Electrical insulators are materials that do not allow the flow of electrical current through them. They are non-conducting materials and are used to prevent electrical shock and sparks while the electrical current flows through a conductor. Insulators that have a higher threshold for electrical voltage than others do are called high voltage insulators while those with a low threshold are known as low voltage insulators. There are different types of dielectric materials and if you are not sure which best suit your projects, contact Electrical Contractors in Thompson MB for help. Here are some of the most common ones.
Ceramic insulators
Ceramic insulators are commonly made from clay and feldspar. Ceramic insulators are used to insulate long-term electricity power lines. They are able to withstand harsh weather conditions such as heavy rains. They come in different shapes and sizes to suit different electrical needs.
Non-ceramic insulators
These are made from different types of materials like complex alloys and plastic. They are popular because they are cheap, light and the fact that they can be used to insulate very long electrical lines. Over-exposure to bad weather and high voltage however causes them to wear and tear with time.
Glass insulators
These insulators have high resistance to both thermal and electrical forces. They are commonly used in incandescent light bulbs. When handling glass insulators, great care should be taken because pressure or impact may shatter them apart.
Rubber insulators
They are commonly used when other types of insulators are too fragile to use for a certain project. For instance, insulators made from glass and ceramic can easily break when used in a frequently handled electrical system, but rubber insulators cannot.
Silicon dioxide insulators
Silicon dioxide insulators have been greatly used in the manufacturing of electronics such as mobiles and computers. The fact that they can be miniaturized makes them more popular and most suitable in this field.
When choosing the best insulator for domestic and commercial use, it is fundamental that you first do a thorough research on which one best suits your needs. Facts like whether the insulation is for indoor or outdoor purpose and the voltage involved should be considered. For more information, contact Electrical Contractors in Thompson MB at Paul’s Plumbing & Heating.
