Electrochemical treeing at contaminants in polyethylene and cross-linked polyethylene insulation

A hypothesis is presented which may be stated as follows: “In cables, the inception of electrochemical trees at the site of contaminants, is independent of the nature of the contaminants; it is a consequence of the presence of gaps or weak boundary layers at the contaminant-insulation interface, where liquid can collect; certain liquids, under the influence of electrical stress can induce electrochemical trees.”