Multistress Ageing Studies on Polymeric Housed Surge Arresters

Metal oxide surge arresters (MOSA) are extensively used for protection of electrical equipment against surges. The surge arrester blocks are generally housed inside ceramic housing; however, recently polymeric housing is being extensively used due to their multiple advantages. It is reported that environmental stresses normally cause ageing and degradation of the polymeric housing which may lead to failures. Thus, a study on the effects of ageing on polymeric housed metal oxide surge arresters is presently envisaged. Exhaustive experimental investigations are in progress on a 9kV polymeric housed MOSA samples obtained from various manufacturers in the country. The samples are subjected to various multiple cyclic stresses like voltage, humidity, temperature and UV for nearly 1000 hrs simulating field conditions. Analysis of leakage current behaviour and material surface characterization would be undertaken to estimate the degradation on the polymeric housing surface.