5.1 The presence of partial discharges (corona) at operating voltage in an insulation system has the potential to result in a significant reduction in the life of the insulating material. Some materials are more susceptible to such discharge damage than others. This characteristic can be investigated using Test Method D2275.

5.2 The presence of partial discharges (corona) in an apparently solid insulation is a potential indication of the existence of internal cavities. Partial discharge tests have been useful in the design and inspection of molded, laminated, and composite insulation, as well as specimens in the form of cables, capacitors, transformers, bushings, stator bars, and rotating machines (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), (13), and (12). (See also AEIC CS5-87, ICEA T-24-380, IEEE 48, IEEE C57 113-1991, IEEE C57 124-1991, and IEEE 1434-2005.)

5.3 Partial discharge (corona) inception and extinction voltages are used in the determination of the limiting voltage at which an insulation system will operate free of such discharges. The extinction voltage is often substantially lower than the inception voltage. Where the operating voltage is below the inception voltage but above the extinction voltage, it is possible that a transient over-voltage will initiate discharges which then continue until the voltage is lowered below the extinction voltage. Inception and extinction voltages depend upon many factors, including temperature and the rate at which the voltage is changed. After a time at a voltage, it is possible that discharges will start and stop in a nonuniform and unpredictable fashion, especially for discharges within cavities in certain materials, in particular if the discharge degradation products formed are conductive (1), (5).

5.4 The magnitude (pulse height) of a partial discharge is an indication of the amount of energy that it dissipates in the insulation system. Partial discharge magnitude and pulse rate are useful in estimating the rate, or change of rate, at which deterioration is produced.

5.5 In general, the occurrence of partial discharges is not directly related to the basic properties of a solid insulating material, but usually results from overstressing of gaseous occlusions or similar imperfections or discontinuities in an insulating system. It is possible that partial discharges will originate at locations such as on the leads or terminals without resulting in any hazard within the main part of the insulation system.