Insulation life as a function of several variables

Large gaps exist in our present knowledge of the conditions which influence the operating life of insulations. Further work should be done to determine the following: (a) decrease in life with respect to voltage; (b) decrease in breakdown voltage as a function of temperature; (c) reduction in life caused by mechanical stress (vibration, shock, etc.); (d) the effect of temperature on item (c); (e) reduction in life as a function of humidity; (f) the effect of temperature on item (e); (g) reduction in life as a function of radiation; and (h) the effect of temperature on item (g). Once this data is available, realistic test codes can be written and accurate insulation life prediction will be possible.