Uses of Insulators

Those substances which do not allow electricity to pass through them are called insulators.  Examples of these materials include rubber, plastic, wood, glass, and also air. Electrical insulators, such as glass, rubber, ceramic and plastic, exhibit a resistance that prevents or completely prevents electricity from travelling. 

Most electrical items are made using insulators to keep them safe. Plugs, for example, have plastic cases. Electrical cables are wrapped in plastic, which is flexible as well as insulating. In electrical circuits, the copper wires are coated in plastic because this prevents the overflowing of electricity.

Insulator

Uses of Insulators

Electrical insulators are mainly can be seen in homes, streets, and offices. Electrical insulators are used in different types of devices and equipment where no flow of electricity is required.  Electrical insulators have wide use.

Electrical insulators prevent electrical equipment from generating high voltage. If human skin comes into contact with an active naked wire, it will conduct electrical charges and a current will be felt. Hence, insulators are used on bare wires which prevent the flow of electric charges.  Insulators are used in many places.

The Common Uses of Electrical Insulators are Given Below:

• Prevents the production of high voltage in the electrical circuit.

• Helps reduce energy costs.

• Controlling the emission of pollutants.

• Improves process performance.

• Prevents electric shock. 

• Allows soundproofing of equipment.

Application of Electric Insulator

Some of the major applications of electric insulators are given below:

• Electrical Wiring Coating

• The Coating on Electric Poles on Roads

• Circuit Board

• Coating of Cables

• High Voltage Equipment

Electric Board

Types of Insulators Used in Transmission Line

The element of the Transmission Line by which the line conductors are insulated from the supports is known as a Line Insulator. Some important types of insulators in transmission lines are given below:

• Pin Type Insulator - This type of insulator is used in distribution systems.  The voltage potential of this insulator is 11kV. It is made with a high mechanical strength material. These are connected in vertical and horizontal positions.  This insulator is simple to manufacture and requires less maintenance than other types.

•  Suspension Type Insulator - It is also called disc insulator and the designing of these insulators can be done using materials like porcelain or glass. The voltage capability of suspension insulators ranges from 11 kV to 765 kV. It is used in overhead transmission lines by providing greater flexibility.

• Strain Insulator - It is similar to suspension-type insulators as it is used in overhead transmission systems but its specifications and functions are somewhat different.  The strain insulator has a voltage potential of 33kV.

• Shackle Insulator - These insulators are small in size and used in overhead distribution systems. The connection of this insulator can be done using a metal strip. This insulator has a voltage capacity of 33 kV and works in bend or circular turn conditions.

Transmission Line

Commonly Used Building Insulation Materials

• Fibreglass is cheap but requires careful handling.

• Mineral wool is effective, but not fire-resistant.

• Cellulose is fire-resistant, eco-friendly, and effective but difficult to apply.

• Polyurethane is a good insulation product, although not particularly environmentally friendly.

Solved Questions 

Write True or False.

1. Air is an example of an insulator. - True.

2. Plugs do not have plastic cases. - False.

3. Suspension-type insulators are used in transmission lines. - True.

4. Glass is not an insulator. - False.

Learning by Doing 

Kids Activity: Find which one is not an insulator. 

• Paper

• Rubber

• Plastic 

• Glass

• Mercury 

• Wood

Summary

In this article, we have discussed about what is insulators, the uses of Insulators, the application of electric insulators, the types of insulators used in transmission line, and commonly used building insulation materials. Insulators are very important for keeping us safe from electricity. We have seen many examples of insulators in our daily life. For example, plugs with plastic cases and electric wire coated with rubber or plastic.