High-voltage testing equipments

The chief objects of the paper are to describe the state of the art of high-voltage generation, to assist intending purchasers of high-voltage testing equipments in deciding upon the best type of apparatus to install and in specifying the most suitable technical characteristics, and to help owners and operators of existing equipments to appreciate the possibilities and limitations of their apparatus and thereby make full and efficient use of it. The purposes for which high-voltage apparatus is required having been classified, the various forms of high-voltage energy, viz. low frequency, high frequency, surge or impulse, and constant direct current are described. The principal components of a high-voltage testing equipment are considered in detail, especially with regard to the various purposes for which testing equipments may be required. This detalled analysis includes guides and recommendations regarding the choice of the most suitable apparatus to meet any specified conditions. In the following sections these suggestions are illustrated by descriptions of complete standard testing equipments for various purposes. Finally the design and lay-out of large and comprehensive high-voltage laboratories are discussed with the help of illustrations of existing modern equipments.