Environmental aging of polymeric insulators in Pakistan

While the use of polymeric materials for high voltage outdoor insulators offers some major advantages in terms of weight and cost, they are more prone to deterioration and chemical alterations which can seriously reduce the reliability and lifetime of the insulator in service. Recently, polymeric materials such as silicone rubber, EPDM, EP/silicone alloy have become the materials of choice for insulators, surge arrester housing, cable terminations and bushings. The industry has adapted from ceramic to polymeric insulators when the opportunity presented itself in the form of lightweight, aesethic and hydrophobic materials, with superior performance against contamination. In Pakistan, a field research program has been launched to study the feasibility of using composite insulators in industrial/coastal/clean areas under energized and unenergized conditions.