Influence of multiple insulator rods on potential and electric field distributions at their surface

Insulating rod specimens are often tested in a salt-fog chamber to simulate outdoor conditions. The dimensions of the rods and their proximity to each other affect the electric field and the potential distributions on the surface and consequently the results of the tests. In the present paper the field and potential distributions are determined as a function of the number of rods which are tested simultaneously, the distance between the rods, the length and the diameter of the rods. This study is aimed to provide information to assist the development of a standard for testing rod insulators.