The conductivity distribution in ice layer is crucial to ice flashover voltage of insulator.Consequently

we studied the effects of AC field water on droplet freezing and the effects of electric field strength on conductive ion migration.The measurement results of the conductivity of melting ice water can be used for analyzing and discussing the spatial distribution of conductivity in ice layer and icicles of insulator. Results show that the average freezing time of water droplets is related to the electric field strength. The extent of conductive ion migration decreases with the increasing of electric field strength. The melting water conductivity of ice layer nonlinearly decreases with the melting time. Hanging location in insulator string significantly affects the melting water conductivity of the ice layer. The maximal melting water conductivity of the ice layer and icicles of the insulator under energized condition is lower than that under the non-energized condition. In summary

the influence of AC field on conductive ion migration is evident. Therefore

this study may serve as a reference when further improving the ice flashover model of insulators.