The physical field that surrounds electrically charged particles and exerts a force on all other charges in the field, either attracting or repelling them. It is measured in volts per meter. In high-voltage engineering, managing the electric field stress within insulation systems is critical to prevent corona discharge and dielectric breakdown.
The grading ring smooths out the electric field at the end of the insulator string to prevent corona.
Also heard as
- E-field
Related terms
Electric flux
The total measure of an electric field passing perpendicularly through a specific surface area.
Corona
Faint glowing discharge around high-voltage conductors where the air is overstressed, causing noise and loss.
Flashover
Disruptive discharge over or around insulation that creates a short circuit through the air.
Insulation coordination
Sizing insulation and surge arresters together so any flashover lands at a cheap, self-restoring point, not inside plant.