Advanced Insights into Composite Polymer Insulators for Electrical Power Systems
Composite polymer insulators represent a significant advancement in electrical power systems due to their superior performance and durability compared to traditional ceramic or glass insulators. Here are some advanced insights into composite polymer insulators:
Material Composition and Structure:
Core Material:
- Epoxy Resin: Epoxy resin is commonly used as the matrix material in composite polymer insulators due to its excellent electrical insulation properties, mechanical strength, and adhesion to reinforcement materials.
- Glass Fibers: These are typically used as the reinforcement material within the epoxy resin matrix. Glass fibers provide the insulator with high tensile strength, stiffness, and resistance to mechanical stresses. The type and orientation of glass fibers influence the insulator’s mechanical properties.
- Sizes: 16 mm, 18mm,20mm,24 mm, 28mm,32 mm, 34 mm,38mm,42mm and above

Composition of Fiberglass Core
The fiberglass core rod consists of fiberglass impregnated with resin. However, the specific type of resin and fiberglass, as well as the ratio of glass to resin, are not standardized. Instead, these factors are determined by the rod manufacturer. For instance, the choice of fiberglass and resin depends on the desired mechanical and electrical performance of the rod. A smaller outer diameter (OD) core rod is typically used for applications requiring high tensile strength, whereas a larger OD rod is necessary to withstand greater mechanical loads such as compression and cantilever forces.
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Options for Fiberglass Fibers
Both options meet or exceed the tests outlined in ANSI and IEC Standards:
- E-Glass = Electrical Grade Fiberglass
- Mainly used for manufacturing line post core rods.
- Historically used in early-generation polymer types (suspension).
- Prone to brittle fracture in suspension applications.
- Corrosion Resistant E-Glass (CR-E or ECR) = Boron Free Fiberglass
- Boron oxide is absent from the composition of glass fibers.
- Engineered to eliminate brittle fracture issues.
- Manufactured using the same process as standard E-Glass.
- Offers mechanical and electrical properties equivalent to E-Glass.
Core Material Properties
Properties | Acceptance Values | Standards |
Dye Penetration | No dye penetration for 15 Minutes (Min.) | IEC 61109 |
Hardness test (barcol) | 50 Min | ASTM D 2583 |
Specific Gravity | 1.9‐2.2 | ASTM D 792 |
Tensile Strength | 760MPa (Min.) | ASTM D 638 |
Flexural Strength | 500mPa (Min.) | ASTM D 349 |
Water Absorption | 0.1 max | ASTM D570 |
Water Diffusion Test | No Puncture at 12kV & Current shall be less than 1mA | IEC 61109 |
Glass Content | 70% Min | ASTM D 2584 |
Boron Content | Boron Free (0%) | ASTM D 578 |
Glass Transition Temprature TG | 145Degree | ASTM D 3418 |
Housing (Silicone Rubber):
Silicone rubber is widely utilized as a critical raw material in composite insulators due to its exceptional electrical, mechanical, and environmental properties. Here’s a brief overview of why silicone rubber is favored in composite insulator manufacturing:

Components of Silicone Formulation
Base Material: The elastomer or pure silicone acts as the primary polymer, forming the backbone (Si-O) of the formulation. It is responsible for imparting hydrophobic properties, maintaining hydrophobicity throughout the insulator’s lifespan, facilitating hydrophobicity recovery, and encapsulating contaminants.
ATH (Aluminum Tri-Hydrate): This agent enhances arcing resistance within the formulation, aiming to improve tracking and erosion resistance properties.
Curing Agent: This catalyst initiates the cross-linking process, crucial for vulcanizing the silicone into its final cured state.
Colorants: Typically, silicone is transparent; however, grey colorants are added to the compound for aesthetic purposes.
Processing Aids / Mold Release Agents: These aids facilitate material flow within molds and ensure effective release properties during the manufacturing process.
Special Additives / Fillers: These components are supplier-specific and may include various additives and fillers tailored to enhance specific properties of the silicone formulation.
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Properties | Acceptance Values | Standards |
Utimate Elongation | 100% Min. | ASTM D 412 |
Tensile Strength (kg/cm²) | 40 Min | ASTM D 412 |
Specific Gravity | 1.48‐1.54 | ASTM D 792 |
Tear Strength (kN/m) | 12 (Min.) | ASTM D 624 B |
Hardness Shore A | 61-75 | ASTM D 2240 |
Dielectric Strength | 17.5 kV/mm (Min.) | ASTM D149 |
D.C. Volume Resistivity (Ohm cm) | 1.0X10^13(Min.) | IEC 60093 |
Tracking & Erosion Strength | Class 1 A4.5 | IEC 60587 |
Silicone Content By Weight | 30% Min. | ASTM E 1131 |
Metal Fitting (End Fittings):
Metal end fittings, such as steel,Forged Steel,SGCI or aluminum, are attached to the ends of the insulator. These fittings provide mechanical attachment points for the insulator to be connected to transmission lines or other equipment.
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Properties | Acceptance Values | Standards |
Microstruture | Ferrite + Pearlite | IS 7739-5 |
Hardness | 175-220 BHN | IS 1500/IS2004 |
Purity of Zinc | 99.95%(Min.) | IS 209 |
Thickness of Zinc Coating | 85 Microns (Min.) | By Elcometer |
Manufacturing Process
Raw Material Preparation:
- Step 1: Receive raw materials (e.g., silicone rubber, fiberglass rods, metal end fittings).
- Step 2: Inspect raw materials for quality and specifications.
- Step 3: Store raw materials in designated areas.
- Silicone Rubber Processing:
- Step 4: Mix silicone rubber with additives (cross-linking agents, fillers, Pigment).
- Step 5: Form silicone rubber into sheets or pellets.
- Fiberglass Rod Preparation:
- Step 6: Cut fiberglass rods to specified lengths.
- Step 7: Clean fiberglass rods for better Bonding.
- Metal Fitting Preparation:
- Step 8: Fabricate metal end fittings (SGCI or Forged steel).
- Step 9: Surface treat fittings for corrosion resistance.
- Injection and Curing:
- Step 10: Inject silicone rubber into Molds in Moulding Machine.
- Step 11: Apply pressure and heat to ensure proper bonding.
- Step 12: Cure assembled insulators (heat 145 degree – 165 degree and pressure).
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- Post-Curing and Finishing:
- Step 13: Trim excess material and clean insulators.
- Step 14: Conduct visual inspection for defects.

- Sealing Process:
- Step 17: •After the crimping Process Weather proof Silicone Sealant is applied to fill small Gap between weather shed & End fitting.
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Testing and Quality Control:
- Step 18: Test insulators for electrical properties (dielectric strength, leakage current).
- Step 19: Perform mechanical tests (tensile strength, bending).
- Packaging and Shipping:
- Step 20: Package insulators securely.
- Step 21: Label packages with product information.
- Step 22: Store or ship packaged insulators.
- Documentation and Record Keeping:
- Step 23: Maintain production records and quality assurance documents.
- Step 24: Update quality management system with inspection results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the international standard use for Composite Polymer Insulators ?
IEC Standards (International Electrotechnical Commission):
IEC 61109: This standard specifies requirements for composite insulators for overhead lines with a nominal voltage greater than 1 kV.
IEC 62217: This standard provides guidance on the determination of electrical endurance of composite insulators.
IEC 61462: This standard specifies design and tests for insulating fittings of insulators for overhead lines with a nominal voltage greater than 1 kV.
IEEE Standards (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers):
IEEE Std 1207: This standard specifies requirements for composite insulators used on overhead transmission and distribution lines.
IEEE Std 1523: This standard provides guidelines for the evaluation and qualification of composite insulators used in substation applications.
IEEE Std 1772: This standard specifies qualification testing of composite insulators for overhead transmission and distribution lines.
ANSI Standards (American National Standards Institute):
ANSI C29.13: These standard covers suspension-type insulators—specifications for non-ceramic, composite, or other solid material insulators for overhead lines with a nominal voltage greater than 1 kV.
CIGRE Recommendations (International Council on Large Electric Systems):
CIGRE Working Groups publish technical reports and recommendations related to the performance, testing, and application of composite insulators in high-voltage systems.
What is Creepage Distance?
Creepage distance refers to the shortest path along the surface of an insulating material between two conductive parts or between a conductive part and ground. It plays a crucial role in determining the electrical insulation capability of insulators, particularly in high-voltage applications where preventing electrical arcing and flashover is critical
What is Dry Arc Distance?
Dry arc distance is the distance measured in air (or other gaseous media) between two conductive parts where electrical arcing may occur under specified conditions. It is often specified as part of insulation coordination and safety requirements in electrical equipment and systems.