Is Porcelain an Insulator?
That’s certainly true. The use of porcelain insulators can be traced back to the late 19th century, emerging alongside the development of power systems.For over 100 years, substation porcelain insulators have strongly supported the development of the power grid and made significant historical contributions.The butterfly insulator and the pin insulator are mainly used in high and low voltage transmission lines.
Porcelain insulators play two basic roles in overhead transmission lines: supporting the conductors and preventing current from returning to the ground.Porcelain insulators are particularly suitable for altitudes below 1000m and ambient temperatures ranging from -40℃ to +40℃.Their performance is even better under these conditions.
Porcelain vs. Glass vs. Polymer Insulators
| Feature | Porcelain Insulator | Glass Insulator | Polymer/Composite Insulator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Glazed alumina/ceramic | Tempered/annealed glass | Fiberglass core + silicone rubber housing |
| Electrical Insulation | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent (with hydrophobic surface) |
| Hydrophobicity | Low (needs cleaning in heavy pollution) | Low | High, self-restoring |
| Mechanical Strength | High but brittle | Very high | High, good impact resistance |
| Weight | Heavy | Heavy | Lightweight |
| Vandalism Resistance | Medium | Low (shatters easily) | High |
| Surface Condition Visibility | Cracks may be hidden | Damage clearly visible | Hidden core — requires tests |
| Aging / UV Resistance | Very good | Very good | Needs quality silicone to avoid aging |
| Maintenance | Moderate | Moderate | Low |
| Typical Use | Substation posts, HV lines, bushings | Disc suspension strings | Transmission lines, polluted zones |
| Cost | Moderate | Low–Moderate | Moderate–High |
Procurement Standards for Porcelain Insulators
Porcelain insulators, used for power transmission and railway insulation, should comply with industry standard IEC 60383-1 (Definition, Test Methods and Acceptance of Ceramic/Glass Insulators) – this is an important specification for evaluating porcelain and glass insulators for outdoor AC/DC applications. Common tests include power frequency withstand voltage, lightning impulse withstand, mechanical strength test, water absorption/porosity test, and surface discharge/flashover test. If you need to choose porcelain insulators, you can consider our porcelain insulators. Our porcelain insulators meet industry standards, have been tested by professional institutions, and their quality is guaranteed.