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School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA This paper presents a theoretical model for evaluating flashover performance of insulators under contaminated conditions. The model introduces several new features when compared with existing models such as, the formation of dry bands, variations in insulator geometry and surface wettability. The electric field distribution obtained from software for 3-Dimensional models along with form factor are used to determine the dimensions of the dry bands and the onset of arcing. The model draws heavily from experimental measurements of flashover voltage and surface resistance under wet conditions of porcelain and composite insulators. The model illustrates the dominant role played by the insulator shape and housing material on the flashover performance. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]