Atmospheric and altitude corrections for air gaps and clean insulators

Thu, Oct 29, 2026 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM CET

The tutorial introduces the work of CIGRE WG D1.50, focusing on atmospheric and altitude correction factors for air gaps and clean insulators used in high-voltage testing and insulation coordination. It explains the motivation to harmonize IEC standards and outlines the complexity of environmental influences such as temperature, pressure, humidity, pollution, and voltage waveform. The presentation summarizes physical discharge mechanisms in air, differentiating between streamer and leader behavior in short and long gaps. It reviews the historical development of IEC correction methods, highlighting limitations of earlier standards and the challenges posed by high-altitude applications. Extensive comparisons of existing correction approaches (IEC 60060-1, IEC 60071-2, and equipment standards) are presented alongside test data for AC, DC, LI, and SI voltages up to 4300 m altitude.

Further chapters address correction needs for short gaps and humidity effects, concluding with recommendations for improved and future standardized methodologies.

This webinar is presented by Johannes RICKMANN, convener of CIGRE Working Group SC D1.50, "Atmospheric and altitude corrections for air gaps and clean insulators". Technical Brochure 888 available on eCIGRE was published in 2023.

The registration to this webinar is free for all, CIGRE members and non-members. Technical Brochures can be downloaded for free by CIGRE members. If you are not a CIGRE member, join CIGRE now.

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