Importance of Electrical Insulators in a Modern World

1. Importance of Electrical Insulators in a Modern World We often take electricity for granted as we can illuminate our homes, use our gadgets and devices, and cool and heat our homes on demand. Most people do not realize the amount of work that goes into ensuring that electricity is safely and properly supplied to homes, offices, and commercial spaces. Most people are unaware that electrical transmission and distribution systems have insulators. These insulators are used to prevent the unwanted flow of electrical current to the earth as it could be fatal for people, domestic animals, and wildlife. When electrical insulators, such as glass insulator coating, are used, they have a path of high resistance. As a result, no electrical current can flow. The Need for Electrical Insulators When you look outside your window, you will be supporting poles and towers and overhead power lines. You may not know that one of the major problems that local governments face is flashover. This occurs when the voltage suddenly increases and becomes abnormally high and as a result, a vast amount of heat is produced between the line and the earth.

2. Many times, flashovers occur when wild animals or birds sit on the transmission and distribution systems without realizing the dangers. In case of a flashover, it can knock out power and leave residents and businesses without electricity. The city or town will suffer tremendous financial losses due to a blackout. That is why many local governments look for animal mitigation covers and silicone coatings to prevent this problem. However, when looking for electrical insulators, it is important to choose the material with care as poles and towers have to be properly grounded and the insulator sits between the current- carrying conductors and towers and poles. This prevents electrical current from flowing from the power lines to the earth via the poles and towers. What Properties Should Electrical Insulating Materials Have? Previously, before the advances in technology, porcelain was used as insulating material. However, this material was not long-lasting and durable, especially in harsh weather conditions. In such weather conditions, glass insulator coating is found to be more effective. So, when electrical companies and local governments look for effective and durable electrical insulators, they often check the properties of the insulators to ensure they make the right choice. Some of the properties that insulators, like silicone coatings & covers, should have are as follows: Insulators need to be mechanically strong and resilient so that they can easily carry the weight as well as the tension of conductors When it comes to high-voltage transmission systems, insulators should have extremely high dielectric strength to handle the voltage. That is where high-voltage insulating silicone grease can be extremely useful as it can easily withstand voltage stresses Insulators need to have high insulation resistance so that no electrical current leakage occurs Electrical companies also ensure that insulating materials do not have any impurities as it will adversely affect their insulating properties The insulator cannot be porous and it should not allow any moisture or gas to enter and get in touch with the transmission and distribution systems Insulators also should not be affected if the ambient temperatures and weather conditions change – they should not heat up when exposed to sunlight nor should they contract when temperatures dip In Conclusion Electrical insulators are an essential part of any electrical transmission and distribution system. Without insulators, it would be impossible for electrical companies to provide seamless power to cities and towns. Whether it is protecting power lines and circuits from wildlife and birds or ensuring that the power supply is safe for everyone, these insulators are more useful than we can imagine.