
Why are polymer insulators becoming a popular choice for 11kV lines, and what are their advantages over traditional porcelain?
2025-08-10Polymer insulators, also known as composite insulators, are gaining popularity due to several key advantages over traditional porcelain insulators. The main benefits include:
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Lightweight and Easy to Handle: Polymer insulators are significantly lighter than their porcelain counterparts, which makes transportation and installation easier and more cost-effective.
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Superior Contamination Resistance: The silicone rubber housing on polymer insulators has excellent hydrophobic properties. This means it repels water and prevents the formation of a conductive water film on the surface, which greatly reduces the risk of pollution flashover in harsh or polluted environments.
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High Mechanical Strength and Durability: The fiberglass reinforced polymer core provides exceptional tensile strength and flexibility. They are highly resistant to vandalism, shock, and breakage, which leads to lower maintenance costs and longer service life.
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Safety: Unlike porcelain, polymer insulators are not prone to sudden explosive failure, which enhances safety for line workers and the public.