What Methods Can Be Used To Reduce The Risk Of Fuse Flashover Caused By Dirt Accumulation?

Accumulated dirt, grime, and contaminants deposited on the drop out fuse surface alter the local electric field distribution, making surface leakage currents more likely to occur in humid environments, thus leading to flashover events. Similar to the mechanism of contamination flashover on insulators, when surface impurities encounter a water film, the breakdown voltage of the electrical gap decreases significantly, increasing the probability of flashover.

To mitigate this risk, a series of technical measures need to be implemented in operation and maintenance processes and equipment design. Regular on-site inspections and recording of contamination levels are crucial. Quantifiable indicators such as equivalent salt deposition density should be used to assess the degree of contamination, providing data support for determining cleaning cycles. Employing technologies such as ultraviolet imaging and leakage current sensing can detect surface corona discharge and weak discharge signs at an early stage, improving the awareness of potential flashover conditions.