High voltage surface conduction prevention

[zaillian]

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?

 

[berkeman]

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?

 

[Averagesupernova]

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.

 

[Baluncore]

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.