How does temperature affect the performance of electrical insulators?

Higher temperatures can significantly decrease the resistance of electrical insulators, which can lead to insulation breakdown. When temperatures rise, the thermal energy can cause the molecules in the insulating material to gain energy, leading to increased mobility of charge carriers within the insulator. This may result in greater free charge movement, effectively lowering the material's resistance.

As the resistance decreases in a high-temperature context, it can facilitate a scenario where the insulator cannot effectively prevent current leakage. In such cases, the electrical insulation may fail, leading to potential short circuits, equipment damage, or safety hazards.

This situation underscores the importance of considering temperature effects in electrical installations and the design scenarios for insulators. Insulators are typically rated for specific temperature ranges, and exceeding those limits can compromise their effectiveness.