Breakdown voltage of dry air compared to humid air, how much of difference?

[Agnostic]

How much will the humidity affect the breakdown voltage of air at STP.

 

[Andrew Mason]

How much will the humidity affect the breakdown voltage of air at STP.

What makes you think it has any effect at all?

AM

 

[Agnostic]

What makes you think it has any effect at all?

AM

Common sense?

Humid air will have a much greater number of ions that can more easily facilitate a current through it.

Also, the breakdown voltage of dry air is 30kV/2.54cm.

I have a marx generator that has a maximum voltage of 55kV sparking over a distance corresponding to 100kV in dry air .

 

[OlderDan]

Common sense?

Humid air will have a much greater number of ions that can more easily facilitate a current through it.

Also, the breakdown voltage of dry air is 30kV/2.54cm.

I have a marx generator that has a maximum voltage of 55kV sparking over a distance corresponding to 100kV in dry air .

Starting here you might find some useful commentary on the subject

http://www.pupman.com/listarchives/2003/November/msg00428.html