PTRPUSTATAAN

tGll ttsv:,tioil,', Ifllll,lll i3tutlElllr

SiTAIVtrtAFI siPl.lv 11 trl i 19-7E,

Lampiran Surat KeputusanDirel<siPLN
PERI'SAHAAX UIIUM LISTRIK NEGARA No. 036lDlRl7B, Tanggal 14 Agustus 1978

lEc tttJEtLtcATt(f,tu 5e
S econd E di ti on 1960

R E C O M M E N D A T I O N SFOR VOLTAGE MEASURETI'IENT

B Y M E A N S O F S P H E B EG A P S ( O N E S P H E R EE A R T H E D I

R E K O M E N D A S I P E N G U K U R A NT E G A I U G A ND E N G A N
MENGGUNAKAN SELA BOLA (SATU BOLA DITATTAHI(ANI

DEPARTEMEN PERTAMBANGAN DAN ENERGI

PERUSAHAAN UMUM LISTRIK NEGARA

JL TRUNOJOYOMI/135 . K E B A Y O R A NB A R U - J A K A R T A
 11trI .1E 78
ffiT,qNMA,H SPLI\I
Lampiran Surat Keputusan Direksi PLN
f i-.nusAHAANUMUM LlsrRrK NEGARA No.: 036/DlR/1978 Tanggal 14 Agustus 1978

IEC Publicationb2
Secondedition 1960

i RECOMMENDATIONS FORVOLTAGEMEASUREMENT BY
MfiANSOF SPHEREGAPS(ONESPHEREEARTHED}

riI:I(CIMENDI\SI
PENGUKURAN TEGANGANDENGANMENGGUNAKAN
SELA BOLA (SATUBOLA DTTANAHKAN)

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

1. The English version of IEC Publication 52 is adopted as

a PLN standard according to a decreeof the PLN Board of
DirectorNo. 036/DlR/78, 14 th, August 1978

2- This English version of IEC Publication 52 is reproduced

in 250 copies for use as company standard, by permissionof
lnternational ElectrotechnicalCommission as stated in a letter
of the GeneralSecretarydated 12th, July 1979.

C opyri ght:
IN T ER N A T IO N A L E LE C TR OTE C H N IC A LC OMMIS S ION
Geneve,1960

lssuedby :
D E PA RTE ME NP E R TA MB A N GA N& E N E R GI
P E R U S A H A A NU M U M L I S T R I KN E G A R A
Jakarta, 1980

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 CONTENTS

PaF
Fonnvono a a a a o a
v

Pnmece v

Clausc
l. Scopeand Object L
2. Standard sphere-gap 1
2.1 Requirementsfor the spheres 1
2.2 Construction of the shanksof the spherw 2
2.3 Height of thc spheresabovethe horizontal earth planc . . 3
2.4 Clearanceround the spheres 3
2.5 Clearanccround the sphcres(table). 3
3. Comtection of the sphere-gap 4
3.1 Earthing 4
3.2 High-voltageconductor 4
3.3 Protectiveseriesresistancein the measurementof alternating and direct voltages. . . 4

3.4 Protective scries resistane in the mcasurementof impulse voltages . 5

4. The usc of tle spher4op 5
-4.1 Irradiation 5
4-2 Voltage mcasurcmen8 5
5. Sphere-gap disruptive disclurge voltaga 6
5.t Numerical values in the tables . 6
5.2 Accuracy.of the tables 7
5.3 Influence of atmospheric conditions 7
Appendix A - Range of experimental calibrations 9
Appendix S -- Procedureby which the values in Tables I and II have been derived from National
Standardsand other sources. 11
Table I 13
Table II L5
}.-,

lii -
l1D:80
\
 INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR VOLTAGE MEASI.JREMENT

BY MEANS OF SPHERE.GAPS (ONE SPHERE EARTHED)

FOREWORD

t ) The formal decisionsor agreementsof the I.E.C. on technical matters, prepared by Technical Committoes on which aU thc
National Committees having a special interest therein are represented,express,as nearly as possible, an international
consensusof opinion on the sub.iects
dealt with.
z't They have the form of recommendations for international use and they are aoceptedby the National Committecs in that
sense.
3) In order to promote this international unification, the t.E.C. expressesthe wish that all National Committeeshaving as
yet no national rules, when preparing such rules, should use the I.E.C. recommendationsas the fundamental basisfor
theserules in so far as national conditionswill permit.
4 l The desirability is recognizedof extending international agreementon thesematters through an endeavourto harmonize
national standardizationrules with theserecommendationsin so far as national conditionswill permit. The National
Committccspledgetheir influcncetowardsthat end.

PREFACE

The work of revising the first edition of I.E.C. Publication 52, which was issuedin 1935, was com-
menced before the War, but was not resumed until 1954,when a draft prepared in 1939was discussedat
a meeting held in London of Sub-Committee 36-3: High Voltage Tests.
As a result of this meeting a new draft was circulated which was discussedin Paris in 1955. Work
was then taken over by the nervly-formed Technical Committee No. 42: High Voltage Testing Techniques,
and successivedrafts were discussedat Municti in 1956 and Stockholm in 1958. The Stockholm meeting
resulted in a final draft being submitted to the National Committee for approval under the Six Months'
Rule in December 1958.
The following National Committees voted explicitly in favour of publication:
Austria Norway
Belgium Poland
Canada Sweden
Czechoslovakia Switzerland
Denmark Turkey
Finland Union of Soviet Socialist Republics
France United Kingdom
Germany United Statesof America
Italy Yugoslavia
Netherlands

IlD:80 v

J
 '@- T
tfl

Ae crplainedin AppendixB, thc prcrcntPuHbationir r ompd rffi hr bco rsetcC Uy

Elmostall NationalCommittees andis a truly intcrnationalPuHlcationoo tb nrurcrnant of voltagee
by
mcsnsof sphcrc-grps.Howevcr,thc tablesarc Ual.Con calibrationrndl rndcrcrinditionrwhichwtrc
not alwaysrecordcdin dctailand,whichmaySomct&ryhsvedcpartcd*rfCtndy fion thosclpccifiedin
this Publication. Thc Nationsl Committcesarc thcreforcaskcdto wril) tb cdibrrtionr undcr th
conditionclsiddownin thisdocumentsoasto providcinformationwhirs ceobctlh'hlo punt in any
rcvisionof thc tablcs.

- v l - llD:80

L'-..*-=--:--..
 - L *

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR VOLTAGE MEAST'REMENT

BY MEANS OF SPI{ERE-GAPS(ONE SPI{ERE EARTHED)

l. Scope eNo Osrecr

Tlrese recommendationsconcern the construction and use of sphere-gaps

for voltage measurement.
The rulcs apply to the measurementof the peak valueof:
a ) a l te rn a ti n gv o l ta g e
h\ full standard impulses as defined in I.E.C. Publication 60 and
impulses with longer tails

c) direct voltages.
Thc pcak valucs of the disruptive voltagesin air for various spacings
betweenthe spheresare *,ven
in t wo ta b l c s .
Appendix A gives the limits of voltage and frequency'over which
the tables have been derived from
experimentsand can be presumedto be accuratewithin the tolerances
specifiedin Clause5.2.

Appendix B -lives the procedure by which the values in the tables

have been derived from previous
Nat ion a l Sta n d a rd sa n c l o th e r s o u rc es.

2. S r n N o n R o S p rrc R e -c ,rp

Thc stanclardspherc-gapis a peak voltage measuringdevice constructed

and arranged in accordan@
wit h t hc ru l c si n tl ri sd o c u rn e tl t. l t c onsi stsof' tw o metal
spheresof the samedi ameter(D )w i th the ir shanks,
opcrating gear. insulatin,esupports,supporting frame and
leads for connectionto the point at which the
v o l t a g e i s t ob e m c ' a s u r e ds.t a n d a r dv a l u e os f D a r e 2 - 5 -
6.25- l0- 12.5-15-25-50 -75-100-
I50 and 200 cm. The spacing betweenthe spheresis designated
s.
The points on the two sphereswhich are closestto each
other are called the sparking points. in
practicc the disruptive cJischargemay occur between
other neighbouring points.
Figures I and 2.show two arrangements,one of which
is typical of sphere-gapswith a vertical axis
and the other of sphere-gapswith a horizontal axis.

2.1 Requirementsfor the spheres

2.1.1 Tolerattceson size and slnne

The spheresshall be carefully made so that their surfaces

are smooth and their curvatur.: is as unitl
as possible.
The requirements on their shapes are as follows:

General Shape

The diameter of each sphere shall nowhere differ by

more than 2 I fromthe nominal value.

llD:80

i
7

)
 2

Freedomfrom surface irregularities in the region of the sparking Poht

The spheresshall bc reasonablyfree.from surfaccirregularitiesin thc region of tbc sparking point.

This region is r3efinctlby a c,rclesuch as would be drawn on the spheresby a porr of dividersset to an
openingof 0.3 D and ccntrcdon the sparkingpoint.
The freedom liom surface irrcgularitiesis checkedby a spherometcrof whlfi tb fGGtrrc beturcen
0.f25 D and0.25D apart.
The spheromergr the distanceh of its ccntralpoint from thc plam FdsS throu$ tbc
measures
whichforman equilateral
threefeetof theinstrument, triangleof sidea.
D
When the threefeetand the central point are in contact with a perfectly rpbcricatrurfrc of rrdir ,i
the followingvalueis obtainedfor h:
D I
o : 7 ,- ,
or, with adequateaer;uraley.

h
D
' - -3 (;l.;(;)'
I
The measured values may differ from the above. When the feet of tbc spUocG rrc phcd in
various positions in thc region defined above, the difference between the rncasured vrhB of I rnd thc
value given in the formula shall norvhereexceed:
O.l% of the diameter (D) if this is lessthan or equal to 100cm
0.2% of the diameter (D) if this is -qreaterthan 100cm-
If a spherometer is not available. flat circular gauges may be used for an lgorimf cYaluation of
irregulariticsof the surface.

Nore:Thc rolerunceson sizcand shapeneedusualtyonly be checkedin the manncrdcrcficd lboG uh tbc-sphcrcs arc
by ftdinf futpbcs or irspaing them
examinations
firstsrrpplied.lr will normallybesufficientro makesubsequent
visually.

2.1.2 State of the surfaces

The surfacesof the spheresin the neighbourhoodof the sparkingpoina rh'll bc fr'sefrom aoy trace
of varnish,grease,or other protecrivecoating. They shall be cleanand dry but nccd not bc Polfobcd- If
the spheresbecomeexcessively roughenedor pitted in usethey shall be re-burnishcdor rcphcd

Nore:lf the relutive humidityof theair exceedsabout gO y",moisture may condreontbrft.d fu ciucmts
will then ceasc to be aqcurate.

2.2 Constructionof the shanksof the spheres

2.2.1 Vertical gap

When the spheresare arranged vertically, the shank of the high-voltagesPhcrshall be free from
sharp cdges or corners and the diameter of the shank shatl not excecd O-2D over a length D. This
rcquirementis matle in order to reducetheinfluene of the high-voltageshankonthedisruptivedischarge
voltage. If a stressdistributor is usedat the end of the shank its greatestdimension,perpendicularto the
axis of the spheres,shall not exceed0.5 D. Suchstressdistributon shall be at least2 D from the sparking
point of the high-voltagesphere

11D:80
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The earthedshank and the operatinggear have a smallereffectand their dimensionsarc therefore
t i f
lessimportant.
Figure I (paget /) givesthe limits of sizeof the componentsof a typical verticalsphere-gap.

2.2.2 l{orizontal gap

Whenthe spheresare arrangedhorizontallythe limiting dimensions are given
of a typicalsphere-gap
in Figure2 (pageItt). They are the samefor both sidesof the gap.
Note: The sphere shanks shall be reasonablyin line, whichever.arrangementof gap be used.

2.3 Height of the spheresabovethe horizontal earth plnne

The sphere-gapshould be used above a horizontal earth plane such as a conducting network in or
on the floor of the laboratory or a conducting surface on the support on which the sphere-gapis ptaced.
The lrcight A ol thc sparking point of the high-voltagesphereabove such an earth plane shall be within
the limits given in the table of Clause2.5. This requirementappliesboth to vertical and horizontal gaps.

If the sphere-gapis mounted with the earthed sphere nearestto the ceiling and if other surfacessuch
as walls and the floor are at a considerablygreater distance,then the ceiling may be regarded as the hori-
zontal plane, ftom which the distance,4 is measureddownwards.

2.4 Clearanceround the sphere

The distance from the sparking point of the high-voltage sphere to any extraneousobjects (such as
walls, ceilings,transformer tanks, bushings,impulse generators,etc.), and also to the supporting frame-
work fcrr the spheresit this is made of conducting material, shall not be less than the value of 3 in the
table of Clause 2.5. Except as permitted below, B should not be less than 2 D, regardlessof the value
of S.
Supporting frameworks for the spheresmade of insulating material are exempt from this stipulation
provided that they are clean arrd dry and that the spheresare used for the measurementof alternating or
impulse voltagesonly. The distance B betweenthe sparking point of the high-voltagesphere and the
framework may then.be lessthan is prescribedin the table of Clause2.5, but it must not be below 1.6 D.

2.5 Clearanceround the spheres(table)

M i n i m u m l t v t a x i m u m l M i n i m u m
value of I value of I value of

up to 6.25 9 D 14s
l0-15 8 D 12s
25 7.D l0.s
50 6 D 8^S
75 6 D E S
100 5 D 7S
150 4 D 6,S
200 4 D 6S

Note l. Thc requirements in the above"table relate to approved sphere-gapswithin the meaning of these recommendations.
Sometimes,however, the test conditions render it impossible to make the values of I and .B comply with the
minimum requirementsof the table.
Such sphere-gapsmay also be regarded as approved if it can be demonstrated during systematic tests in the actual
testing plant and under the actual test conditions that the disruptive voltagesdo not significantly deviate from
those in these recommendations.

ll-D: 80
 _ 4

aficct thc results insig'

Notc2. At small sphere-gapspacingsearthed objects of small sizc in thc rrighbourtrood of th. 3ap
nificantly, but at grlatlr spacingsthe prescnceof large areassuch as walls, evc-nat thc distars 8, have an important
wall at thc
effect. Thc sphcie-gap s'houtrltherefore be erected in an open laboratory witb no( morc tMn onc
bascdon
4istang A anct the other rvalls at greaterclistances. The calibratioru givcn in Tablcr t and II trave bcn
madc unrler theseconditions and they will bc scriously in crror if ttrc rphcrc'tap is placcd, !ay; in a
cxperiments
cyiin,tti*l conraincr of radius ll, except when the spacing is very rmall.

ttr miniorn nltn 3iven

NotcJ. For thc mcasurementof vcry high voltages it may bc ncccssaryto increascA and I ebwc
in rhc table of Clause 2.5, as itt.rc .r. not always sufficient to prevent dirruptive di'chrfF to qrnhd oblccts'
especiallythoscwith sharpedgesor corners.

3. CouNectloN oF THE SPHEREcAP

3.1 Earthing

One sphere shall preferably be connected directly to earth, but may be con6cd through a resistor
very low
for special purposes. In the interestsof personal safety. however, such resistors rhould be of
va l u e s .

3.2 High-voltage conductor

The high-voltage conductor, including any series resistor not in the shank itlclf' shall bc connected
to a point on the shank ar least 2 D away from the sparking point of the higtr-voitag spbcrc-

Within the region where the distance to the sparking point of the high-r'olup sphcre is less than B,
the live conductor (inctuding the seriesresistorif any) must not passthrough thc plarr normal to the axis
of the sphere-gapancl situated at a distance 2 D from the sparking point of thc lugn-toltage sphere; see
Figures I and 2 where the plane is shown.

3.3 Protective series resistancein the measurementof alternating and direct voltrgcs

precautions should be taken to minimize pitting of the spheresand to prewnt superimposcd oscilla-
tions which may cause erratic disruptive discharges. For this purpose a rEsistaoceof l0 ffi ohms to
one megohm should be inserted in serieswith the sphere-gap. This range of resisance t'air-rcsapplies
to measurementsof direct voltages and of alternating voltages at power frequencies. For alternating
voltages of higher frequencies,where the effect of the voltage drop in the resistanceduc to the charging
current of the gap may become appreciable,this resistanceshould be suitably reduccd-

The resistor is to be placed as near as possible to the gap, usually in series with the high-vottage
sphere. It should not be placed in the common connection from the voltage source to the sphere-gapand
to the test object.
When brush discharges are present in the test circuit, series resistanceis specially important in order
to reduce the effect of the'consequent transient over-voltage on the operation of the sphere-gap. When
these discharges are not present either in the test circuit or in the test specimen, the resistance may be
reduced to a value fixed by the permissible burning of the spheresby disruptive discharges.

llD: 80

I
Tt . 5 _
I
3.4 Protcctiveseriesresistancein the measurement
of impulsevoltages

Thc purposeof the seriesresistance whenmeasuringimpulsevoltages,is to reducethe rate of voltage

chopping,whichmay introduccundesirable stresSes
in the testobject. Anotherpurposewhichis especially
applicablcto sphercsof largediametersis to eliminateoscillations in the sphere-gap circuit which may
causea highervoltageto occur betweenthe spheresthan on the test specimen. For spheresof smaller
diameterthisphenomenon is generally
of minorimportance.
The valueof the resistance shouldnot exceed500ohms. It is essential for the reductionof oscilla-
tionsthat it shouldbe of low inductance(not more than 30pH). For the positionof tlre resistorin the
circuitsceClause1.3.

4. THe use oF THE spHERE-cAp

4.1 lrradiation

The disruptive dischargevoltage of a sphere-gapis affectedby the ionization in the gap betweenthe
spheres at the moment of application of the voltage.
The values given in the tables apply to measurementsmade without irradiation, apart frorn any
random ionization already present,except in
a) the measurementof voltagesbelow 50 kV peak, whatever the spherediameter;

D) the measurementof voltageswith spheresof 12.5cm diameter and less,whatever the voltage.

For measurementsunder conditions a) and D) extra irradiation is recommendedand is sometimes

essentialif accurateand consistentresultsare to be obtained. This is of specialimportance in the measu-
rement of impulse voltagesand for all types of voltageswhen very small spacingsare used.

The irradiation may be obtained by a capsule containing radio-active material having an activity
of not less tltan 0.2 millicurie and preferably of about 0.6 millicurie insertedin the high-voltagesphere
near the sparking point. Another method is the irradiation of the gap by a quartz tube mercury-vapour
lamp having a minimum rating of 35 rvattsand a current of at leastone ampere. The lamp should be placed
at about the distancc B given in the table of Clause2.5 and the light should fall on the sparking points of
the sphcres.

In the measurementof impulse voltages,the irradiation provided by the dischargein the gaps of the
impulse generaror has also been found satisfactory.

NoteI . The usualprecautions

shouldbe takenin handlingradio-activematerials,whichshouldbe kept in a leadcontainer
exceptwhenin actualuse.
Note2. One curieis definedas the activityof onegrammeof radium, whichis equivalentto 3.2 . l0r0 disintegrared
atorns
per second.

4.2 Voltage measurements

The procedure usually consists in establishing a relation between a high voltage, as measured by the
sphere-gap, and the indication of a voltmeter, an oscillograph or other device counected in the control
circuit of the equipment.

Unlessthe contrary can be shown, this relation ceasesto be valid if the circuit is altered in any
respect'otherthan a slight changeof the spacingof the spheres. The voltagemeasuredby the sphere-gap
is derivedfrom the spacing.

llD: 80
 6 -

bc msarurcd,er followr:
The procedurein cstablishingthe rclation varieswith ths type of voltagnt'o

of clireccand alternatingvoltages
4,2,1 Measuremenc
dischargCduring
The voltageshalt bc appliedwith an amplitudelow enoughnot to caulc disruptive
indicator to bo read
the switchingtransientand it is then raised sufficientlyslowly for ths low-voltage
accuratelyat thc instantof disruptivedischargeof the gap,
thc rphcrcr
Alternatively,a constantvoltagemay be appliedacrosrthc gaPand thc rpacingbctwcco
rlowly reduccduntil disruptivedischargeoccurs'
dirchargrr mey
If thereis dust or fibrous material in the air, numcrour low aod erratb dirruptive
to carry out a lgrge
occur, especiallywhen direct voltagesare being measured,and it may bc occcssary
numberof testsbeforeconsistentresultscan be obtained.
The final measurement should be the meanof threc suocessive rcading ejSoeiq vithi! 3 %

4.2.2 Measurementof itnpulsevoltages

ln order to obtain the 50/" disruptivedischargevoltageof a sphere-gaP, thc sPEcintof thc gEP,of
shall be adjustedin stePscorresponding to not morethan
the chargingvottageof the impulsegenerator,
shatl be madeat each'
2"/" of the expectcddisruptivedischargevalue. Six applicationsof the impulsc
stcp. The intervalberween applicationsshall not be lessthan 5 seconds.Thc ralw grving507i probability
t\ro gaP or voltage
of disruptive dischargeis preferably obtained by interpolationbetweenat lcast
or less,and the other in iour disrupuve discharges
settings,one resultingin two disruptive'discharges
or drore.
obtained
Another;lessaccurate,methodis to adjustthe settingsuntil 4 to 6 disruptivedirharges are
applications.
in a seriesof l0 successive

5. DtscHARcEvoLTAGES
SpHene-cAPDISRUPTIvE

5.1 Numerical values in the tables

The disruptive discharge voltages for various spacings between the spheres are giran in Tables
and II.
Table I gives disruptive voltages (s}%values in impulse tests) in kilovolts peak for:

alternatingvoltages
direct voltagesof both polarities
full negativestandard impulsesas defined in I.E.C. Pubtication 60 and negative impulses
with longer tails,
This table is not valid for the measurementof impulsesbelow about 10 kv.
Table II gives50% disruptivedischargevoltagesin kilovolts peak for full positivestandardimpulses
as definedaboveand positiveimpulseswith longer tails.

bc pre'
Note I. Appcndix A gives the range of voltages over which the tables have becn derived from experiment aod can
sumed to be accuratewithin the limits given in Clause 5.2-
longer
Note 2. The tables r,ray also be used without appreciable additional error for the measurcment of impulses haviag
than the standard front times.

llD: 80
 7

5.2 Accuracy of the tables

5.2.1 Altenating and impulse voltages

For spacings up to 0.5 D the tables arc considered to be accurate within * 3%. Values in the tables
For spacings between 0.5 D and 0.75 D are rcgarded as of doubtful accuracy and for that reason are put in
br ac k e ts .

Note:As it may bc difficult to measureand adjustthe gapwith sufficientaccuracyif the ratio of spacingto diamcteris very
small,it is recommended that the spacingshouldnot be lessthan0.05D.

5.2.2 Direct voltages

The measurement of direct voltages is generally subject to larger errors than that of alternating or
impulse voltages. Such errors are usually causedby dust or fibres in the air. There is also a tendencyfor
abnormally low disruptive dischargevalues to be obtained if the voltage is maintained for a long time.

It is consideredthat in the absenceof excessivedust the resultswill be accuratewithin + s%provided

that the spacingis not greaterthan about0.4 D.

Nore:As it may be difficultto measureand adjustthe gapwith sufficientaccuracyif the ratio of spacingto dianleteris very
small,it is recornmended thatthespacingshouldnot belessthan0.05D.

5.3 Influenceof atmosphericconditions

5.3.1 Atmospheric conditions valid for the tabulated values

The tabulated values are valid for:

- an ambient temperatureof 20"C
- an atmospheric pressureof I 013 millibars (760 mm Hg at 0'c)

5.3.2 Carrectionfor air density

Disruptivedischargevoltagescorrespondingto a given spacingunder atmosphericconditionsother

than thosespecifiedaboveare obtainedby multiplying the va.luesin TablesI and II by a correctionfac-
tor ft. This factor is a function of the relativeair densityd, definedby:
_ b 273+20 b
d:=-:'-X : 0 . 2 8-9. X
- 2- 7 3 + t
l0l3 273+t
where6 is the atmosphericpressurein millibars,and t the temperaturein degrees Centigrade.
If D is givenin mm Hg at 0"C, the formula is replacedby:
. b 273+30 b
d: -- o'386x
76ox r, -v t n3 + t
The relation betweenthe air density and the correction lactor is given in the tabte of Clause
5.3.3. The correctionfactor is equalto rhe relativeair density(i.e.& - d) for valuesof d between0.95
and 1.05.

llD:80
 8 -

factor (table)
5,3,3Alr densitycorrection

RclativcEir Conution
dcnrity d fas"tor&

0.70 0.72
0.75 0,77
0.80 0.t2
0.85 0.E5
0.90 0.91
0.9t 0.95
1.00 t.00
1.05 1.05
Ll0 1.09
l.t5 Ll3

5.3.4 HumiditY

The disruptive dischargevoltage of a sphere-gapincreaseswith iutrdrt Ht d& ir. Thc

numericalvalue of the effect is uncertainbut it is unlikely to be more tbrn 2 a t%, outr tb rrngr of
humidities normally encounteredin laboratories. Becauseof this uncrtriry, D orElinfrctorfor
humidity can be given at present. In any case,the humidity of the air in tli t.rb hbontodcr wbcre
the cxperimentalcalibrationswere made was not trsuallyrecorded-

See Clause 2.1.2 for a note on the danger from condensationof, ufurr c & nrfrca of the
sphcres.

lLD:80
 - 9

APPENDD( A

RANCE OF EXPERIMENTAL CALIBRATIONS

Tables I and II are partly derived from experiments reported in the referenceslisted below. There
is no experimental proof of their accuracy at voltageshigher than the values given in the list.

Experimental celibretioas of the sphere-gap

Kind of voltage Reference

Alternating voltage of power frequency l 700 TransactionsA.I.E.E. Vol. 7l (1952),

Part ItI, page455
Alternating voltoge of pon'er frequenev | 400 J.I.E.E. Vol. 82, (1938),page655
Direct voltagc * 800 t Zeit. techn.Phys.l8 (1937),
Direct voltage - r300/ page 209
Inrpulse voltage # 2 5 8 0| TransactionsA.I.E.E. Vol. 7l (1952)
Intpulse voltage - 24to { Part Ill, page455
Alttrnuring voltuge of high frequency E.T.Z. Vol. 60 (1939),page92 (seeNote I below)
Unduntpc<l cltcrnnting vohugt, of high frequency Sce Note 2 J.A.I.E.E. Vol. 46 (1927),page I 314
below Arch. Elektr. Vol. 14 (1924),page491
Arch. Elektr. Vol. 24 (1930),page525
Arch. Elektr. Vot. 25 (1931),page322
Arch. Elektr.Vol. 26.(1932), page 123
Duntped alternating voltage of high frequency idem Ann. Phys. 19 (1906),pageI 016
Arch. Elektr. Vol. l6 (1926),page496
Arch. Elektr. Vol. 20 (1928),page99

Note l. This refercncecontains a summary of the calibrations with damped and undamped high-frequency voltagesmade over
a rangpof voltagcsand freqrrcnciesup to 1939. The other referencesin the list give the details of most of theseindi-
vidual calibrarions.

Note2. From rhe information in thc references,whbh is incomplete and sometimesconflicting, it appean that Table I
can be used without scrious error for the measurenrentof undamped alternating voltages at frequenciesup to
20 kHz(kc/s), but only up to about l5 kV peak. At higher frequenciesthis voltage is reduced.
The referencesalso show that Table I can be used for the measurementof damped alternating voltagesat frequencies
up to 500 kHz(kc/s), but again with the rcstriction that the voltage should not exceedl5 kV peak.

,')
-

llrd
q"*--_=--
 _11 _

APPENDD( B

PROCEDURE BY WHICH THE VALUES IN TABLES I AND IT

HAVE BEEN DERIVED FROM NATIONAL STANDARDS AND OTHER SOURCES

At the meeting of Technical Committee No. 42 in Munich in 1956,it was agreedthat ncw tables
should be preparedwhich could bc acceptedinternationally.
Apart from ccrtain exceptionswhich are noted below, the disruptive dischargevoltagesin ttre new
tableswere to be the mean of:
l) the valueswhich wereacceptedby the LE.C. in July 1939;
2) thc valuesin A.S.A. StandardC 68.1 (1953)(after adjustmentfor temperature).

The calculation of the rnean resulted in a few anomalies; in particular the disruptive discharge
voltagesof small gapsvaried rather irregularlyas the spherediameterwas increased.
Theseanomalieshave beenremovedas far as was possiblewithout introducingother anomalies.

The exceptionsmentionedaboveare listed below:

l) No data are givenin the A.S.A. Standardfor 2,5, l0 and 15cm spheres.
The I.E.C. figuresof 1939for 5, l0 and l5 cm sphereshavethereforebeenincludedin the present
tableswithout any changesother than the minor adjustmentsreferredto above-

2) The figuresfor 2 cm spheresin the I.E.C. documentof 1939,which werencitapplicableto positive

impulses,were later found to be inaccurateat spacingsup to I cm. A new calibration has
thereforebeeninserted,basedon J.I.E.E., vol. 95 (1948),Part II, page309,but the valuesare
not applicable to the measurementof impulsesof either polarity below 10 kV. See Proc.
I.E.E., Part II, Vol. l0l, (1954),page 438, for evidenceon this latter point.

3) The I.E.C. data of 1939for voltagesabove I 400 kV are regardedas beinglessreliablethan the
most recently measuredvaluesin the U.S.A. and theselatter havethereforebeenadopted(see
A.S.A. C 68.1,1953and Transactions A.I.E.E.,vol.7l (1952),Part III, page455).

The figures in the tables have been rounded off as follows:

up to 50 kV to the neafest 0.t kV
over 50 and up to 100kV to the nearest 0.5 kV
over I00 and up to 500 kV to the nearest I kV
over 500 and up to I 000 kV to the nearest 5 kV
over I 000 kV to the nearestl0 kV

1LD:80
 . 1 3-

TABLE I

SPI{ERE4AP WTIII O TE SPHEREEARTIIED

Peak values of disruptivc ds&rge voltlF h Hlomlb

(5O"r( valucs fror impulse csts):

Valil for: - altcrnating voltages

- full negative standard impulses and impulses with longer
tails
- direct voltages of either polarity.

Atmosphericreferenceconditions: 20"c and I 013

millibars (760 mm Hg at 0"c).

0.05 2.8
0.t0 4.7
0.t5 6.4
0.20 8.0 8.0
0.25 9.6 9 .6
0.30 tt.2 n.2
0.40 14.4 14.3 14.2
0.50 t7.4 t7.4 t7 .2 16.8 t6.8 16.8
0.60 20.4 20.4 20.2 19.9 r9.9 19.9
0.70 )1 ') 23.4 ?7) 23-0 23.O 23.O
0.80 2 5 .8 26.3 26.2 26.0 26.0 26.O
0.90 28.3 29.2 29.1 28.9 28.9 28.9
1.0 30.7 32.0 3t.9 31.7 3r.7
1.2 (35.I )
3t.7 3r.7
37.6 37.5 37.4 37.4 37.4
1.4 (38.5) 37.4
42.9 42.9 42.9 42.9 42.9 42.9
1.5 (40.0) 45.5 45.5 45.5 45.5 45.5 45.5
t.6 48.1 48.1 48.1 48.l 48.I 48.1
t.8 53.0 53.5 53.5 53.5 53.5 53.5
2.O 57.5 58.5 59.0 59.0
7 )
59.0 59.0 59.0 59.0
61.5 63.0 &.5 64.s &.5 64.5 64.s 64.5
2.4 65.5 67.5 69.5 70.0 70.0 70.0 70.0 70.0
2.6 (6e.0) 72.0 74.5 75.0 75.5 75.5 75.5 7s.5
2.8 (72.5) 76.0 79.5 80.0 80.5 81.0 81.0 8r.0
3. 0 (75.5) 79.5 84.0 85.0 85.5 86.0 86.0 86.0 86.0
3. 5 (82.5) .(87.s) 95.0 97.0 98.0 99.0 99.0 99.0 99.0
4.4 (88.5) (e5.0) 105 108 110 rt2 rt2 tt2 n2
4.5 (r0l) ll5 ll9 r22 t25 t25 t25 125
5.0 (l07) 123 129 133 137 138 138 r38
5. 5 (r3l) 138
138
t43 t49 l5l r5l t5t
6.0 (r38) r46
l5l
t52 l6l t& t& 164 164

Noto 1' The tablesare not valid for the measurement

of imputse voltages below about I0 kv-
Note 2' The figures in brackets, which are for
spacings of more than 0.5 D, areof doubtful
accuracy.
llD: 80
 _L4_

TABLE | (continued)

Sphcrc
gap
spacing

6.5 (144) (154) l6l t7t tn tn t77 tn

7.0 (150) (l 6 r) 169 184 l89 190 190 190
7.5 (r55) (168) 177 195 202 m3 203 203
8.0 (r74) (r85) 296 214 215 715 215
9.0 (185) (le8) 226 239 28 241 241

l0 (re5) (2oe) 24 263 265 26 26 zffi

il (2le) 261 286 290 D2 292 292
lz (229' 275 309 315 3rt 3rE 3r8
l3 (28e) 331 339 v2 y2 y2
I4 (302) 353 353 t6 36 36

l5 (314) 373 3E7 390 390 390

l6 (326) 392 4r0 4t4 4t4 4t4
r7 (337) 4lt 412 43t 438 438
IE (3471 429 453 62 467 462
t9 (357) 445 473 4t6 4E6 486

20 (366) 460 492 510 510 5r0

77 489 530 555 560 560
24 515 565 595 610 610
26 (s40) 6fi) 635 555 660
2E (565) 635 675 7m 705

30 (585) 655 7r0 745 7fi

32 (60t 695 715 ?90 D5
34 (625) 7U 7t0 E35 E40
36 (640) 750 il5 E75 E85
38 (655) (775) t45 9r5 930

40 (670) (E00) E75 955 975

45 (850) 945 ov) 080
50 (Ee5) l 0 l 0 r30 tE0
55 (e35) (l 060) 2r0 2&
60 (e70) (l uo) 2E{) 340

65 (l 160) 1340, l 4 t 0
70 (r 2m) t 390 I 480
75 (l 230) I 440 I 540
EO (1,190) t 6 m
85 (l 54O) I 560

90 (r 5s)) tTza
100 (l 660) l8/d)
uo (r 73O) (l em)
120 (r Em) (?o2o)
130 (2 l0o)

llm (2 l80)
150 (2 250)

lID: 80
 .15-

TABLE tr

SPHERE-GAPWITH ONE SPI{ERBEARTHED

Peakvaluesof disruptivedischerge
rortagesin kilovorts(50% varues)

valid for full positircstandardimpulses

and impulseswith
longertails.
Atmosphcric
rcfcrence
conditions:zo"c and I 013mi[ibars(760mm Hg at 0"c).

SptEE Spherc diameter

99 cm
spacing

0.05
0.t0
0 .t 5
0.20
0.25

0.30 n.2 u.2

0.40 t4.4 t4.3 t4.2
0.50 t7.4 t7.4 r7 .2 16.8 l6.E 16.8
0.60 20.4 20.4 20.2 19.9 19.9 r9.9
0.70 23.2 23.4 2?.2 23.O 23.0 23.O
0.80 25.8 26.3 26.2 26.0 26.O 26.0
0.90 28.3 29.? 29.1 28.9 28.9 28.9
t.0 30.7 32..0 31.9 3t.7 3t.7 3t.7 3r.7
t.2 (3 5I.) 37.8 37.6 37.4 37.4 37.4 37.4
1.4 (38.5) 43.3 43.2 42.9 42.9 42.9 42.9
1.5 (4o.0) 46.2 45.9 45.5 45.5 45.5 45.5
1.6 49.0 48.6 48.1 48.1 48.1 48.1
1.8 54.5 54.0 53.5 53.5 s3.5 53.5
2.O 59.5 59.0 59.0 59.0 59.0 59.0 59.0 s9.0
2.2 &.0 64.0 64.5 &.5 &.5 &.s &.5 64.5
2.4 69.0 69.0 70.0 70.0 70.0 70.0 70.0 70.0
2.6 (73.0) 73.5 75.5 75.5 75.5 75.5 75.5 75.5
2. 8 (77.0) 78.0 80.5 80.5 80.5 81.0 81.0 81.0
3.0 (81.0) 82.0 85.5 85.5 85.5 86.0 86.0 86.0
3.5 (e0.0) (et.5) 97.5 86.0
98.0 98.5 99.0 99.0 99.0 99.0
4.0 (e7.5) (l0t) 109 ll0 lll tt2 n2 t12
4.5 (108) t20. tt2
t22 t24 t25 r25 t25
5.0 (l ls) 130 r25
t34 136 138 r38 r38
5.5 (r3e) 138 r38
145 t47 r5l l5l l5t
6.0 (148) l5l l5l
155 158 163 I& t64 r& 164
6.5 (156) (164)
7.0 168 t75 t77 t77 t77
(r63) (r73) t77
7.5 178 187 189 190 190
(170) (181) 190
8.0 187 t99 202 203 203
(r8e) (le6) 203
9.0 2tl 2t4 215 215 2t5
Qo3) Qrz) 233 239 2& 241 241

Note: The figures in brackets, which are

for spacingsof morc than 0.5 D, areof doubtful
accuracy.
l1D: 80
 - 16-

TABLE A (continued)

254 265 266 266 266

273 290 292 292 292
29r 3r5 3lE 318 318
(308) 339 y2 342 342
(323) 353 t6 366 36

380 387 390 390 3q)

&2 4lt 4t4 414 4t4
422 435 43t 43E 43E
&2 45E 62 4&2 462
46t 82 4t5 486 486

480 I sos 510 5r0 5t0

510 I 545 555 560 560
540 | sgs 6m 6r0 610
570 I ozo 645 655 6@
(5e5)| m 5t5 7m
1os
(620) | 6gs TE 745 750
(640) | tzs 7@ 790 79s
(660)| zss n5 835 840
(680) | zss t30 880 885
(700)I tsro) t55 925 935

(7r5) | (r3t 9(n 9o: 980

960 r 060 I 090
I O{O I 150 I 190
(r rm) t24o t29A
(r r50) I 310 l 380

65 (r 20) I 380 470

70 (r 240) I 430 550
75 (l2m) l 4E0 620
80 (r 530) 690
.85 (t 5Eo) 7ffi

90 (r 630) I 820
t00 (l 720) I 930
It0 (r 79O) (2 030)
120 (l 860) Qr2O).
130 Q20a)

Q280)
(2 350)

--
- -_- __-,-_-_- - . ,,_,' .jrG
 -L7-

?= -

-lrrl
llr rlll

/'1
t*r-l
\ tlllllllliir
/ | r - -4.
"qll
(x
/--'-
y-5
2 : _
- _ \

/
t ^ a
----/

I \

I
\
e
3
I
\ Al

'=zt=-

!-

l. Supportisolant. l. Insulatingsupport.
2. Tige support de la sphAre. 2. Sphereshank.
3. Mdcanismede mancuvre avecdimensionsmaximales. 3. Operatinggear,showing maximum dimensions.
4. Connexioni haute tensionavec resistanceen serie. 4. High-voltage connection with series resistor.
5. Electrodede rdpartirion de champ, avec dimensions 5. Stressdistributor, showing maximum dimensions.
maxirnales.
P. Point d'etincellede la sphdrehaute tension- P. Sparking point of high-voltagesphere.
A. Hauteur de P au-deSsus du plan de terre. A. Height of P above earth plane.
B. Rayon de I'espacequi doit tre ddgagede tout objet B. Radius of space free from external structtrrcs.
itranger.
X. Plan que les organesdu repere 4 ne doivent pas tra- X. Item 4 not to passthrough this plane within a distane
verserA moins d'une distanceB de P. .B from P.

Note: La figure est dessihci l'chelle pour un dclateur Note: The figure is drawn to scalc for a lfl) cnr spherc-
i sph0resde 100cm et un dcarternentgal au rayon. gap at radius spacing.

Fig. l. Eclateur i sphdresvertical.

Vertical spherc-gap.

lID: 80

ru
 L8-

n
,

\
\
\x
\
/\

I l/
r&tI
l
"
I
I
\ I
\ I
\ I
\ \ /

l. Support isolant. l. Insulating supporl

2. Tige support de la sphtre. 2. Sphere shank.
3. M6canismede marxruvre avec dimensions maximales. 3.. Operating gear, showins meriurl| dimrios.
4. Connexion ir haute tension avec r6sistance en sdrie. 4. High-voltage conncction with !ct-s Eaistor.
'
P. Poiat d'tincelle de la sphAre haute tension. P. Sparking point of higb-voltae lpbc.
A. Hautcur de P au-dessusdu plan de terre. A. Height of P above earth plar.
B. Rayon dc I'espace qui doit tre ddgagd de tout objet B. Radius of spae frec from crtcrnl stnEutrc!,
tranger.
X. Plan que les organs du repCrc 4 ne doivent pas tra- X. Item 4 not to pass through this pLr within a distane
verser i moins d'une distance .8 de P. .8 from P.

Note: [,a figurc est dessineei I'dchelle pour un eclateur Note: The figurc is drawn to scale for a 25 crn sphcrc
i sphdres de 25 cm et un &artement 6gal au rayon. gap at radius spacing.

Fig. 2, Eclateur I sphBreshorizontal.

Horizontal sphere-gap.

LlD: 80