Impact Of Improper Insulator Skirt Structure On Operational Safety

The shape and size of the umbrella skirt of the suspension composite insulator model have a direct impact on its performance. Improper umbrella skirt structure may lead to increased leakage current and accumulation of surface contaminants. During long-term operation, the electrical performance of composite suspension insulator will be limited, which may lead to partial discharge. If the bending angle, spacing, and length of the polymer suspension insulator umbrella skirt are not designed properly, rainwater retention points can easily form, affecting the insulation strength.

In high humidity or polluted environments, the radial expansion of the suspension type insulator surface is insufficient, preventing rainwater from flowing smoothly and causing conductive paths to form on the surface. Insufficient number of umbrella skirts or an inappropriate height for the load conditions will reduce the creepage distance of the composite tension insulator circuit and decrease its insulation performance. The surface material of high voltage transmission line insulators is highly sensitive to pollution, and improper umbrella skirt design will accelerate material aging and shorten its service life.

Detailed Risks of Structural Defects

• Surface Discharge Risk: An unreasonable insulator skirt curve design leads to uneven surface electric field distribution, forming concentrated voltage areas at the tips. Excessively high local electric fields may trigger surface flashover, threatening equipment operation.

• Mechanical Stress Impact: Insufficient skirt length or unstable support, and uneven load distribution. Under wind or snow loads, insulators are prone to bending or cracking. Reduced mechanical strength further affects insulation performance.

• Poor environmental adaptability: In heavily polluted areas, small shed spacing or insufficient anti-pollution capability can cause insulators to easily form contamination channels. Long-term accumulation increases the conductivity of the insulator, leading to flashover or even tripping events.