Analytical assessment of industrial contamination level on outdoor high voltage insulators at western region of Peninsular Malaysia

Salt is the main pollutant in the areas, which are very close to the sea, whereas in areas of industrial pollution the pollutants are coals, cement dust, chemical fumes and soot. This pollution, when moistened by light rain, mist or fog, produces an electrolyte on the surface of the insulators, which may reduce the breakdown voltage of the insulator. Eventually flashover will take over. The insulation level of power lines in pollution mainly depends on operating experience, the kinds of pollutant substance, pollution severity and weather conditions. In an environment where pollution conditions are severe, and maintenance-free insulation design policy cannot always be adopted due to practical and economic constraints, there is a need to determine the best compromise between the design insulation level and frequency of maintenance.