The measurement of impulse voltages by means of small sphere gaps

Abstract

The erratic behaviour of small sphere gaps under impulse voltages may be explained by the comparative scarcity of ions in the gap. Methods are described by which this deficiency of ions may be remedied and greater consistency of breakdown be obtained. Suggestions are made for the use of the 0.5-inch diameter sphere gap as a standard for impulse-voltage measurement when irradiated by light from a spark discharge.