Do you know what the function of electrical insulators is? It may seem obvious because of its name, but in this article we want to talk a little more about these materials so that you can also avoid accidents. Good reading!
Centuries ago it was discovered that some materials conduct electricity and others have the functionality of insulation.
Since then, these materials are used to contain or induce electricity in the most suitable way.
Of course, with our current technology, we have very different devices from the old ones, but based on a very similar concept.
Accordingly, and in order to ensure your safety, it is recommended to be aware of the subject, that is, what the function of electrical insulators is, the basic concept of their operation and the difference between PVC, HEPR and XLPE technologies.
Electrical insulators generally coat conductive materials, conducted to guide a charge from one point to another.
If there are faults in the insulation, the electrical charge will eventually escape, causing a short circuit.
This happens because the electric current ends up seeing a path with less resistance than the path traced by the conductor.
In addition, electrical insulators serve for personal safety in our routine, as they are present in all devices that run on electricity.
If it weren’t for electrical insulators, it would be very difficult – not to say impossible – to handle electricity and its conductors.
Electrical insulators: PVC, HEPR and XLPE
Returning to PVC, HEPR and XLPE technologies, the temperature that each insulator can withstand without being damaged is what differentiates these materials.
The PVC material is thermoplastic, as it does not disintegrate when subjected to high temperatures, but ends up softening. This material withstands up to 70 °C on the conductor.
However, both XLPE (cross-linked polyethylene) and HEPR (ethylene-propylene rubber), when subjected to high temperatures, do not weaken with heat. Supports 90°C medium voltage operation.
In conventional operation, cables insulated with EPR 105 withstand 105 °C, as they are thermoset.
Thermosets have undergone a vulcanization process and their main advantage is that they can carry larger loads than thermoplastics.
Here are some examples of electrical insulators that we sell here at Geartech BR:
Polyester Class B 130
Polyester Class B 130 is a low-oriented, high mechanical strength polyester (PVC) film.
It has dimensional stability characteristics that provide great electrical insulation capacity, having better behavior in automatic insertion machines compared to other types of insulation.
Polyester films are widely used as insulators between the conducting wires and the stator in electric motors.
This type of film meets different types of use, such as insulation processes in electric motors, transformers, generators, among other equipment.
Isolex paper
Flexible electrical insulator with a smooth surface and thermal class A (105°C).
These characteristics make Isolex Paper suitable for insulating ducts of electric motors, transformers, rotors and switches. Can be used in joints or separators.
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