Nea Nay, “y ANSI C29.1-1988 (R2002) American National Standard Test Methods for Electrical Power Insulators Secretariat National Electrical Manufacturers Association ‘Approved as an American National Standards Institute, Inc.NOTICE AND DISCLAIMER ‘The information inthis publication was considered technically sound by the consensus of persons engaged in the development and approval of the document at the time it was developed, Consensus does not necessarily mean that there is unanimous agreement among every person participating in the development ofthis document ‘The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) standards and guideline publications, ‘of which the document contained herein is one, are developed through a voluntary consensus standards development process. This process brings together volunteers andlor seeks out the views of persons who have an interest in the topic covered by this publication. 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Any certification or other statement of compliance with any health or Salety-related information in this document shall not be altributable to NEMA and is solely the responsibility of the certifier or maker of the statement.epreduced By GLOBAL ia, Baad By Sheen Unde a ‘American National Senn ee for electrical power insulators — test methods le See eC ee ae aANSI® ¢29,1-1988 Revision of Awst c20.1.1082 American National Standard for Electrical Power Insulators -— Test Methods Secrotarlat National Electrical Manufacturers Association Approved August 23, 1988 American National Standards Institute, IncJaan APmora of an American Nationel Standart cequies verification by ANSI thatthe ce American qifcmone tor due proces conserve and oer ea oe appro av been et by National thestandard developer Consent i exalshed when, In tha udomsnt ofthe ANI Board of Standards Ren, Standard substantial agreement has been reached by directly and materially affected interests, Sub- Stanial gro ineans ch ners tha simple maori, but not ese et. iy, Consnaisrequtes that al view nd objectors be considered, and that a conerted + effort be made toad hte soliton, ‘The uso of American National Standards is completely voluntary: their existonce does not {in any respect preclude anyone, wheiher he has approved the standards or not, from man- ‘ufactuting, marketing, purchasing, or using products, processes, or procedures not con- forming to the standards, ‘The American National Standards Institute doos not develop standards and will in ro. ‘cumstances give an interpretation of any American National Standard. Moreover, no pet- son shall have the right or authority to issue an interpretation of an American National Standard in the name of the Amefican National Standerds Institute, Requests for inter- ‘peetations should be addressed to the secretariat or sponsor whose name appears on the title page ofthis standard CAUTION NOTICE: This American National Standard may be revised or withdrawn at any time, The procedures of the American National Standards Institute requite that action be taken perfalically to reaffirm, revise, or withdraw this standard. Purchastrs of American National Standards may receive current information on all standards by calling or waiting the American National Standards Institute Pui by American National Standards Institute 1430 Broadway, New York, New York 10018 Copyright © 1989 by American National Standards Institute, Ine llrightsreserved, ‘No pat of this publleation may be reproduced in any form, ‘man eleetzonie rettieval system or otherwise, without the prior watten permission ofthe publisher, Printed in the United States of America ancissp2Foreword (forword isnot pat of American Nation! Standard C29.11988) ‘This standard comprises a manual of procedures to be followed in making tests to deter. ‘mine the characteristics of insulators used on electric power systems, This standard it ‘ot an insulator specification, but rather a test methed to be used in conjunction with Insulator specifications. ‘American National Stendard C29.1-1988 isi revision of American National Standard Tost Methods for Electrical Power Insulators, ANSI C29.1-1972. The present revision ‘was prepared by Accredited Standards Committee on Insulators for Hectic Power Lines, (C29, which ifn charge of this work, Suggestions for improvement ofthis standard wil bo welcome, They should be seat to ‘The Manager of Engineesing National Electrical Manufacturers Association, 2101 L St, NW, Washington, DC 20037, attn: Secretary, ASC C29. ‘Thin standard was processed and approved for submittel to ANSI by Accredited Stan- dards Committee C29. Committee approval does not noctssarly imply that all coma tee mombors voted for its approval At the time it approved ths standard, the C29 Com- itt had the following members: J.L, Nicholls, Chairman C. White, Secretary Organization Represented Wome of Representatve ‘Assocation of Amarlean Rallroad + Reprsntaion Vee « Bonneville Power Adminlstation lectic Light and Power Group. Inutitute of Hlectial and Electronics Engineers [Natlonal Electrical Manufacturers Astocitioh Salisbury Co... Stone & Webste!Exgindering Corpor ‘US. Department of the Army (Lilsn, with Vote)Contents ssn Pace 1, Scope « 5 2. Definitions 5 2.1 Insulators and Pacts 5 2.2. Low-Frequency Voltages 5 23 Impulse Voltages . .. 6 24° Mechanical Strongth . 6 25 Miscellaneous é 3 Test-Specimen Mounting for Electrical Tests. 6 3.1 Suspension Insulators .. 6 3.2. Line Insulators (in, Post) . 1 33 Appa insltors (Cp and Pn Poe) « 7 34° Strain Insulators 7 3.5. Spool insulators 1 4, Hlectrleal Tests a 4.1 General... 8 42 Low-Froquenay Dry Flashover Voltage Tests 8 43° Low-Erequency Wet Flashover Voltage Tests - 9 44° Low-Frequoncy Dry Withstand Voltage Tests. oc 45. Low-Frequency Wet Withstand Voltage Tests - 10 48 Low Brequecey Dow Wtstand Vali Tost 10 4.7 Impulso Flashover Voltage Tests. . 10 48 Impulse Withstand Voltago Tests... 10 4.9 Radio-Iafluence Voltage Tests - .. u 4.10 Visual Corona Test . it 414 Puncture Teste. . : 2 $. Mechanical Tests... 2. eee ee - 2 5.1 Uitimate MechaniealStrength Tests. Tere a 5.2 Combined Mechanical gad Besical Seg Test Gospels) « aw 5.3 Time-Lond Withstand Strength Test Ds Pape 8 SA Porosity Test 2s 0. cee 3 5.5 Thermal Test 14 516 Piuholo-Gaging Test : 4 6. Galvanizing Test « 4 7. Routine Tests « 14 7.1 Electrical Tests « 4 72. Mechanical Tests... ah HE 14 8, Revision of American Natlonal Standerds Referced to in This Document 1s ‘Talo 1 Rate of Increase of Load 2 Figures Figure 1 Low-Frequency Humidity Correction Factors . 9 Figuce 2. Impulee Humidity Conection Factors. ..... btn 0 unAmerican National Standard for Electrical Power Insulators — Test Methods 1. Scope ‘This standard comprises a manual of test methods to be followed in making tests to determine the character- Istics of electrical power insulators, as defined herein. Individual tests shail be made only when specified. 2. Definitions NOTE: Definitions a pven herein apply specially to the subject treated inthis standard. For aditona! definitions see ‘Ameslean National Standacd Dictlonary of Electrical and Fee- ‘ones Terms, ANSY/IBEE 100-1988. 2.1 Insulators and Ps 2.11 Insulator. An insulator isa device intended to give flexible or rgid support to electsle conductors or equipment and to insulate these conductors or ‘equipment from ground or from other conductors or equipment. ‘An insulat6r comprises one or moro insulating parts to-which connecting devices (meta iting) are often permanently attsched, 2.1.2 Shell, A shell sa single insulating member, having a skit or skicts without coment or other con- necting devices, intended to form a part of an insulstor ‘oran insulator assembly, 2.1.3 Pin Tusulator. A pin insulator isan insulator having means for sigid mounting on a separable pin, 2.1.4 Post Insulator. A post insulstor isan insulator of gonerelly columnar shape, having means for direct and tigld mounting. 2.1.5 Cap and Pin Insulator. A cap and pia insulator san assembly of one or more shells with metallic cap and pin, having mean for dect and rigld mounting. 2.1.6 Line Insulator (Pin, Post). A line insulator Is an assembly of one of mace shells, having means for somizgidly supportiigline conductors. 2.1.7 Apparatus Insulator (Cap and Pin, Post), An apparatus insulator is an assembly of one or more apze- ratusinsulator units, having means for rigidly support- ing electric equipment. 2.7.1 Unit, An apparatus assembly of one or more shells with attached metal parts, the function of which isto support rigidly @ conductor, bus, o othge conducting elements on ¢ structure or base member. 2.1.7.2 Stack, An apparatus-insulator stock: rigid asembly of to or more apparatusinsulator units. 24.8 Suspension Insulator, A suspension insulator {sn insulator with attached metal parts having mears for nonrgidly supporting eleetie conductors. 2.1.8.1 Unt, A suspension insulator unt isan assembly ofa shell and hardware having means fr non- rip coupling to other units or terminal hardware, 2.1.82 String. A suspension-insuator sting is an assembly of two or more suspension insulators in tan- asin, ZA Stein Insulator, A strain insulator san insu- lator generally of dlongated shape, with two transerse holes or slots. 2.1.10 Spoot Insulator. A spool insulator isan insu lator of genecallycylindveal form having an axil mount. ing hole and a cireurnforental groove or grooves forthe attachmant of a conductor. 2.1.11 Wire Holder. A wire holder isan insulator of generally cylindrical or pear shape having ahole for securing the conduotor anda secew or bolt for mount- ing. 2.2 Low-Frequency Voltoges 221 Low Frequency. Low frequency, as wed in {his standard, means any frequency between 15 and 100 hertz : 22.2 Low-Frequency Flashover Voltage. A low- frequency flashover voltage of an insulator Is the sot- rmean-squate valuo of the low-frequancy voltage that, under specified conditions, causes a sustained disruptive discharge through the surrounding medium, 2.2.2.1 Dry flashover voltage tests are testes doseabed in 42. 2.2.2.2 Wot flahiover voltage tests ao tests as aes 43. 2.23 Low-Frequency Withstand Voltage. A low- frequency withstand voltage ofan insulator isthe caot- 5AMERICAN NATIONAL STANBARD €29.1-1988 mean-square value of the low-frequency voltage that, under specified conditions, can be applied without causing Bashover or puncture. 2.2.3.1 Dry withstand voltage tests are tests as described in 4.4. 2.2.3.2 Wet withstand voltoge tests are tests as described in 4.5. 2.2.3.3 Daw withstand voltage tests ae tests as deteibed in 46. 2.2.4 Low-Frequency Punctore Voltage, A low- feequency puncture voltage of an insulator i the root- ‘mean-square value ofthe low-frequency voltage that, under specified conditions, causes disruptive discharge through any part of the Insulator. Puncture tests are tests as described in 4.11, 23 Impulse Voltages 2.3.1 Impulse Wave, An impulse wave iss unidirec- tonal surge generated by the release of clectrical energy Into an impedance network. 2.3.2 Impulse Flashover Voltage. An impulse flash- over voltege of an insulator i the crest value of the Impulse wave that, under specified conditions, causes flashover through the surrounding medium, 2.3.3 Critical Impulse Flashover Voltage. The crite cal impulse flashover voltage of an insulator is the crest value of the ifnpulso wave that, under specified condi tons, causes flashovor through the surrounding medium ‘on $0%6 of the applications. Impulse flashover voltage tests are tests as described ind. 23.4 Impulse Withstand Voltage. The impulse with stand voltage of an insulator isthe crest value of an ap- plied impulso voltage that, under specified conditions, ‘does not cause a flashover, puncture, or disruptive dis- charge on the test specimen. Impulse withstand voltage tests are tests as described ina, = 2.4 Mechanical Strength 2.4.1 Untimate Mechanical Stiength, The ultimate rmechautcal steength of an inslator is the load at which any part of the insulator fails to perform Its function of providing a mechanical support without regard to slectricl failure. ‘Ultimate mochanical-strongth tests aro teste as seribed in 1 2.4.2 Combined Mechanical and Electrical Strength (Suspension Insulator). The combined mechanical and electcical strength of a suspension inslator is the me- canal load at whlch the insulator fails to perform its function either electrically of mechanically, when volt- age and mechanical stess are applied simultsneously. ‘Acomblned mechanical-and electlcal-strength test isa tost es described in 5. 2.43 Time-Load Withstond Strength. The time-load withstand strength of an insulator is the mechanical Toad that, under specified conditions, can be continu ously applied without mechanical or electrical failure. A timme-load withstand test isa test as describe in 53. 2.44 Mechanical-Impact Strength. The mechasical- impact strength of an insulator isthe impact which, ‘under specified conditions, the insulator ean withstand without damage. ‘A mechanicalimpact strengtt testi atest as d>» seribed in 5.1.2.2. 2.$ Miscellaneous 28.1 Test Specimen. A test specimen is an insilator ‘which is representative of the product being tested; it i s'specimen that is undamaged in any way which would influence the result ofthe test. 2.5.2, Leakage Distance, The leakage distance of an insulator isthe sum of the shortest distances measured along the insulating surfaces between the conduct ve ‘Parts as arranged for dry flashover test. (Surfaces ‘coated with semiconducting glaze shall be considered as effective loakage surfaces, and leakage distance over stich surfaces shall be includéd in the loskage distance.) 2.5.3. Dry-Arcing Distence. The dry-arcing distance of an insulator is the shortest distance through the sur- rounding medium between terminal electrodes, or the sum of the distances between intermediate efectrcdes, Whichever is the shorter, with the insulator mounled for dry flashover test. 2.S4 Radio-Influence Voltage. The radio-infuence voltage of an insulator isthe radiosfrequency voltage rmeasued under specified conditions. ‘Radio-influonce voltage tests aro tests as described ina, 3. Test-Specimen Mounting for Electrical Tests 3.1. Suspension Insulators 3.1.4 Mounting Arrangement, Unless otherwise spect- fed, the test specimen (unit or string) shall be suspended vertically atthe end of 2 srounded conductor so that the vertieal distance from the uppermost point of the insulator hardware to the supporting structure shell bo not less than 3 feet (914 mm). 3.1.2 Energized Electrode, The energized or battom clectrode or conductor shall bea straight, smooth rod ‘of tube having an outside dismeter not less than 3/4 inch (19 mm) nor more than 1-1/2 inches (38 mm). ft shall be coupled tothe lower Integral fitting of th> test specimen so that the dstance from the lowest edge of. tho insulator shell to the upper surface of the electrodeshall be between 0.5 and 0.7 of the diameter of the lowest insulator, The conductor shall be horizontal and at right angles to the axis of the test specimen. The con- ‘ductor shall be of ruck length that flashover will not be initiated at the electrode ends, 3.1.3 Proximity of Other Objects. No objects, other than parts of the test assembly, shal be nearer the test specimen or energized electrodes than 1-1/2 times the testspocimen dry-arcing distance, with « minimum al- Iowable distance of 3 feet (914 mm). 3.2 Line Insulators (Pin, Post) 3.2.1 Mounting Arrangement (Crossarm). Unless otherwise specified, the supporting crosserm shall be a horizontal, straight, smooth, grounded, metallic tube or structural member having a horizontal width not less, than 3 inches (76 mm) nor more than 6 inches (152 mm) Tt shall be of such length that flashover will not be Initiated at its ends. 3.2.2 Mounting Pin (If Required). When a separable pin is required, the test specimen shall be mounted ver- tlcelly on a Linch (25:mm) diameter metal pin of such Tength that the shortest dry-arcing distance from the upper electrode and connected metallic parts to the supporting orossarm shall be 25% greater than the simi- lr distance to the pin. Tho pin shall be coaxial with the test specimen, Insulators having integrally assembled ‘moans for mounting on a crossarm shall be mounted. vertically and directly on the test crossarm. 3.23 Energized Electrode, The energized or top electrode or conductor shall be a horizontal round rod ‘or tube placed at right angles to the supporting cross arm, and ofa diameter not less than 1/2 inch (13 mam). It shall bo of such length that flashover will not be initiated at its ends. The conductor shal be placed in the top conductor groove of the test specimen, When ‘there Is no top conductor groove, the conductor shall bbe placed in the other means provided for the con- ductor support. Ifa tle wire is to be used, the conduc- tor shall be socured by moans of at least two turns of wire not smafler than No. 8 AWG (American Wire Gage), Ue ends being closely wrapped around the conductor on each side of the Insulator. 3.2.4 Proximity of Other Objects. No objects, other than pats of the test assembly, shall be nearer the test, specimen or energized electrodes than 1-1/2 times the testspocimon dry-arcing distanco, with a minimum al- Towable distance of 3 feet (914 mm). 3.3. Apparatus Insulators (Cp and Pin, Post) 33.1 Mounting Arrangement. Unless otherwise specie, the text specimen shall be mounted vertically “prisht on a horizontal, grounded {Cinch (254mm) channel, with the channel flanges peejecting down. A subbase shall'be used if the insulator characteristics are AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD €29.1-1988 predicated on its use. The supporting channel shall be ‘of such length that flashiover will not be ini tends, and ils top surface shall be not less than (@14 msm) above the ground. 3.3.2 Energized Blectrode. The enecgized or tcp lectrode or conductor shall be a horizontal roune rod or tube at right angles to the supporting channel, and ‘of adlamoter approximately 5% of the test-specimen dry-arcing dlstanco within the limits of 4-1/2 inch=s (14 mm) maximum and 1/2 inch (13 eam) minimum, ‘Tho length of the conductor shall be such that flashover vill not be Initiated st lis ends. t shall be mounted di- sectly in contact with the top integral fitting ofthe test specimen, and with its horizontal axis in the same verti- cal plane asthe vertical axle of the test specimen. 3.3.3 Proximity of Other Objects, No objects, other ‘than parts of the test assembly, shall be nearer the test specimen of energized electrodes than 1-1/2 times the Aestepecimen dry-arcing distance, with a minimurn allowable distance of 3 feet (914 mm). 34 Strain Insulators : 3.4.1 Mounting Arrangement, Unless otherwics spec: 2d, the test specimen shall be mounted ina position swith its majoc axis at 45 degees fom the vertical (For ‘wet Meshover test the major axis shall beat right angles to tho spray direction, andthe axis of tho upper ean- ac.est-equipment Umitations are such thatthe tet specimen sant be punctured, the puncture valoe shall be considered te be the maximum available applied tet voltage, provided Ihie va exceeds 150% of the puncture ating n then ya CtBat Vato ¥e) Let aeiNy a= ¥- Va a= V- Vy An=¥> Vn NOTE: Consider al these values ofa ax posit hats, neect the las Let ‘2 average variation, in kilovolls ereent average variation 5. Mechanical Tests 5.1. Ultimate Mechanical Strength Tests 8.1.1 General, Mechanical load shall be applied 10 the test spécimen inthe manner prescribed in 5.1.1 through 5.3:2. The load shall be started at zero and smoothly brought up ina praciically stepless variation to the failure paint. The load may be increased rapidly to approximately 75% of rated strength of the insulator. ‘The rate of increase of load from 75% of rating to fe ure is given in Table 1. 5.1.2 Suspension Insulators S.1.2.1 Tensile Strength. Mechanical-tensie load shall be applied between terminal fittings tn Hine with ‘the axis of the test specimen. ‘Table 1 Rate of Increase of Load Tncreae In Loxd ‘eaten Percentage of test Foeeh Rated Stengty Insulator Test Min Mac Suspension Teale 1s 30 he Cantever 30 0 Cantever 30 0 Tonon 30 o ‘Tense is i Compression 1s 305.1.2.2 Mechanicalmpact Steength. The test spesimen shall bo mousted in the specified test machine In the specified manner under a tensile load of approxi- mately 2000 pounds force (8896 N). Te bearing point of the pendulum shall be s0 adjuited that, when re- Jeated, the copper nose will strike the outer rim of the shell squarely ina direction parallel to the axis ofthe unit and towards the cap. The test specimen shall - ceive an impact of the specified severity by releasing the pendulum wen its shat is opposite the correspond ing mark on the indicating seal. Tho pendulum shall be taleased with no imparted acceleration. After recelving the specified impact, the test specimen shall be tested for soundness by momentary lashover, 5.1.3 Line Insulators (Pi, Post) (Cantilever Strength, Mechanical load shall be applied imine with the side ‘groove of the test specimen and normal to the axisof the pinhole. The load at the te-wite groove may be op- plied by means of a loop of flexible stianded eable or the equivalent. The mounting pin, connecting hardware, tnd linkages between the test specimen and the testing ‘machine shall be such that no appreciable deflection takes place at values up to the failure point of the test specimen. Insulators whose design incorporates self contalned metal caps, mounting bases, pins, or conduc- tor clamps, shall be tested with this hardware, using a sultable rigid support. 5.1.4 Apparatus Insolators (Cop and Pin, Post) 5.14.1 Cantilever Strength. Contilevorstrengti. tests shall be made with the test specimen adequately secured to the testing machine. The load shall be ep ‘normal to the axis ofthe test specimen atthe specifi point of application. In demonstrating stack ratings, ‘one insulator unit may be used, The equivalent lever nm may be obtained by bolting a bar or pipe of proper length and stiffness to the test specimen. 5.1.4.2 Torsional Strength. Torsionalstrength tests shall be made with the test specimen adequately secured to the testing machine. The torsional lond shall bbe applied to the test specimen through a torque mem- bber so constructed that the test specimen isnot sub- jected (o any cantilever stress 3.1.4.3 Tensile Strength, Tenslestrength tests shall be made with the test specimen adequately secured to the testing machine, The load shal bo applied ia line withthe axis of the test specimen. 5.1.4.4 Compression Strength. Compression- strength tests shell be made by applying load in com- pression in line with the axis of the test specimen. S.LS Strain Insulators (Tensile Strength). Mochali- ‘al load shall be applied inline with the main axls of the test specimen, usiag exile, stranded, steel cable, Each cable loop shall be secured with clamps so posi- tioned that the dlstance between the edge of the nearest AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD €29.1-1988 clamp and the end of the test specimen is the sime 95 the length of the test specimen. The diameter of the cable used should not exceed 50% ofthe diametes of the hole in the test specimen. 5.1.6 Spool Insulators (Transverse Strength). The test specimen shall be mounted between close-fittng parallal straps, using a through bolt ofthe same diam ter as that for which the test specimen is designed. ‘The straps and connecting linkage shall be such that no appreciable deflection will tke place. Mechantzal {oad shall be applied in the plane of the external wise groove. The load shall be applied by means of «loop of flexibo, stranded, stel cable, The dlameter of the cable shall not éxesed the radius of the wire grooves, 5.1.7 Wire Holders 5.1.7.1 Tensile Strength, The mounting screw o ‘bolt shell be installed in such a manner that the mount- {ng surface ofthe test specimen does not touch the sup- port. Load shall be applied in line with the axis ofthe ‘mounting screw or bot, using 2 oop of flexible, siranded, steal cable, the diameter of which sall rot exceed the redius ofthe wise hole i the insulator, The Joop shal be clamped, with the inside edge of the nea est clamp placed 9 inches (229 mm) from the end of the insulator. $.1:7.2 Cantilever Strength, The mounting srew ‘or bot shall be held rigdly in such a menner that -he ‘mounting base of the test specimen seats squarely against the foc of the plate. Locd shall be applied in a plone parallel to the mounting surface, passing through the center of the wlre groove, using the flexible loop srrangornent desecibed in 5.1.7.1. 5.2’ Combined Mechanical- and Electrical Strength Test (Guspension Insulators), Load shall be applied as de- sorbed jn 5.1.1 and 5.1.2.1. Simultaneously, alow: frequeriey voltage of not less than 75% ofthe rated dry Aashover voltage shall be applied to the test specimen. 5.3 Time-Load-Withstand Strength Test 53.1 Mounting Arrangement, The testspecimen mounting shall bein accordance with the pertine pro- visions in 5.1. 53.2 Loading, The specified load shall be applied smoothly, without undue vibration or shock, and ain- {ained for the specified period. After the Load hasbeen removed, the test specimen shall be checked for elc- trical soundness by being subjected to momentary flash- covet. Tet specimens having more than one shell sal have cach shel checked individually fo electrics soundness, Sd Porosity Test 5.4.1 Preparation of Test Specimens. Freshly broken {tagments of the insulator, having clean surfaces ex- 13AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD €29.1-1988 posed, shall be used for this test. At least 75% ofthe Surface area shall be free from glaze or othor trestment. Fragments approximately 1/4 inch (6 mam) in the smallest dimension up to 3/4 inch (19 mum) in the largest dimension are recommended, 5.4.2 Testing Solution. For this test, a solution ca sisting of 1 gram of basic fuchsine dye dissolved in I liter of 50% aleohol shall be used. Ifa denatured alcoho! it used, one should be selected which does not react with the dye to eauso fading of the color. 3.43 Procedure. The test specimens shall be com- pletely immersed in the testing solution within a pres- sure chamber, A minimum pressure of 4000 pound force per square inch (27 600 kN/m) shall be spplied fornot ess than 5 hours,r an optional testat minimum 10 000 pounds-force per square inch (68.900 kN/m?) fornot less than 2 hours may be used. Atthe conchision of the pressure application, the test specimens shall be thoroughly dried and broken for examination. 5.44 Interpretation of Results. Penetration into small fissures formed in preparing the test specimens shall be disregarded. Porosity is indicated by penetra- tion ofthe dye into the test specimen to an extent vst be to the unaided eye. 55 Thermal Test ‘$8.1 General, Tho thermal test shall consist of altor- nate immersions of the test specimen In hot and cold water, 8.5.2 Testing Arrangemént. The test specimens shall bb areanged so that they are notin contact with each ‘other and s0 that ar shall not be entrapped during in mersion, Free circulation of water shall be provided. ‘Test specimens shall be at least 2 inches (51 mn) from the walls of the tank. 5.5.3 Equipment. Each bath shall have a wolght of water at leat 10 times the weight ofthe test specimen immersed, Either natural or forced elreulation may be used to maintain the temparature of all pats of the bath within # 4°F (2°C) of the specified value, The re- ‘corded femperatuce shall be measured at least 4 inches (102 mm) from the heating or cooling elements. 5.5.4 Method of Making Test. The test specimen shall first be immersed in a hot water bath for 10-min- ‘utes. It shall then be withdrawn and immersed in a cold water bath for 10 minutes. Not more than 5 see- conds shall elapse in transferring the {est specimen from ‘one bath to another. After the specified number of hot and cold cycles, the test specimen shall be sted for tlecteieal roundness by momentary lashoves 5.6 Pinhole-Gaging Test 5.6.1 General. When the threaded pinholes of pin Insulators are gaged, the specified pinhole gage shall be used. 4 5.6.2 Test Procedure, The gage shall be serewed into the test specimen until the gage is tight. The distance from the bottom of the pinhole to the point where the sage stops, as indloated by the plunger and scale on the sage, shall be read. ‘The gage shall be cemoved from the test specimen, and the number of revolutions of the gage required to release it from the pinhole shall be counted. 6. Galvanizing Test ‘Test for thickness of coating shall bein accordance with Standard Measurement of Coating Thickness by the Magnetic Method: Nonmagnetic Coatings of Mog- nello Base Metals, ASTM B 499-75 (1987), 7. Routine Tests 7.1 Electrical Tests. Flashover tests oi shells or insu Jators may be made in accordance with either the pro-” ccedute in 7.1.1 or in 7.1.2, 7.1.L. High-Frequency Test ‘711 Method 1, The shells or insulators stall bbe subjected to a damped highsfrequency voltage saffi- lent to cause flashover for from 3 to $ seconds. The frequency shall be approximately 200 kilohertz in damped trains. 1.2 Method 2. The shells or insulators stall be subjected to a high-frequency discharge from 2 ‘ansfocmer adjusted to a no-load voltage of not less than 11596 of the low-frequency dry flashover of the shells or insulators, this test to be continued for & period of from 3 to S seconds. The frequency superim- posed upon the low-frequency voltage shall be higher than 100 kilohertz. 712 Low-Frequency Test. The shells or insulators shall be subjected to vigorous dry flashover for from 3 to 5 minutes. The voltage control shall be such that a continual flashover occurs and divides uniformly over the shells of ingulators under test. 72. Mechanical Tests 7.2.1. Suspension Insulators. rior to or simults- ‘neous with tho final electrical test, the assembled s3s- pension insulators shall be given a tensie-strogth test 3 seconds in duration, at the specitied value, applied inline with the axis of the insulator. 7.2.2 Apparatus Insulators, Prior to or simultaneous, ‘with the final electrical test, the assembled apparatus insulators shall be given a tonsle-strongth test 3 seconds in duration, atthe specified value, applied inline with the axis ofthe insulator,8. Revision of American National Standards Referred to in This Document ‘When the following American National Standards re- ferred to in this document are superseded by a revision approved by the American National Standards Institute, Inc, the revision shall apply: AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD C29.1-1988 ANSI C29.3.1986, Wet Process Porcelain Insulators (Spool Type) ANSI/IEBE 41978, Techniques for High-Voltage Test- ing ANSI/IEEE 100-1988, Dictionary of Electrical and Electronics Terms 15American National Standards The standard in this booklet is one of 8000 standards approved to date by ‘the American National Standards Instituts, ‘The Standards Institute provides the machinery for creating voluntary stan- dards. It serves to conflicting standards into single, national designation "American National Standards.” Each standard represents general agreement among maker, seller, and user groups as to the best current praotice with regard to some specific problem. Thus the complated standards cut across the whole fabric of production, distribution, and consumption of goods end services. American National Standards, by reason of Institute procedures, reflect @ national consensus of manufacturers, consumers, and scientific, technical, and professional orga- nizations, and governmental agencies. The completed standards are used widely by industry and commerce and often by municipal, state, and federal governments. ‘The Standards Institute, under whose auspices this work Is being done, is the United States clearinghouse and coordinating body for voluntary standards activity on the national tevel. It is a federation of trade associations, techni eal societies, professional groups, and consumer organizations, Some 1000 companies are affiliated with the Institute as company members. 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