials can store
electrostatic energy by means of
polarization taking place in them
and also offer better insulation.
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 3
Anna University
Almost all dielectrics are good
insulators but all insulators are
not good dielectrics.

Insulating materials offer good

insulation but cannot store
electrical energy.

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 4
Anna University
2.1.2 Ionization mechanism:
Depending upon the nature of the
dielectric materials (whether polar
or non-polar ) the polarization
mechanisms are classified as : i)
Electronic polarization ii) Ionic
polarization and iii) Orientational

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 5
Anna University
polarization.
Higher the quantum of polarization,
the capacitance and hence the
dielectric constant of the dielectric
material increase enabling more
electrostatic energy storing
2
capacity ( ½ CV ).

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 6
Anna University
2.1.3 Dielectric parameters :
Dielectric materials are
characterized by the following
parameters:
(i)Relative permittivity ( Dielectric
constant )
(ii)Dielectric strength ( Breakdown

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 7
Anna University
strength )
(iii)Dielectric loss ( Loss factor /
Dissipation factor )
A good dielectric material should
have higher dielectric strength ,
higher dielectric constant and lower
dielectric loss.

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 8
Anna University
 2.2 BREAKDOWN IN GASES

Air is used mostly as insulating

medium and gases such as Nitrogen
( N2) , Carbon dioxide (CO2) , Freon (
CCl2 F2) and Sulferhexafluoride ( SF6 )
are used to a lesser extent in
electrical apparatus.

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 9
Anna University
2.2.1 Collision mechanism:
Gaseous dielectrics follow
Newton's laws of motion.When
they are subjected to electric
stress , the collision processes
between the atoms and the
molecules start.

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 10
Anna University
The collisions may be elastic or
inelastic . During elastic collision
the colliding particle returns with
same energy after collision .
Whereas in the inelastic collision the
colliding particle returns with lesser
energy after collision giving part of
its energy

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 11
Anna University
to the collided particle. Inelastic
collision results in excitation and
ionization of the molecules as
shown in the figure next slide.
MEAN FREE PATH OF GAS MOLICULES :

Mean free of gas molecules is

defined as the average distance
traveled between each collision.

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 12
Anna University
 COLLISION

COLLISION PROCESS

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 13
Anna University
COLLISION OF GAS MOLICULES
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 14
Anna University
Assuming “ N “ as the number of
molecules per unit volume , “ D “
as the diameter of each
molecule and “ v “as the velocity of
the particle ,
The volume of collision per sec,
2
=πD v

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 15
Anna University
The total number of molecules in
the volume = πD vN 2
The distance traveled per sec = v
Hence, the mean free path of gas
2
molecules = v/ πD vN = 1/πD N 2
The mean free path is inversely
proportional to the no. molecules.

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 16
Anna University
2.2.2 Ionization of molecules :
During ionization process , a free
electron collides with a neutral gas
molecule and gives rise to new
electrons and positive ions. These
new electrons further collide with
molecules leading to ionization.

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 17
Anna University
EXPERIMENTAL SET UP CURRENT GROWTH CURVE

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 18
Anna University
2.2.2.1 Townsend’s primary
ionization:

ELECTRODES CONFIGURATION
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 19
Anna University
Let ‘α’ be the Townsend’s first
ionization coefficient and is equal
to the number of electrons created
per electron per unit distance
and n0 the initial number of
electrons near the cathode.

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 20
Anna University
Assuming ‘n ‘ as the number of
electrons at distance ‘x’ from the
cathode ,
the number of new electrons
created ‘dn’ in a slab of thickness
‘dx’ , dn = n dx α :
i.e., dn/n = α dx

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 21
Anna University
Integrating the above , we get log
N/n0 = α d
N = n0 exp αd
As‘I’is proportional to the no. of
electrons , ’N’, we can write ,
I = I0exp αd: i.e., logI = logI0+ αd
which is the equation of a straight
line with slope ‘ά’.
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 22
Anna University
The growth of current is shown
in the curve below:

LOG ‘I’ (VS) ‘d’ PLOT

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 23
Anna University
Alpha‘α’ is a function of ‘ E/p’ and
the dependence of (α/p) on ‘E/p’ is
given by, α/p = A exp (-Bp/E)

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 24
Anna University
The table below shows the values of
constants A&B , the ionization
potential Vi and E/p for gases:

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 25
Anna University
2.2.2.2 Secondary ionization
processes:
Once Townsend’s primary ionization
is initiated secondary ionization
processes follow resulting in the
final breakdown of gases. These
processes are :

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 26
Anna University
i)IONIZATION DUE TO POSITIVE IONS

ii)PHOTO IONIZATION

iii)LIBERATION OF ELECTRONS FROM

CATHODE DUE TO POSITIVE IONS
BOMBARDMENT

iv)PHOTONS HITTING THE CATHODE

SURFACE

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 27
Anna University
v)ATTACHMENT PROCESS IN
ELECTRO-NEGATIVE GASES

EFFECT OF POSITIVE IONS

HITTING THE CATHODE
Of all the processes the liberation
of electrons due to positive ions
bombardment is very high and

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 28
Anna University
the breakdown ultimately takes
place due to avalanche of electrons
due to this process.
Let ۷i be the number of electrons
released from the cathode per
positive ion impinging on it,
and ‘no’ be the initial number of
electrons at the cathode surface ,
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 29
Anna University
‘no’ be the number of electrons at
the cathode surface just before the
breakdown and
‘n ‘ be the total number of electrons
at breakdown. The number of
electrons created in the gas just
before the instant of breakdown =
n-no’
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 30
Anna University
and no’ = n0 + ( n- no’) ۷i
i.e., no’ = no + ۷i n / ( 1 + ۷i )

The avalanche of electrons due to

no’ is given by n = no’exp ‘αd’
Substituting for n0’ and solving the
above equation we get,
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 31
Anna University
n= no exp αd / 1- ۷i (exp αd-1)
= no exp αd / ( 1- ۷i exp αd )
ie., I = Io exp αd / ( 1- ۷i exp αd )
The above expression shows that
both n0 (initial electrons) and ά
(Townsend’s ionization coefficient)
should exist to initiate the
ionization process.
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 32
Anna University
 ATTACHMENT PROCESS
In Attachment Process free
electrons get attached to neutral
atoms or molecules to form
negative ions. This results in
removal of electrons which
otherwise would have led to

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 33
Anna University
led to current growth resulting in
breakdown at a lower voltage.
There are three types of
attachment processes namely :

Direct attachment --- (

AB + e→ AB ) -
Dissociation attachment --- (
AB + e → A + B )
-
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 34
Anna University
Dissociation into ions --- (AB +
e→A + B +e)
+ -

The growth of current due to

various ionization processes (
either alone or in combination )
are shown in the next slide.

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 35
Anna University
LOG ‘I’ (VS) ‘d’ PLOT

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 36
Anna University
TOWNSEND’S DISCHARGE AND
CRITERION FOR BREAKDOWN
Referring to the growth of current
due to positive ion bombardment on
cathode , we can see that the current
growth is beyond control and
breakdown occurs when

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 37
Anna University
( 1 – ۷ exp αd ) = 0
ie., the criteria for sparking
potential is ۷ exp αd = 1

When ۷ exp αd < 1 , the

discharge is non-self sustained (i.
e., when the voltage is reduced the
current starts decreasing ).
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 38
Anna University
When ۷ exp αd > 1 , the discharge is a
self sustained one ( i.e., even if the
votage is reduced the current does not
decrease and maintains itself).
The non-self sustained discharge is
known as Townsend’s Discharge and is
shown in the next slide.

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 39
Anna University
CURRENT GROWTH DUE TO TOWNSEND’S
DISCHARGE

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 40
Anna University
2.2.2.3 Streamer theory or Meek
theory of breakdown :
In uniform fields under very low
pressures the discharge takes place
based on to series of avalanches
due to Townsend’s mechanism.
Hence, the time taken for ultimate
breakdown is
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 41
Anna University
more than -8
10 sec.

But in non uniform fields under high

pressures the discharge takes
place quickly (in less than 10 -8
second )and is explained by
Streamer theory of breakdown.

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 42
Anna University
 ANODE

CATHODE
STREAMER BREAKDOWN

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 43
Anna University
Townsend’s discharge generally
occurs for ‘ pd ‘ values lesser than
1000 mm Hg –cm in uniform fields.
Streamer breakdown generally takes
place for ‘ pd ‘ values more than
1000 mm Hg-cm in non-uniform
fields.

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 44
Anna University
2.2.2.4 Paschen’s Law :
The fact that the sparking potential is
a function of the product of both
pressure and distance (pd) and is
neither dependant on pressure alone
nor distance alone is known as
Paschen’s Law.

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 45
Anna University
The critical condition for breakdown,
۷ exp αd = 1 : i.e.,log 1/۷ = αd
Since α = Ap exp (- Bp/E)
log 1/۷ = Apd exp (-Bpd/Vs )
( 1/ Apd ) log 1/۷ = exp (-Bpd/Vs )
Vs = (- Bpd ) / log ( log 1/۷ / Apd )
= Bpd / log ( Apd / log 1/۷ )

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 46
Anna University
i.e., Vs = f(pd)
The above equation shows that the
sparking potential (Vs) is a function of
(pd). The variation of Sparking
Potential with pd values is shown in
the next slide.

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 47
Anna University
SPARKING POTENTIAL (VS ) ‘ pd ‘ VALUES
(PACHEN’S LAW )

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 48
Anna University
2.2.2.5 Time lag in breakdown :

The time lag in breakdown is defined

as the time taken from the instant
of application of the voltage sufficient
to cause breakdown and the
occurrence of breakdown. This time
lag ‘t’

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 49
Anna University
consists of statistical time lag ‘ts’
and formative time lag ‘ tf’ : The
statistical time lag is the time
taken to find electrons near the
cathode surface to start the
ionization process. The formative
time lag is the time taken to
complete the ionization process

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 50
Anna University
and produce avalanche causing
final breakdown .
VOLTAGE - TIME ( V-T)
CHARACTERISTICS
Voltage–Time characteristics
relates the breakdown voltage (
kV ) and time to breakdown (
µs ) as shown in the next slide.
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 51
Anna University
VOLTAGE-TIME (V-T) CHARACTERISTICS

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 52
Anna University
PROTECTION AGAINST LIGHTNING BASED ON
VOLTAGE - TIME CHARACTERISTICS

V-T CURVES OF PROTECTIVE DEVICES AND

TRANSFORMER
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 53
Anna University
 2.3 BREAKDOWN IN SOLID
DIELECTRICS
2.3.1 Introduction :
The factors influencing the
breakdown strength of solid
dielectrics are :

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 54
Anna University
Thickness and homogeneity
Frequency and waveform of
the voltage applied
Presence of cavities and
moisture
Ambient medium

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 55
Anna University
 Mechanical forces
 Nature of field
A good dielectric should have
the following properties:
i)Low dielectric loss
ii)High mechanical strength
iii)Free from gaseous inclusions
and moisture
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 56
Anna University
iv)Resistant to thermal and
chemical deterioration
Solid dielectrics have higher
dielectric strength and dielectric
constant compared to liquids and
gases.
2.3.2 Breakdown mechanisms in
solid dielectrics :
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 57
Anna University
The various breakdown
mechanisms in solids can be
classified as :
i)Intrinsic breakdown / electronic
breakdown

ii)Electromechanical breakdown

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 58
Anna University
iii)Streamer breakdown
iv)Thermal breakdown
v)Electrochemical breakdown
vi) Breakdown due to voids /
partial discharges

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 59
Anna University
BREAKDOWN STRENGTH ( VS ) LOG TIME

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 60
Anna University
 i)INTRINSIC BREAKDOWN
In a pure and homogeneous
dielectric under controlled
temperature and environmental
conditions we get a very high
dielectric (breakdown) strength.
This is known as the intrinsic

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 61
Anna University
dielectric strength which depends
mainly on the characteristics and
structure of the material. The
dielectric strength obtained under
such conditions is around MV/cm
which is generally not obtained in
practical conditions.

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 62
Anna University
ii)ELECTROMECHANICAL
BREAKDOWN
When a dielectric material is
subjected to an electric field
charges of opposite nature are
induced on two opposite surfaces
of the material and

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 63
Anna University
Hence a force of attraction is
developed and the material is
compressed.
When these electrostatic
compressive forces exceed the
mechanical withstand strength of
the material the material collapse.

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 64
Anna University
Normally these kinds of breakdown
take place in soft materials where
ionic polarization is predominant.

Let the initial thickness of the

material = d0 , and thickness after
compression = d
Then the compressive stress ‘F’ ,
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 65
Anna University
developed due to an applied voltage
2
‘V’ , F= ½ ε0 εr V / d 2

For an Young’s modulus ‘ Y’ the

mechanical compressive strength is
= Y log d0 / d
Equating the above two equations
and assuming d = 0.6 d0 , we get
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 66
Anna University
the highest breakdown strength as,
E = V / d0 = 0.6 ( V / ε0 εr ) ½

iii) BREAKDOWN DUE TO

TREEING AND RACKING
We know that the strength of a
chain is given by the weakest link in
the chain. Similarly , whenever
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 67
Anna University
the solid material has some
impurities like gas pockets in it , the
dielectric strength of the solid is
reduced to that of the weakest
impurity.
The charge concentration in such
voids is found to be quite large to

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 68
Anna University
produce a field of 10 MV / cm
which is higher than even the
intrinsic breakdown.
The breakdown is not caused by a
single discharge channel and
assumes a tree like structure.

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 69
Anna University
Referring to the figure 1, the stress in
the dielectric=V / d,which is very less
than the breakdown strength .
In figure 2 , the stress in the air gap is
given by, ( V/d ) ( εr / ε0 ) , which is
much higher than the stress in the
solid dielectric . Hence the

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 70
Anna University
 (A) (B)
ARRANGEMENT FOR TREEING PHENOMENA

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 71
Anna University
breakdown is initiated in the air gap
and slowly leads to breakdown in
the entire dielectric. The discharge
assumes a tree like structure as
shown in the next figure.
iv) THERMAL BREAKDOWN
When electric field is applied to a

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 72
Anna University
solid specimen heat is produced
due to dielectric losses in the
specimen.
The losses are due to :
Ohmic losses
Dipole oscillations
Partial discharges due to voids
Due to losses, heat is generated

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 73
Anna University
BREAKDOWN DUE TO TRACKING
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 74
Anna University
in the specimen and the same is
dissipated due to conduction and
radiation.
In practice the solid dielectric is
heterogeneous and different
domains attain different
temperatures due to remaining

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 75
Anna University
(A) (B)
THERMAL BREAKDOWN

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 76
Anna University
heat. The temperature in a given
domain reaches a very high value
and burns the material resulting in
carbonization and increase of
conductivity. This increases the
losses and hence the heat
developed

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 77
Anna University
resulting in further burning
and increase of conductivity.
This process continues
leading to thermal
breakdown as shown in the
previous figure.

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 78
Anna University
 v ) ELECTROCHEMICAL
BREAKDOWN
In the presence of air and other
gases some dielectric materials
undergo chemical changes when
subjected to continuous electric
stresses. Some of the important
chemical reactions are :

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 79
Anna University
Oxidation, hydrolysis and
chemical actions.The above
chemical actions result in surface
cracks, reduction of electrical and
mechanical strength and
reduction of electrical and
mechanical properties. The life

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 80
Anna University
of the specimen considerably
reduces.

vi) DISCHARGE / VOID

BREAKDOWN:
Due to presence of void /gas in
the solid dielectric , the discharge in
the void is initiated at much lower
stress in the solid dielectric
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 81
Anna University
as the dielectric constant of void is
very less. The following figure
shows the equivalent circuit of
dielectric with void.
C1 - Capacitance of void in column
‘A’
C2--- Capacitance of dielectric but for
the void in column ‘A’
C3--- Capacitance of the dielectric
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 82
Anna University
REPRESENTATION OF VOID IN A SOLID DIELECTRIC

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 83
Anna University
in column ‘B’
The voltage across the void , V1 , for
an applied voltage ‘V’ is ,
V1 = V ( C2 / C1 + C2 )
i.e., V = V1 ( C1 + C2 ) / C2
= Eg d1 ( 1 + C1/C2)
Substituting for C1= Aε0 / d1 and
C2 = Aε0 εr / (d – d1) ,we get ,
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 84
Anna University
V = Eg d1 ((1 - (d – d1) / d1εr)) Since
d1 << d,

V = Eg d1(1/εr) d/d1 = V1 ( d / εr d1 )
The input voltage applied just
sufficient to cause discharge in the
void is known as Discharge Inception
voltage.
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 85
Anna University
CAVITY BREAKDOWN UNDER ALTERNATING VOLTAGES

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 86
Anna University
 2.4 BREAKDOWN IN LIQUID
DIELECTRICS
2.4.0 Introduction:
Liquid dielectrics are used both as
dielectrics and coolants to
dissipate heat. They can easily fill
up the gaps in the volume of

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 87
Anna University
insulation and are also used for
impregnation of solid dielectrics.
Liquid dielectrics are classified as:
Transformer oil (Mineral oil )
Synthetic hydrocarbons
Chlorinated hydrocarbons
Silicone oil
Esters

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 88
Anna University
2.4.1 Breakdown mechanisms in
liquids:
i) Electronic breakdown in pure
liquids
ii) Suspended particle mechanism
iii)Bubble mechanism
Of the three above,the (ii) and (iii)

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 89
Anna University
mechanisms take place in
commercial liquid insulants.
i)ELECTRONIC BREAKDOWN
In pure liquids breakdown takes
place due to electron avalanche and
is considered to be electronic in
nature.The breakdown strength

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 90
Anna University
is very high of the order of 100
kV/ cm.
ii) SUSPENDED PARTICLE
MECHANISM
Due to conducting particles
between electrodes there is a rise
in the field enhancement. When
the field exceeds the

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 91
Anna University
breakdown strength of the liquid
local breakdown will occur leading
to formation of gas bubbles
resulting in breakdown.
iii) BUBBLE THEORY
The bubbles formed in the liquid
dielectrics due to various reasons
will elongate in the

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 92
Anna University
direction of the electric field under
the influence of the electrostatic
forces.The volume of the bubble
remains constant during
elongation.
Breakdown occurs when the
voltage drop along the length of
the bubble becomes equal to the

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 93
Anna University
minimum value on the Pachen’s
curve. The breakdown process is
shown in the figure next page.
2.5 BREAKDOWN IN VACUUM
The breakdown in vacuum mainly
takes place due to :
i) Field emission and
ii) Clump mechanism
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 94
Anna University
BUBBLE BREAKDOWN IN LIQUID

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 95
Anna University
i) FIELD EMISSION:
This theory postulates that
electrons produced at small micro
projections on the cathode due to
field emission bombard the anode
causing a local rise in temperature
and release gases and vapors

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 96
Anna University
into the vacuum. These electrons
ionize the gas and produce positive
ions.These positive ions produce
secondary electrons and also
bombard the cathode surface
producing more electrons causing
breakdown.

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 97
Anna University
ANODE HEATING MECHANISM OF VACUUM BREAKDOWN

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 98
Anna University
ii) CLUMP MECHANISM
A loosely bound particle known as
‘clump’ exists on one of the
electrode surfaces. When a high
voltage is applied between the two
electrodes , this clump

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 99
Anna University
gets charged and gets detached
from the mother electrode and is
attracted by other electrode. The
breakdown occurs due to a
discharge in the vapor or gas
released by the impact to the
particle at the opposite electrode.

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 100

Anna University
BREAKDOWN DUE TO CLUMP MECHANISM

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 101

Anna University
2.6 NOMENCLATURES USED
WITH REGARD TO NATURE OF
FIELD AND TYPES OF
DISRUPTIVE DISCHARGES
NATURE OF FIELD:
Depending upon the type of
electrodes used we have

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 102

Anna University
i) uniform and ii) non-uniform field.
Uniform field:
When the field lines and
equipotential lines cut each other
they make curvilinear squares.
When these squares approach
exact squares we get

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 103

Anna University
uniform field.
Non-uniform field :
When the curvilinear squares seize
to be exact squares it becomes a
non-uniform field.
Depending upon the usage and
location of insulation and ability
to recover back its insulating
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 104
Anna University
 Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 105
UNIFORM FIELD
Anna University
 Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 106
NON UNIFORM FIELD
Anna University
property , insulation can be
classified as follows:
(I)External and internal insulation.
(II) Self-restoring and non-self
restoring insulation.
When the insulation is externally
provided it is called external

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 107

Anna University
insulation and when it is internal
inside the equipment it is
called internal insulation.
As examples, in a transformer the
winding insulation and the oil
medium inside are the internal
insulations,where as,the bushings

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 108

Anna University
outside on the top of the
transformer are the external
insulations.
Self restoring insulation can
recover back its insulating
property after a disruptive
discharge occurs.Ex., breakdown in
air or oil medium.

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 109

Anna University
Non-self restoring insulation
cannot recover back its insulating
property after a disruptive
discharge occurs and causes a
permanent damage.Ex. Breakdown
through a solid dielectric.

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 110

Anna University
Disruptive discharges occurring in
dielectrics can be classified as :
(i) Flashover ii)
Sparkover and
iii)Punture.
Disruptive discharge taking place
across a solid dielectric in air
medium is called flashover.

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 111

Anna University
Disruptive discharge taking place
through air or liquid medium
between electrodes is called
sparkover.
Disruptive discharge taking place
through a solid dielectric causing a
permanent damage is called
puncture.

Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, 112

Anna University