How does temperature affect the voltage breakdown of dielectric oil?

Temperature has a significant effect on the voltage breakdown of dielectric oil, as it influences the oil’s viscosity, molecular structure, and ionization potential. As the temperature increases, the viscosity of the oil typically decreases, allowing for better mobility of free charges which can impact the breakdown voltage. However, at elevated temperatures, the dielectric strength may also decrease due to the increased likelihood of ionization and the formation of conductive by-products, which can negatively affect the oil’s insulating properties. Therefore, monitoring the voltage breakdown of dielectric oil versus temp is crucial for ensuring the reliability and performance of electrical insulating systems, and selecting appropriate testing equipment like those from Globecore can help in assessing these critical parameters accurately.