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LISTRIK NEGARA

Lampiran Surat KeputusanDirel<siPLN

No. 036lDlRl7B, Tanggal 14 Agustus 1978

lEc

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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

ffiT,qNMA,H

11trI .1E 78

SPLI\I

Lampiran Surat Keputusan Direksi PLN

f i-.nusAHAANUMUM LlsrRrK NEGARA

No.: 036/DlR/1978 Tanggal 14 Agustus 1978

IEC Publicationb2
Secondedition 1960

RECOMMENDATIONS
FORVOLTAGEMEASUREMENT
BY
(ONE
MfiANSOF SPHERE
GAPS
SPHEREEARTHED}
riI:I(CIMENDI\SI
PENGUKURAN
TEGANGANDENGANMENGGUNAKAN
(SATU
SELA BOLA
BOLA DTTANAHKAN)

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

Pnmece

v
v

Clausc
l.

Scopeand Object

2.

Standard sphere-gap

2.1 Requirementsfor the spheres

2.2 Construction of the shanksof the spherw

2.3 Height of thc spheresabovethe horizontal earth planc

. .

2.4 Clearanceround the spheres

2.5 Clearanccround the sphcres(table).
3.

Comtection of the sphere-gap

3.2 High-voltageconductor

4
4
4

3.3 Protectiveseriesresistancein the measurementof alternating and direct voltages. . .

3.4 Protective scries resistane in the mcasurementof impulse voltages .

3.1 Earthing

4. The usc of tle spher4op

-4.1 Irradiation

5.

5
5

4-2 Voltage mcasurcmen8

Sphere-gap disruptive disclurge voltaga

5.2 Accuracy.of the tables

6
6
7

5.3

5.t

Numerical values in the tables .

Influence of atmospheric conditions

Appendix A -

}.-,

3
3
3

Range of experimental calibrations

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

l1D:80

lii

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
dealt with.
consensusof opinion on the sub.iects

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 commenced 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
Belgium
Canada
Czechoslovakia
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
Italy
Netherlands

IlD:80

Norway
Poland
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Union of Soviet Socialist Republics
United Kingdom
United Statesof America
Yugoslavia

'@- T
tfl

rffi hr bco rsetcC Uy

Ae crplainedin AppendixB, thc prcrcntPuHbationir r ompd
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 -

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

llD:80

- 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 -75-100I50 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 distanceh of its ccntralpoint from thc plam FdsS throu$ tbc
measures
The spheromergr
triangleof sidea.
whichforman equilateral
threefeetof theinstrument,
When the threefeetand the central point are in contact with a perfectly rpbcricatrurfrc of rrdir

,i

the followingvalueis obtainedfor h:

D

o : 7 ,- ,

or, with adequateaer;uraley.

D
h
' - -3

(;l.;(;)'
I

The measured values may differ from the above. When the feet of tbc spUocG
various positions in thc region defined above, the difference between the rncasured vrhB
value given in the formula shall norvhereexceed:

rrc phcd in
of I rnd thc

O.l% of the diameter (D) if this is lessthan or equal to 100cm

0.2% of the diameter (D) if this is -qreaterthan 100cmIf a spherometer is not available. flat circular gauges may be used for an lgorimf
irregulariticsof the surface.

cYaluation of

arc
on sizcand shapeneedusualtyonly be checkedin the manncrdcrcficd lboG uh tbc-sphcrcs
Nore:Thc rolerunces
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
roughenedor pitted in usethey shall be re-burnishcdor rcphcd
the spheresbecomeexcessively
Nore:lf the relutive humidityof theair exceedsabout gO y",moisture may condreontbrft.d
will then ceasc to be aqcurate.

fu ciucmts

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

-r-

t
t

3 -

s
t

{
t i f

The earthedshank and the operatinggear have a smallereffectand their dimensionsarc therefore
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
gap.
(page
Itt).
of
the
Figure
for
both
sides
in
2
They are the same
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 horizontal 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 framework 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

up to 6.25
l0-15
25
50
75
100
150
200

value of

9 D
8 D
7.D
6 D
6 D
5 D
4 D
4 D

value of

14s
12s
l0.s
8^S
E S
7S
6,S
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
placcd, !ay; in a
is
if
ttrc
rphcrc'tap
crror
in
will
they
bc
scriously
and
conditions
these
unrler
madc
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
to qrnhd oblccts'
di'chrfF
prevent
dirruptive
to
sufficient
always
not
.r.
in rhc table of Clause 2.5, as itt.rc
especiallythoscwith sharpedgesor corners.

3.

CouNectloN

oF THE SPHEREcAP

3.1 Earthing
through a resistor
One sphere shall preferably be connected directly to earth, but may be con6cd
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 spbcrcWithin 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 oscillations 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 reduccdThe 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

Tt

. 5 _

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 oscillationsthat it shouldbe of low inductance(not more than 30pH). For the positionof tlre resistorin the
circuitsceClause1.3.

4.

4.1

THe use oF THE spHERE-cAp

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 measurement 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
gap,
accuratelyat thc instantof disruptivedischargeof the
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.
rcading ejSoeiq vithi! 3 %
should be the meanof threc suocessive
The final measurement

4.2.2 Measurementof itnpulsevoltages

thc sPEcintof thc gEP,of
ln order to obtain the 50/" disruptivedischargevoltageof a sphere-gaP,
to not morethan
shall be adjustedin stePscorresponding
the chargingvottageof the impulsegenerator,
be madeat each'
shatl
2"/" of the expectcddisruptivedischargevalue. Six applicationsof the impulsc
shall not be lessthan 5 seconds.Thc ralw grving507i probability
applications
stcp. The intervalberween
t\ro gaP or voltage
of disruptive dischargeis preferably obtained by interpolationbetweenat lcast
discharges
disrupuve
iour
in
other
the
and
or less,
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 5.2longer
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

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 measure
and adjustthe gapwith sufficientaccuracyif the ratio of spacingto dianleteris very
small,it is recornmended
thatthespacing
shouldnot 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 correctionfactor ft. This factor is a function of the relativeair densityd, definedby:
b
_
d:=-:'-X
l0l3

273+20
273+t

b
: 0 . 2 8-9. X
- 2- 7 3 + 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
-- 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.
.
d:

llD:80

8 5,3,3Alr densitycorrection
factor (table)
RclativcEir
dcnrity d

0.70
0.75
0.80
0.85
0.90
0.9t
1.00
1.05
Ll0
l.t5

Conution
fas"tor&

0.72
0,77
0.t2
0.E5
0.91
0.95
t.00
1.05
1.09
Ll3

5.3.4 HumiditY
ir. Thc
d&
Ht
The disruptive dischargevoltage of a sphere-gapincreaseswith iutrdrt
rrngr of
tb
outr
numericalvalue of the effect is uncertainbut it is unlikely to be more tbrn 2 a t%,
humidities normally encounteredin laboratories. Becauseof this uncrtriry, D orElinfrctorfor
hbontodcr wbcre
humidity can be given at present. In any case,the humidity of the air in tli t.rb
the cxperimentalcalibrationswere made was not trsuallyrecordedSee Clause 2.1.2 for a note on the danger from condensationof, ufurr
sphcres.

&

nrfrca

of the

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

Reference

Kind of voltage

Alternating

voltage of power frequency

Alternating voltoge of pon'er frequenev

Direct voltagc *
Direct voltage Inrpulse voltage #
Intpulse voltage Alttrnuring voltuge of high frequency
Unduntpc<l cltcrnnting vohugt, of high frequency

l 700
| 400
800 t
r300/
2 5 8 0|
24to {
Sce Note 2
below

Duntped alternating

voltage of high frequency

idem

TransactionsA.I.E.E. Vol. 7l (1952),

Part ItI, page455
J.I.E.E. Vol. 82, (1938),page655
Zeit. techn.Phys.l8 (1937),
page 209
TransactionsA.I.E.E. Vol. 7l (1952)
Part Ill, page455
E.T.Z. Vol. 60 (1939),page92 (seeNote I below)
J.A.I.E.E. Vol. 46 (1927),page I 314
Arch. Elektr. Vol. 14 (1924),page491
Arch. Elektr. Vol. 24 (1930),page525
Arch. Elektr. Vot. 25 (1931),page322
page 123
Arch. Elektr.Vol. 26.(1932),
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 theseindividual 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 above2) 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:

1LD:80

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

. 1 3-

TABLE I
SPI{ERE4AP WTIII O TE SPHEREEARTIIED
Peak values of disruptivc ds&rge voltlF
(5O"r( valucs fror impulse csts):
Valil for:

h Hlomlb

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
0.t0
0.t5
0.20
0.25

2.8
4.7
6.4
8.0
9.6

0.30
0.40
0.50
0.60
0.70

tt.2
14.4
t7.4
20.4

)1 ')

8.0
9 .6

n.2
14.3
t7.4
20.4
23.4

14.2
t7 .2
20.2
?7)

16.8
19.9
23-0

t6.8
r9.9
23.O

16.8
19.9
23.O

0.80
0.90
1.0
1.2
1.4

2 5 .8
28.3
30.7
(35.I )
(38.5)

26.3
29.2
32.0
37.6
42.9

26.2
29.1
3t.9
37.5
42.9

26.0
28.9
31.7
37.4
42.9

26.0
28.9
3r.7
37.4
42.9

26.O
28.9
3t.7
37.4
42.9

1.5
t.6
t.8
2.O

(40.0)

45.5
48.1
53.0
57.5
61.5

45.5
48.1
53.5
58.5
63.0

45.5
48.1
53.5
59.0

45.5
48.l
53.5
59.0

45.5
48.I
53.5
59.0

7 )

&.5

3r.7
37.4
42.9

64.s

&.5

45.5
48.1
53.5
59.0
64.5

59.0

64.s

2.4
2.6
2.8
3. 0
3. 5

65.5
67.5
(6e.0)
72.0
(72.5)
76.0
(75.5)
79.5
(82.5) .(87.s)

69.5
74.5
79.5
84.0
95.0

70.0
75.0
80.0
85.0
97.0

70.0
75.5
80.5
85.5
98.0

70.0
75.5
81.0
86.0
99.0

70.0
75.5
81.0
86.0
99.0

4.4
4.5
5.0
5. 5
6.0

(88.5)

105
ll5
123
(r3l)
(r38)

108
ll9
129
138
r46

110
r22
133
t43
t52

rt2
t25

rt2
t25

137
t49
l6l

138
l5l
t&

(e5.0)

(r0l)
(l07)

59.0
64.5

70.0
7s.5
8r.0
86.0
99.0

86.0
99.0

tt2
t25
138
r5l
t&

125
r38
t5t
164

n2

Noto 1' The tablesare not valid for the measurement

of imputse voltages below about I0 kvNote 2' The figures in brackets, which are for
spacings of more than 0.5 D, areof doubtful
accuracy.

llD: 80

138
l5l
164

_L4_

TABLE | (continued)

Sphcrc
gap
spacing

t7t
184
195
296
226

tn

tn

l89
202
214
239

190

24
261
275
(28e)
(302)

263
286
309
331
353

IE
t9

(314)
(326)
(337)
(3471
(357)

20

(366)

6.5
7.0
7.5
8.0
9.0
l0
il
lz
l3
I4
l5
l6

r7

(144)
(150)
(r55)

(154)
(l 6 r)
(168)
(r74)
(185)

l6l
169
177

(r85)
(le8)

(re5) (2oe)
(2le)
(229'

t77
190
203
715
241

tn
190
203
215
241

265
290
315
339
353

26
D2
3rt
t6

26
292
3rE
y2
36

zffi
292
3r8
y2
36

373
392
4lt
429
445

3E7
4r0
412
453
473

390
4t4
43t
62
4t6

390
4t4
438
467
4E6

390
4t4
438
462
486

460
489
515

510
555
595
635
675

510
560
610
555
7m

5r0
560
610
660
705

7r0
715
7t0
il5
t45

745
?90
E35
E75
9r5

7fi
D5
E40
E85
930

955

975
080
tE0
2&
340

m3

215
28

v2

24
26
2E

(s40)
(565)

492
530
565
6fi)
635

30
32
34
36
38

(585)
(60t
(625)
(640)
(655)

655
695
7U
750
(775)

40
45
50
55
60

(670)

(E00)
E75
(850)
945
(Ee5) l 0 l 0
(e35) (l 060)
(e70) (l uo)

77

65
70
75
EO
85
90
100

ov)
r30
2r0
2E{)

(l 160)

1340, l 4 t 0
I 480
(l 230) I 440
I 540
(1,190) t 6 m
(l 54O) I 560

(r 2m) t 390

(r 5s)) tTza

120
130

(l 660) l8/d)
(r 73O) (l em)
(r Em) (?o2o)
(2 l0o)

llm
150

(2 l80)
(2 250)

uo

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
spacing

cm

0.05
0.t0
0 .t 5
0.20
0.25
0.30
0.40
0.50
0.60
0.70

n.2
t4.4

u.2

t7.4
20.4
23.2

t4.3
t7.4
20.4
23.4

0.80
0.90
t.0
t.2
1.4

25.8
28.3
30.7
(3 5I.)
(38.5)

1.5
1.6
1.8
2.O
2.2

(4o.0)

2.4
2.6
2. 8
3.0
3.5
4.0
4.5
5.0
5.5
6.0
6.5
7.0
7.5
8.0
9.0

t4.2
r7 .2
20.2

2?.2

16.8
19.9
23.O

l6.E
19.9
23.0

16.8
r9.9
23.O

26.3
29.?
32..0
37.8
43.3

26.2
29.1
31.9
37.6
43.2

26.0
28.9
3t.7
37.4
42.9

26.O
28.9
3t.7
37.4
42.9

26.0
28.9
3t.7
37.4
42.9

46.2
49.0
54.5
59.5

&.0

45.9
48.6
54.0
59.0
64.0

45.5
48.1
53.5
59.0
64.5

45.5
48.1
53.5
59.0
&.5

45.5
48.1
s3.5
59.0
&.5

&.s

&.5

69.0
(73.0)
(77.0)
(81.0)

69.0
73.5
78.0
82.0

70.0
75.5
80.5
85.5
97.5

70.0
75.5
80.5
85.5
98.0

70.0
75.5
80.5
85.5
98.5

70.0
75.5
81.0
86.0
99.0

70.0
75.5
81.0
86.0
99.0

70.0
75.5
81.0
86.0
99.0

(l0t)
(108)
(l ls)

109
t20.
130

lll
t24
136
t47
158

tt2
t25
138
r5l
163

n2
r25
r38

(148)

ll0
t22
t34
145
155

l5l
I&

t12
t25
r38
l5t
t64

r&

l5l
164

(156)

(164)

168
178
187
(le6)

t75
187
t99
2tl
233

t77
189
202
2t4
239

t77
190
203
215
2&

t77
190
203
215
241

t77
190
203
2t5
241

(e0.0) (et.5)
(e7.5)

(r3e)

(r63)

(r73)

(170)

(181)

(r8e)
Qo3)

Qrz)

3r.7
37.4
42.9
45.5
48.1
53.5
59.0

59.0

s9.0
64.5

Note: The figures in brackets, which are

for spacingsof morc than 0.5 D, areof doubtful
accuracy.

l1D: 80

86.0
99.0
tt2
r25
138
l5l

r38

16-

TABLE A (continued)

265
290
3r5
339
353

266
292
3lE
y2
t6

266
292
318
342
366

266
292
318
342
36

380
&2
422
&2
46t

387
4lt
435
45E
82

390
4t4
43t
62
4t5

390
414
43E
4&2
486

3q)
4t4
43E
462
486

480 I

sos
545

510
555

sgs
ozo
m

6m

5r0
560
6r0

645
5t5

655

5t0
560
610
6@

6gs

TE
7@
t30
t55

745
790
835
880
925

750
79s
840
885
935

9(n
960

9o:
r 060

(r rm)

I O{O

(r r50)

I 150
t24o
I 310

980
I 090
I 190
t29A
l 380

(r 20)
(r 240)
(l2m)

I 380
I 430
l 4E0

254
273
29r
(308)
(323)

510 I

540 |
570 I
(5e5)|
(620) |

(640) |
(660)|
(680) |

tzs
zss
zss

n5

(700)I tsro)
(7r5) | (r3t

65
70
75
80
.85

7m

(r 530)
(t 5Eo)
(r 630)
(l 720)
(r 79O)
(l 860)

90
t00
It0
120
130

1os

470
550
620
690
7ffi
I 820
I 930
(2 030)
Qr2O).
Q20a)
Q280)
(2 350)

-- -_-

__-,-_-_- -

. ,,_,' .jrG

-L7-

?=

-lrrl

llr rlll

/'1

t*r-l
/
/--'-

"qll

| r - -4.
y-5
2 : _

(x

tlllllllliir
- _ \
----/

I
\

I
I

e
\

3
Al

'=zt=-

!l.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Supportisolant.
Tige support de la sphAre.
Mdcanismede mancuvre avecdimensionsmaximales.
Connexioni haute tensionavec resistanceen serie.
Electrodede rdpartirion de champ, avec dimensions
maxirnales.

l.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Insulatingsupport.
Sphereshank.
Operatinggear,showing maximum dimensions.
High-voltage connection with series resistor.
Stressdistributor, showing maximum dimensions.

P. Point d'etincellede la sphdrehaute tensionA. Hauteur de P au-deSsus

du plan de terre.
B. Rayon de I'espacequi doit tre ddgagede tout objet
itranger.
X. Plan que les organesdu repere 4 ne doivent pas traverserA moins d'une distanceB de P.

P. Sparking point of high-voltagesphere.

A. Height of P above earth plane.
B. Radius of space free from external structtrrcs.

Note: La figure est dessihci l'chelle pour un dclateur

i sph0resde 100cm et un dcarternentgal au rayon.

Note: The figure is drawn to scalc for a lfl) cnr sphercgap at radius spacing.

X. Item 4 not to passthrough this plane within a distane

.B from P.

Fig. l. Eclateur i sphdresvertical.

Vertical spherc-gap.
lID: 80

ru

L8n
,

\
\

\x
\
/\

l/
r&tI
"

I
l

I
I
I
I
I

\
\
\
\

Support isolant.
Tige support de la sphtre.
M6canismede marxruvre avec dimensions maximales.
Connexion ir haute tension avec r6sistance en sdrie.
Poiat d'tincelle de la sphAre haute tension.
Hautcur de P au-dessusdu plan de terre.
Rayon dc I'espace qui doit tre ddgagd de tout objet
tranger.
X. Plan que les organs du repCrc 4 ne doivent pas traverser i moins d'une distance .8 de P.

l.
2.
3.
4.
P.
A.
B.

Note: [,a figurc est dessineei I'dchelle pour un eclateur

i sphdres de 25 cm et un &artement 6gal au rayon.

l. Insulating supporl
2. Sphere shank.
dimrios.
3.. Operating gear, showins meriurl|
4. High-voltage conncction with !ct-s Eaistor.
'
P. Sparking point of higb-voltae lpbc.
A. Height of P above earth plar.
B. Radius of spae frec from crtcrnl stnEutrc!,
X. Item 4 not to pass through this pLr
.8 from P.

within a distane

Note: The figurc is drawn to scale for a 25 crn sphcrc

gap at radius spacing.

Fig. 2, Eclateur I sphBreshorizontal.

Horizontal sphere-gap.

LlD: 80