In this research work, the characteristics of the dc local arc appeari
ng on ice surfaces near the cathode was investigated and the correspon
ding arc constants A and n were determined. The difference between the
arc characteristics under dc and ac voltages were also analyzed. Thes
e results present a particular interest in the modeling of the dc arc
discharge on ice-covered insulators. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.