What are polymer insulators?

polymer insulators were first developed in the 1950s to replace conventional ceramic insulators. However, they were not available until the 1960s due to initial design shortcomings. These insulators are generally designed from glass fiber polymer bars and polymer cases. Improved insulators provide advantages of cost and weight reduction over its predecessors.

developed in Europe, the first polymer insulators produced problems with Flashover, monitoring and a general decrease in line due to deficiencies that have developed in the polymers used. High voltage insulators eventually succumbed to cracking or release of a polymer case known as chalk. These problems were often caused by shorts and unusual electrical discharges. The basic construction of insulators usually includes a glass fiber polymer rod located in silicone polymers, often referred to as a shed. Fittings and grounding components are usually made of metal.

ceramicThe insulators can carry elements for decades without failure, but the polymer versions are better able to withstand the incidents of vandalism. Ceramic insulators also often have housing cracks, gluing failure or hardware separation. When these situations arise, water often penetrates into the housing and causes tension leakage. Maintenance of these devices often includes the application of a protective coating together with the occasional washing of the insulators themselves.

In an effort to recreate the durability of ceramic insulators, a computer -controlled accelerated aging chamber was developed. The hard conditions created in the chamber were designed to simulate 30 years of conditions for about three years. The laboratory regularly tests various designs of polymer insulators. Once inside the chamber, the insulators are subjected to various environmental, electric and mechanical conditions, similar to commonly tolerated, including changing temperatures and ultravioletthe radiation. Moisture tests simulate fog and rain using fresh and salt water.

supporters believe that polymer insulators are a much more cost -effective product than ceramic insulators. Because it allegedly weighs 90% less than ceramic models, the costs of loading, unloading and transport are often dramatically reduced. Insulators usually require low maintenance and failure to manage electrical loads more competent than their ceramic predecessors. The design of polymer insulators generally allows you to easily install or replace the device. Some believe that polymer insulators provide a more pleasant look.

polymer insulators are available in a number of designs and sizes. They can be used instead of conventional ceramic products in various environments, including poles, wiring and electrical transformers. The insulators are often used on suspended lines that carry tension or on rows that have a blind end. Could be used to bending tension or compressionloads that commonly occur on the poles. Polymeric insulators are also integrated into phase and phase lines that are connected to two lines and can be used to control the wire gap.