Replacing Fiberglass GP03 with Lexan

[dithomas]

I am considering replacing the existing GP03 sheet barrier and shutter for 15kV draw-out PT's with clear Lexan.

The attached photos are of another set of PT barrier and shutter that had not failed yet.

The reason being that the GP03 shutter and barriers at an other location had experienced corona damage to the point of failure. I am thinking that replacing the red GP03 with clear lxan would allow regular visual inspections with out shutting down the swithgear and taking the shutter apart.

It is believed that the GP03 failed due to moisture absorption. The shutter and barrier are not in contact with the live 15kV components but rather the PT connector passes through retangular openings in the shutter and barrier. I do not know the exact dimension of the air gap but it is rather small.

Maybe the penetrations in the shutter and barrier should be round rather than retangular.

Any comments will be appricated.

Dan

 

[alehman]

Is this an outdoor installation? GP03 is not usually considered a good choice for a primary insulator where subject to moisture. I'm not sure what if any transparent materials are suitable for primary insulation.

 

[dithomas]

The installation were the photo is from in indoors but in a humidty part of the USA.