Porcelain Insulators | Traditional substations, moderate environmental conditions | Porcelain core (ceramic), 36 kV max voltage (IEC 60137), 1200 psi compression strength | Low cost, proven reliability, UV resistance. | Heavyweight, brittle, limited voltage capacity. |
Glass Insulators | Overhead lines in dry regions, medium-voltage grids | Glass core with polymer housing, 230 kV rating (IEC 61109), 12 kV/mm dielectric strength | Lighter than porcelain, better UV resistance. | Prone to cracking, requires careful handling. |
Composite Insulators - Base | Urban power distribution (11–132 kV), light pollution environments | Fiberglass core + silicone rubber housing, 132 kV rating (ASTM C311), 25 discs. | Lightweight, corrosion-free, 20% lower maintenance vs porcelain. | Lower voltage capacity than Advanced, moderate weather resistance. |
Composite Insulators - Advanced | High-voltage transmission (230–765 kV), extreme climates (▲ vs Base) | Carbon fiber core + UV-inhibited silicone, 765 kV rating (IEC 61109), 40 discs. ▲ | ▲ 50% higher voltage capacity, 40% lighter than porcelain, -40°C to 120°C oper. | Higher cost, requires specialized installation. |
Silicone Rubber Bushings | Transformer/substation applications, high-voltage interfaces (▲ industry standard) | Silicone rubber insulation, 765 kV rating (IEC 62223), 300°C thermal stability. ▲ | ▲ Compact design, 50% smaller footprint than porcelain bushings. | Lower mechanical strength in seismic zones, needs precise alignment. |
Pollution-Resistant Insulators | Industrial zones, coastal areas with salt fog (▲ vs standard composites) | Hydrophobic silicone coating, 25 kV/cm leakage distance (IEC 60815), ▲ | ▲ 30% reduced flashover risk in polluted environments. | Higher cost, requires periodic coating inspection. |