Home/Blog/Composite Polymer Insulators: Why They Are Much Better Than Porcelain Insulators?
Composite Polymer Insulators: Why They Are Much Better Than Porcelain Insulators?
October 1, 2024
Silicon rubber insulators, commonly known as polymer insulators are available in the market in a wide range of capacity starting from 10kv to 500kv. These are Polymer Insulators, which are lightweight, very handy, and easy to use.
Range of composite polymer insulators
Polymer Suspension Insulators
Polymer Pin & Linepost Insulators
Polymer Railway Insulators
Advantages of using composite polymer insulators over the traditional porcelain insulators
1. Lightweight: Polymer insulators are considerably lighter than porcelain insulators. Being lightweight makes them easier to handle and install, reducing the transportation and labor costs associated with installation. It also simplifies maintenance and reduces the load on support structures.
2. High Mechanical Strength: Polymer insulators have excellent mechanical strength, allowing them to withstand mechanical stresses such as wind, ice, and vibrations. They are designed to be highly resilient and have a high mechanical load-bearing capacity, making them suitable for various applications, including transmission and distribution lines.
3. Good Pollution Performance: Polymer insulators have superior pollution performance compared to porcelain insulators. The hydrophobic property of the silicone rubber housing on polymer insulators reduces the accumulation of dirt and pollutants on the surface. This feature helps maintain their performance, especially in areas with high pollution levels or coastal regions.
4. Excellent Electrical Performance: Polymer insulators offer excellent electrical performance with high insulation resistance and low leakage currents. They maintain their electrical integrity even in harsh environmental conditions, such as high humidity or contaminated areas.
5. Resistance to Tracking and Erosion: Polymer insulators are resistant to surface tracking and erosion. Tracking refers to the formation of conductive paths on the surface of the insulator due to the presence of surface contaminants or pollutants. The silicone rubber housing of polymer insulators provides effective protection against tracking and ensures long-term reliability.
6. Flexibility: Polymer insulators are flexible and exhibit good bending and torsional strength. This flexibility allows them to adapt to thermal expansion and contraction, reducing stress on the insulator and the attached hardware.
7. Durable and Long-lasting: Polymer insulators have a long service life and require minimal maintenance. They do not experience issues like porcelain insulators, such as cracking, chipping, or glaze shedding. Additionally, polymer insulators are resistant to UV radiation, atmospheric aging, and chemical corrosion, ensuring their long-term reliability.
8. Safety: Polymer insulators are safer to handle and install compared to porcelain insulators. They do not shatter like porcelain when dropped or impacted, reducing the risk of injury to maintenance personnel or damage to surrounding equipment.
It’s important to note that while composite polymer insulators offer many benefits, the specific application and environmental conditions should always be considered when selecting an insulator type.