Patent ID: 8446154

Claim:
A system for the measurement of degradation of electrical wire insulation quality, said system comprising: a clamping device for engaging an electrical wire to be tested for insulation degradation, said clamping device comprising: a first jaw; a second jaw; and a channel formed between said first and second jaws for placement of the electrical wire; a plurality of plates placed proximate said channel, said plurality of plates electrically connected to generate a capacitance and placed proximate the channel such that insulation on the electrical wire provides a portion of a dielectric for the generated capacitance, said plurality of plates comprising: a first set of plates on said first jaw, said first set of plates including an alternating arrangement of plates configured to be held at a first potential and plates configured to be held at a second potential different than the first potential; and a second set of plates on said second jaw, said second set of plates including an alternating arrangement of plates configured to be held at the first potential and plates configured to be held at the second potential; and a measurement device operatively attached to said plurality of plates such that said measurement device is configured to indicate an amount of degradation associated with the wire insulation based on at least one of a measured capacitance and a dissipation factor.