Have you observed those rib-like components in the transformers or substations? Ever wondered what they are made of? Well, today you are going to learn about them in detail. These are insulators mounted in the power distribution systems. Their job is to prevent current in the live conductors from reaching the supporting structures. An average insulating material is not sufficient for this job because there is a high amount of power carried by the conductors. Moreover, most of these electrical equipment are installed in challenging conditions. The epoxy support insulators are considered the best design for their requirement. Let’s understand why these are the best form of insulator for various high voltage gears.
Properties of Epoxy Support Insulators
Incredible Insulation
The dielectric strength, which is the fundamental property of every insulating material, is very high in epoxy support insulators. Due to this, it creates a strong, unbreakable barrier between the conductor and the rest of the parts of the electrical system.
Withstands Extreme Conditions
Being made of epoxy resins, it can bear harsh conditions in the outdoors. Heat, wind, moisture, rain, cold, UV radiation, all the extreme environmental stressors do not corrode this insulator.
Crack and Impact Resistance
Epoxy support insulators have a high modulus of rupture, that is, the bending strength. This property sets them apart from other insulating materials. By virtue of this property, it resists cracks and impact forces.
Space Saving and Lightweight
Not only does it have high bending strength, dielectric strength and environmental resistance, but it is also lightweight. It saves space in the electrical system and makes installation easier for the technicians.
Easy To Build
The moldability is another great property of epoxy resins. Manufacturers can mould them into a customized Epoxy insulatoras per their specific requirements.
Applications in Electrical Systems
Here are the key applications of an epoxy support insulator:
- Transformers
- Switchgears
- Supporting Busbar
- Circuit Breakers
- Railway Electrification
Signs That Epoxy Support Insulators Need to be Changed
There are both visual and non-visual signs that indicate that the epoxy insulator needs to be changed:
- Cracking or a fracture is dangerous for the insulation of live wires.
- Discoloration or a change in colour may indicate that there has been chemical reactions taking place on the surface over time.
- Roughness of surface, bubble formation or bubble rupturing means there has been moisture accumulation.
- Ultrasonic detectors or ultraviolet imagers can be used to detect partial discharge activity.
- Drop in insulation resistance during performance testing.
- Overheating of the surface due to loss of heat resistance.
Conclusion
The excellent mechanical and electrical properties of epoxy support insulators are the reasons why these are widely used in the power distribution equipment and control panels. These provide reliable security for the continuous functioning of equipment without facing downtime. Routine inspections are conducted to check the performance and signs of degradation are assessed.
If you want to buy these insulators, check with our team at Prominent Power Products Pvt Ltd.