Test Research on Operation Life of Silicone Rubber Composite Insulators

In this paper, the operation life, electrical and mechanical characters of operation aging silicone rubber composite insulators as well as aging phenomena of these composite insulators caused by natural multi-factors were researched and analyzed based on surface physical characters examination of the silicone rubber composite insulators including electronic-microscope and scan electronic-microscope inspection, etc., and electrical insulation tests including power frequency voltage test, impulse voltage test, etc,. According to these results of research and analysis, the residual safe operation life of these composite insulators may be evaluated in this paper. Comparing with 20 years theoretical operating life of silicone rubber composite insulators, these test specimens of insulators shew us that their operation life did not exceed 10 years, that is, the early aging phenomena of these specimens was caused by multi-factors such as mineral filler, pollution, ultraviolet radiation. All the silicone rubber composite insulators which were produced in the corresponding period should be replaced as soon as possible.