AS IEC 60060.1:2018 High-voltage test techniques
4.2 Arrangement of the test object in dry tests
The disruptive-discharge characteristics of a test object with external insulation may be affected by its general arrangement (for example, proximity effects such as distance in air from other live or earthed structures, height above ground level and the arrangement of its high-voltage lead). The general arrangement should be specified by the relevant Technical Committee.
NOTE 1 A clearance to extraneous structures not less than 1 ,5 times the length of the shortest possible discharge path on the test object usually makes such proximity effects negligible. In wet or pollution tests, or wherever the voltage distribution along the test object and the electric field around its energized electrode are sufficiently independent of external influences, smaller clearances may be acceptable, provided that discharges do not occur to extraneous structures.
NOTE 2 In the case of a.c. or positive switching-impulse voltage tests above 750 kV (peak) the influence of an extraneous structure may be considered as negligible if its distance from the energized electrode is also not less than the height of this electrode above the ground plane. A guide for recommended minimum clearance is given in Figure 1 , as a function of the highest test voltage. Significant shorter clearances may be suitable in individual cases. However, an experimental adaptation or a field calculation, taking into account a voltage dependent maximum field strength as described in the literature [1 , 2] 1 , is recommended.
4.3.2 Atmospheric correction factors for air gaps
The disruptive discharge of external insulation depends upon the atmospheric conditions. Usually, the disruptive-discharge voltage for a given path in air is increased by an increase in either air density or humidity. However, when the relative humidity exceeds about 80 %, the disruptive-discharge voltage becomes irregular, especially when the disruptive discharge occurs over an insulating surface.
4.3.3.2 Converse procedure
Conversely, where a test voltage is specified for standard reference conditions, it shall be converted into the equivalent value under the test conditions and this may require an iterative procedure.