Abstract: A system for the measurement of degradation of electrical wire insulation quality is described. The system includes a clamping device for engaging the electrical wire to be tested for insulation degradation, the clamping device comprising a channel formed therein for placement of the electrical wire, a plurality of plates placed proximate the channel, the plates electrically connected to generate a capacitance and placed proximate the channel such that the wire insulation provides a portion of a dielectric for the generated capacitance, and a measurement device operatively attached to the plurality of plates such that the measurement device is configured to indicate an amount of degradation associated with the wire insulation based on at least one of the measured capacitance and dissipation factor.

Abstract: Apparatus for non-destructively testing a polymeric cylindrical object to measure aging characteristics includes a source of electrical energy, a monitoring device, a probe for engaging an inner surface of the cylindrical object, and a conductor connecting at least the source of electrical energy and the probe, the probe comprising contact portions having object engaging surfaces including capacitor circuitry thereon. The probe further includes a nose portion having recesses disposed about the circumference within which the contact portions are housed, the nose portion being engagable with an inner surface of the cylindrical object and the object engaging surfaces being movable between a first position in which the object engaging surfaces are housed entirely within recesses and a second position in which the object engaging surfaces are deployed away from the nose portion.

Abstract: A system for the measurement of degradation of electrical wire insulation quality is described. The system includes a clamping device for engaging the electrical wire to be tested for insulation degradation, the clamping device comprising a channel formed therein for placement of the electrical wire, a plurality of plates placed proximate the channel, the plates electrically connected to generate a capacitance and placed proximate the channel such that the wire insulation provides a portion of a dielectric for the generated capacitance, and a measurement device operatively attached to the plurality of plates such that the measurement device is configured to indicate an amount of degradation associated with the wire insulation based on at least one of the measured capacitance and dissipation factor.