Survey of Creepage Distances and Clearances in HVDC Converter Stations

In comparison with the long term experience on clearances and creepage distances of power frequency voltages, experiences with direct current voltage have been relatively short and limited. This paper which is sponsored by the IEEE Working Group 79.5 Clearances and Creepage Distances in HVdc Converter Stations, describes the result of a survey among various electrical utilities around the world based on their design and/or operating experience of high voltage direct current (HVdc) converter stations. It is intended as a practical reference and guideline to be used by electrical utility engineers, operating and maintenance personnel, as well as HVdc equipment manufacturers. The survey includes environmental conditions, creepage distances, clearances, maintenance and operating experience for each converter station, followed by an analysis for each category.