High voltage surface conduction prevention

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around methods to prevent surface conduction in high voltage cables, specifically in the context of a setup involving a 20 kV source. Participants explore potential causes of sparking sounds and the implications of environmental factors on high voltage systems.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes a high voltage setup and suggests that surface conduction may be responsible for sparking sounds.
  • Another participant requests more details about the setup, including background in high voltage work, cable specifications, and connectors used.
  • A different participant questions the assumption that surface conduction is the cause, suggesting that arcing may be visible in a darkened room and that nearby hardware could be capacitively coupled, leading to discharges.
  • One participant inquires whether the high voltage is AC or DC and notes that moisture and dust can contribute to surface conduction issues, referencing the design of high voltage insulators used on power poles.
  • Concerns are raised about potential damage to the building structure, such as scorched wood near the cable attachment points.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the cause of the sparking sounds, with some attributing it to surface conduction while others suggest alternative explanations. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best methods to prevent surface conduction.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not provided specific details about the environmental conditions or the exact nature of the materials involved, which may influence the discussion. There is also a lack of consensus on the type of high voltage (AC or DC) being used.

zaillian
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I have a high voltage source feeding a cable which is attached to the ceiling with plastic hooks, finally descending to the properly isolated source. The high voltage output is a typical terminal that the cable is connected to.

When the supply is turned on, some spark like sounds emerge from the ceiling. This is probably caused by the surface conduction of the cable. What is the best method to stop the surface conduction of a cable when high voltages in the 20KV range are involved?
 
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Can you describe your setup in more detail, and maybe attach a few pictures? Use the "Attach files" link below the Edit window to upload the files. What is your background so far in working with high voltages? What are the cable specs and the exact connectors used?
 
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zaillian said:
This is probably caused by the surface conduction of the cable.
Is this a guess? Can you see this arcing if you are able to darken the room? You may have hardware nearby the cable that is capacitively coupled so it charges up and then discharges into something else. High voltage can easily fool a person.
 
Last edited:
zaillian said:
I have a high voltage source feeding a cable which is attached to the ceiling with plastic hooks, finally descending to the properly isolated source.
AC or DC ?

Moisture rises and condenses onto the ceiling, and insulators. Dust is attracted by electrostatic charges, then is baked by the corona onto the surface.

22 kV insulators, exposed on power poles, have four or five large discs of glass or ceramic, and are washed by the rain.

After operation for some time, when you look closely at the structure of the building, you may also find scorched wood, near where the plastic hooks are attached.
 

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