Effects of air pressure on the characteristics of AC and DC arcs on an ice surface

Using a triangular ice sample, AC and DC arc characteristic parameters including the constants A and n, as well as the electrode voltage drop V_e were determined under various air pressures between 45 kPa and 101 kPa. The results obtained proved that the air pressure has a substantial influence on the arc constant A and the electrode voltage drop V_e. The observed decrease in the critical flashover voltage of ice-covered insulators V_c with decrease in air pressure may be explained by changing the V-I arc characteristics under these conditions.