This paper presents an evaluation of the performance of different methods for estimating the parameters required for the application of the Disruptive Effect Model to the analysis of the breakdown characteristics of 15 kV distribution insulators subjected to lightning impulses. The tests involved the application of both the standard (1.2/50 μs) and non-standard lightning impulse voltage waveshapes (1.2/4 1.2/10 3/10 μs) and 7.5/30 μs)of positive and negative polarities. The obtained Vxt characteristics are compared with those predicted by the Disruptive Effect Model using the most common procedures for estimating the parameters necessary for its application, including a novel method which is presented in the paper. An analysis of the results relevant to the various procedures shows that the parameters obtained according to the proposed method lead to a better agreement between theoretical and experimental results.