Evaluation and Application of Dead-End Type Polymeric Insulators to Distribution

The paper gives comparative results on dead-end type polymeric insulators for distribution, obtained from a study on their electrical, mechanical and material characteristics. Tests performed on five designs and three voltage classes of insulators show that the state-of-the-art has advanced sufficiently to develop a standard specification that is acceptable from the point of view of utilities and manufacturers. Discussed generally is the application of dead-end type polymeric insulators to distribution systems. As a guide for their use, a comparison to conventional porcelain suspension insulator strings is given.