Field Behavior on Polymer-Covered Overhead Conductors Submitted to Natural Aging on Diverse Weather and Geographic Conditions in Brazil

This work presents the mechanical and electrical field behavior results of polymer-covered overhead conductors submitted to natural aging. Experimental spacer cable lines were exposed to distinct weather conditions and environmental stresses in Northern and Southern Brazil. The main goal of these experimental lines was the development of a field laboratory for long-term evaluation of electrical equipment used in spacer cable lines submitted to natural aging and under normal operational conditions. Polymer-covered overhead conductors were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, surface resistivity measurements, dielectric strength, tracking resistance and abrasion resistance tests. It was observed that environmental stresses such as sunlight radiation, relative humidity and other variables have strong influence upon long-term performance on polymer-covered overhead conductors.