In the diverse environments of utility applications, selecting the right insulators is a pivotal decision that directly impacts the efficiency, safety, and longevity of electrical systems. Among the array of materials available, glass, porcelain, and polymer stand out as the primary choices, each offering distinct advantages and considerations. Newell, a reputable leader in the field and a part of Power Grid Components Inc., specializes in providing high-quality insulators with an unmatched commitment to availability and swift delivery.

The Difference Between Glass, Porcelain, and Polymer Insulators

 

In the diverse environments of utility applications, selecting the right insulators is a pivotal decision that directly impacts the efficiency, safety, and longevity of electrical systems. Among the array of materials available, glass, porcelain, and polymer stand out as the primary choices, each offering distinct advantages and considerations. Newell, a reputable leader in the field and a part of Power Grid Components Inc., specializes in providing high-quality insulators with an unmatched commitment to availability and swift delivery. 

Newell, best known for porcelain station posts, also has a full line of porcelain and glass transmission bells; as well as polymer post insulators. This blog aims to shed light on the key differences between glass, porcelain, and polymer insulators, offering a high-level guide for purchasing managers, sourcing managers, procurement specialists, buyers, and standards engineers striving to make informed decisions in the fast-paced world of electrical infrastructure.

Glass Insulators

Glass insulators, with their long history in electrical engineering, are prized for their robustness and excellent insulating properties. These insulators are crafted from tempered glass to endure harsh environmental challenges without compromising their integrity. A unique advantage of glass insulators is their transparency, which facilitates easy inspection for internal damage. This transparency makes glass insulators the ideal choice to protect linemen during live line maintenance work.

Porcelain Insulators

Porcelain insulators, a staple in Newell’s product lineup, provide mechanical strength for EHV substation applications or as a distribution stand off – as you see in the picture above. Porcelain and glass insulators, known for their distinct characteristics and applications in power transmission and distribution systems, have been utilized historically since the telegraph era. These insulators are produced from a blend of kaolin, feldspar, and quartz, undergoing a rigorous firing process to achieve outstanding strength and insulation performance. Their resistance to chemical corrosion and electrical surface tracking makes them ideal for use in lightly contaminated environments. For the most demanding environments, Newell’s semi-conductive glaze insulators meet the challenge. Newell’s dedication to maintaining a comprehensive stock ensures that customers benefit from short lead times, making Newell a preferred choice for reliable porcelain insulators.

Polymer Insulators

The advent of polymer insulators has introduced a lightweight and versatile option to the industry. Constructed from silicone rubber molded over a fiberglass core, these insulators are easier to handle and install than traditional glass or porcelain insulators. They excel in wet conditions thanks to their hydrophobic properties, effectively repelling water. These properties make them an excellent insulator for a substation switch when the substation is located in a moderately contaminated area.

Semi Conductive Glaze Insulators

Semi-Conductive Glazed, SCG, insulators are ideal for the highly contaminated substation where polymer insulators fail to prevent flashovers. SCG insulators have the strength of porcelain and even greater self-cleansing properties than polymer making them the most reliable substation insulator in the market today. Compared to porcelain or glass insulators, SCG insulators offer superior performance in terms of mechanical strength and resistance to environmental factors.

Key Considerations for Selection Adherence to Industry Standards: Ensuring Reliability

The selection of insulators should be guided by the specific needs of the application, considering factors like environmental exposure, mechanical demands, and electrical specifications. The availability of the insulator type also plays a critical role in project scheduling. Newell’s strategy to keep a wide range of insulators, including SCG insulators,  in stock ensures that customers can expect prompt delivery, providing a significant advantage over competitors. Porcelain or glass insulators are often compared for their mechanical strength and dielectric properties, with glass offering higher dielectric strength and porcelain providing more versatile shapes.

Adherence to Industry Standards: Ensuring Reliability

Porcelain and polymer insulators must meet rigorous industry standards for safety and reliability in electrical infrastructures they will be operating in. All Newell insulators comply with IEC 61109 and ANSI C29 criteria for high-voltage insulators.

 Porcelain Insulators: 

Our entire porcelain insulator inventory is tested for compliance with IEC 60383 standards providing assurance that they can withstand the high mechanical stresses associated with transmission & distribution systems. Adhering to these standards ensure our insulators perform reliably over decades of service, and in challenging environments.

 Polymer Insulators:

Newell’s polymer insulators meet IEC 61109 requirements for composite insulators. These standards ensure that polymer insulators provide the highest performance possible in terms of both electrical insulation and mechanical strength, particularly in environments with prevalent pollution and moisture.

Partner with Newell for Your Insulator Needs

Choosing between glass, porcelain, and polymer insulators involves weighing factors such as durability, resistance to environmental conditions, weight, and availability. For industry professionals tasked with making these critical decisions, a thorough understanding of the distinctions between these materials is essential. We encourage you to contact Newell for expert advice and to explore our selection of glass, porcelain, and polymer insulators, taking a step towards enhancing the performance and reliability of your electrical infrastructure.

Visit Us at the IEEE Expo

Get ready for the IEEE EXPO, coming May 6-9th in Anaheim, CA. Join us at this pivotal industry event where you can meet our President, Rick Stanley, at Booth #3260. He will be available to walk you through our exhibit which showcases exciting products, commitment to quality, extensive inventory, and quick delivery times, and answer any questions you might have. We look forward to seeing you there and exploring new possibilities together!

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