04-05-2013, 03:55 PM
INSULATORS
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INTRODUCTION:
The overhead line conductors should be supported on the poles or towers in such a way that currents from conductors do not flow to earth through supports i.e., line conductors must be properly insulated from supports. This is achieved by securing line conductors to supports with the help of INSULATORS. The insulators provide necessary insulation between line conductors and supports and thus prevent any leakage current from conductors to earth.
The most commonly used material for insulators of overhead line is porcelain but glass, steatite and special composition materials are also used to a limited extent. Porcelain is produced by firing at a high temperature a mixture of kaolin, feldspar and quartz. It is stronger mechanically than glass, gives less trouble from leakage and is less effected by changes of temperature.
TYPES OF INSULATORS:
There are several types of insulators but the most commonly used are pin type, suspension type, strain insulator and shackle insulator.
PIN TYPE:
Pin Type Insulator
As the name suggests, the pin type insulator is secured to the cross-arm on the pole. There is a groove on the upper end of the insulator for housing the conductor. The conductor passes through this groove and is bound by the annealed wire of the same material as the conductor.
Pin type insulators are used for transmission and distribution of electric power at voltages upto 33 kV. Beyond operating voltage of 33 kV, the pin type insulators become too bulky and hence uneconomical.
ADVANTAGES OF SUSPENSION TYPE:
(i) Suspension type insulators are cheaper than pin type insulators for voltages beyond 33 kV.
(ii) Each unit or disc of suspension type insulator is designed for low voltage, usually 11 kV. Depending upon the working voltage, the desired number of discs can be connected in series.
(iii) If any one disc is damaged, the whole string does not become useless because the damaged disc can be replaced by the sound one.
(iv)The suspension arrangement provides greater flexibility to the line. The connection at the cross arm is such that insulator string is free to swing in any direction and can take up the position where mechanical stresses are minimum.
(v) In case of increased demand on the transmission line, it is found more satisfactory to supply the greater demand by raising the line voltage than to provide another set of conductors. The additional insulation required for the raised voltage can be easily obtained in the suspension arrangement by adding the desired number of discs.
(vi)The suspension type insulators are generally used with steel towers. As the conductors run below the earthed cross-arm of the tower, therefore, this arrangement provides partial protection from lightning.
CONCLUSION:
Therefore, Insulators are used to
1. To avoid the leakage current from the conductors.
2. To provide the mechanical balance to the conductors.