CATALOG

082

Polymer Post Insulators for 46 to 500kV Applications

NGK-Locke Polymer Insulators, Inc.

Virginia Beach, Virginia, U.S.A.

NGK-Locke Polymer Insulators, Inc.

Line Post Insulators

TABLE of CONTENTS
Process and Design Features ..........................................................................................2 Materials ..........................................................................................................................3 Application Guidelines for Polymer Line Posts (LP) ..........................................................3 Catalog Number System ..................................................................................................6 Corona Ring Recommendation ........................................................................................6 Adjustments with Corona Ring ........................................................................................6 1.75 Line Post Application Catalog Number System ..............................................................................................7 End Fitting & Base Variations ......................................................................................7 Stud Base Series ..........................................................................................................8 Rigid Curved Base Series..............................................................................................9 2.5 Line Post Application Catalog Number System ............................................................................................10 End Fitting & Base Variations ....................................................................................10 SN Shed Series ........................................................................................................12 SL (High Leakage) Shed Series ..................................................................................13 3.0 Line Post Application Catalog Number System ............................................................................................14 End Fitting & Base Variations ....................................................................................14 SN Shed Series ........................................................................................................15 3.5 Line Post Application Catalog Number System ............................................................................................16 End Fitting & Base Variations ....................................................................................16 SN Shed Series ........................................................................................................17 Research & Development ..............................................................................................18 Packaging ....................................................................................................................20

NGK-Locke Polymer Insulators, Inc. is ISO 9001 certified by the British Standards Institutes, BSI. BSI is accredited by NACCA, RAB, and RvC.

ISO 9001:2000 FM 36580

ISO 14001 EMS 96014

NGK-Locke Polymer Insulators, Inc.

Line Post Insulators

NGK-Locke Polymer Insulators, Inc. (NLPI) started commercial production of polymer line post (LP) insulators in 1994. We now offer line posts of four (4) core sizes for transmission line applications of various voltage classes up to and including 500 kV. All of our insulators equip a one-piece, silicone rubber housing that is free of any joints. This housing is formed onto the core by a compression molding process. Our processes, design, and quality control provide a unique product that is unparalleled.

Process and Design Features

Compression Molding allows NLPI to form a continuous, one-piece, rubber housing up to 20 feet long. The compression molding process utilizes an appropriate pressure and temperature for vulcanizing the rubber and bonding the housing to the core. Chemical Bonding through use of a primer coating on the core, provides the needed strength to the interface between the rubber housing and core. The strength of this bond is greater than the tearing strength of the rubber housing itself. This type of bonding is important in order to prevent water/moisture from reaching the core. Multi-Step Crimping with Pressure Gradation minimizes the concentration of mechanical stresses on the core by distributing the forces over a large core area. This process minimizes any mechanical strength degradation of the assembly. Curved Crimping Dies designed to match the end fitting profile produce a uniform deformation that is coaxial with the center of the core. The uniform cylindrical shape helps to minimize mechanical stresses on the core for any loading direction.

Compression Molding Process

Crimping Machine & Curved Dies

Double O-Ring Structure with RTV Silicone Sealant produces an effective sealing performance. Double O-rings integrated into the housing make positive contact with the inner surface of the end fitting. Additionally, RTV silicone sealant fills any spaces or gaps in the regions around the Double O-Rings. (See the detailed sketch on the next page.) Rubber Cushion Structure relieves bending stress concentrations on the core. A rubber taper that matches the inside shape of the end fitting is formed as a part of the housing. The rubber taper is located at the fulcrum point of the applied cantilever load and acts as a cushion between the core and end fitting. (See the detailed sketch on the next page)

NGK-Locke Polymer Insulators, Inc.

Line Post Insulators

Structure of a Polymer LP Insulator consists mainly of an FRP Core, a Silicone Rubber Housing and Metal End Fittings. In many cases, polymer line post insulators are mounted to a supporting structure (wooden or steel pole, tower, etc.) through an additional base. The FRP Core is the internal insulating member designed to ensure the mechanical characteristics. The Silicone Rubber Housing is the external insulation, which provides the necessary leakage distance and protects the core from the weather. Metal End Fittings are assembled to the both ends of the core for the purpose of transmitting mechanical loads to the core. A base adapts the end fitting for mounting to a supporting structure.

NLPIs Polymer Line Post Insulator

Materials
Housing (Weathershed & Sheath) is 100% silicone rubber before adding fillers. The sheath and the weathersheds are formed at the same time from the same rubber mass by compression molding. The best mixture of base polymer, fillers, and additive agents achieves an effective contamination, weather resistant, anti-tracking, and anti-erosion performance. Core is high quality pultruded FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic) rod. The rod is made with excellent alignment and distribution of fibers within an Epoxy resin. End Fittings are ductile iron in accordance with ASTM A536. All surfaces of the end fittings to be exposed to environmental conditions are galvanized in accordance with ASTM A153. Bases are ductile iron (rigid type base) or rolled steel (bendable type base). base are galvanized. Grading Rings are a high-grade aluminum alloy. All surfaces of the

Application Guidelines for Polymer Line Posts (LP)

Failure Modes of Polymer LP Two potential failure modes of a polymer LP insulator are mechanical failure and sealing failure. A sealing failure allows the invasion of moisture inside the polymer insulator. Moisture inside the insulator leads to internal electrical puncture. A mechanical failure would be the result of a post that has been overloaded to the point that a component has fractured. It is important that both mechanical failure and sealing failure be considered as fatal failure modes for polymer insulators when choosing appropriate loading limits.

NGK-Locke Polymer Insulators, Inc.

Line Post Insulators

A polymer LP is a unique application compared with the other conventional insulators. Unlike porcelain, glass, and even polymer suspension insulators, only a polymer post is used in service while visibly deformed by an applied load. When insulators other than polymer posts are deformed due to their service load, generally those insulators have failed. The deformation of a polymer post can cause the seal to fail at a lower cantilever load than the ultimate mechanical failing load. Consequently, the failing load of the seal and the mechanical failing load do not necessarily correspond in the case of polymer posts. Load Definitions: Cantilever Breaking Load (CBL), Specified Cantilever Load (SCL), Elastic Limit or Damage Limit, and Maximum Design Cantilever Load (MDCL) Cantilever Breaking Load (CBL) is defined as the maximum load that is reached during a cantilever breaking test. Specified Cantilever Load (SCL) is defined as the cantilever load rating that is assigned by the manufacturer. The CBL should be equal to or larger than the SCL. NLPI includes a specific safety margin on the average CBL when defining the SCL rating. That safety margin ensures that the insulators satisfy the SCL rating with more than a 90% probability. Both CBL and SCL are terms that define the mechanical failure point of polymer insulators. The Damage Limit or Elastic Limit for polymer LP is a concept similar to the yield point of metal materials. A specific bending stress range exists for which the slope of the Deflection - Time curve begins to rapidly increase. This is illustrated in the related curves shown at the bottom of this page. The first chart shows different deflection levels of a polymer LP over time, while under several different bending stress levels. The second plot is essentially a plot of the slopes of the curves on the first chart. This plot clearly shows a transition point where the slope changes dramatically. This transition point corresponds to the Elastic or Damage Limit. Once this Limit is exceeded, plastic (permanent) deformation (damage) is considered to have occurred. The Limit is in the range of 60% ~ 80% of CBL and depends on the end fitting material and design, the core material, and the particular combination of the two. The MDCL is the maximum working load and must not be exceeded in service. The sealing failure of a polymer LP insulator and the Elastic Limit are important considerations for the establishment of the MDCL.

NGK-Locke Polymer Insulators, Inc.

The Relationship of the Previous Definitions:

Line Post Insulators

NLPI suggests setting the MDCL as 50% of the SCL for our polymer LP applications which also agrees with the 2007 version of the U.S. National Electric Safety Code. That MDCL level has significant margin from the Elastic Limit. Therefore, the MDCL level is considered as safe from the Permanent Damage Zone. Also, the MDCL level has margin from the Sealing Failure Zone. In order to maintain these safety margins, the MDCL must not be exceeded in service Even if a load applied to a polymer LP application exceeds the MDCL, mechanical failure does not occur until the SCL is reached. However, the insulator may be damaged. Therefore, careful inspection and possible replacement is required in the event that a load greater than the MDCL may have been applied to the insulator. Mechanical Rating of polymer LP is generally defined by the MDCL. A long insulator has a lower MDCL than a short one, due to the increased moment arm for the same core size. Therefore, the mechanical strength of a polymer LP takes various different ratings according to the insulator length, even though it has the same core diameter. The MDCL vs. LP length chart shows how the MDCL changes with length. Deflection occurs to a polymer post insulator when exposed to a cantilever load. This deflection is proportional to the insulator length cubed. In some cases, the MDCL vs. LP Length Chart selection of polymer LP should be based not only on the MDCL, but 6000 also on the deflection while loaded.
1.75" LP 2.5" LP 3.0" LP 3.5" LP 3000 2000 1000 0 0 25 50 75 100 125 150

Combined Loading of vertical (conductor, accessories, ice), longitudinal (unbalanced), and transverse (wind) loads should also be considered for polymer LP applications. The combined loading should not induce a stress level in the core that is greater than the equivalent stress level of the MDCL. Combined loading charts for polymer line posts are available from the factory. Contact a sales representative for more information.

5000

MDCL, lbs.

4000

LP Length, in.

NGK-Locke Polymer Insulators, Inc.

Line Post Insulators

S: Station Post
1: 1.75 2: 2.5 3: 3.0 4: 3.5

Above corona ring recommendation is based on results in test laboratory in accordance with ANSI standard. However, consideration should be given to provide better grading under certain circumstances such as high elevations, insulator configuration, conductor size & number, phase arrangement, etc.

NGK-Locke Polymer Insulators, Inc.

Line Post Insulators

1.75" LINE POST CATALOG NUMBER SYSTEM

L 1 - S N 15 1 - 4 7
Line End-Fitting 1 : Drop Tongue 2 : Clamp Top, Horizontal 3 : Tie Top, F-neck 4 : Clamp Top, Vertical Suffix code for end fitting is also noted in end fitting details section. Mounting Base (Type of Base, Hole Spacing, Hole Size) 1 : Rigid Curved Base, 10-12", 7/8" 6 : 3/4"-10 UFS Stud Base 7 : 7/8"-9 UFS Stud Base

Tie Top

NGK-Locke Polymer Insulators, Inc.

Line Post Insulators

3/4-10UFS TAPPED HOLE

(Cat. No. L1-SNXX1-26)

L1-SN091-26 L1-SN111-26 L1-SN131-26 L1-SN151-26 L1-SN171-26 L1-SN191-26 L1-SN211-26

145 170 140 160 180 245 195 215 230

215 255 290 330 370 405 445

310 340

** Electrical ratings are based on a horizontal orientation and in accordance with ANSI C29.12-1997 & C29.17-2002. Vertical applications may experience reductions under wet conditions.

NGK-Locke Polymer Insulators, Inc.

Line Post Insulators

145 170 140 160 180 245 195 215 230

215 255 290 330 370 405 445

** Electrical ratings are based on a horizontal orientation and in accordance with ANSI C29.12-1997 & C29.17-2002. Vertical applications may experience reductions under wet conditions.

NGK-Locke Polymer Insulators, Inc.

Line Post Insulators

(LA230-B) (LA232-B) (LA231-B)

13/16

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NGK-Locke Polymer Insulators, Inc.

Line Post Insulators

[-7]

5/8
T

5.5

Stud Base

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NGK-Locke Polymer Insulators, Inc.

Line Post Insulators

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NGK-Locke Polymer Insulators, Inc.

Line Post Insulators

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NGK-Locke Polymer Insulators, Inc.

Line Post Insulators

*When two Flanges are used together, only one "U" is used in the catalog number. Example: L3-SN411-55U

[5_U] [ - DU ]

[6_U] [ - 5U ]

5 B.C.D.

6.3

4: 5/8-ll UFS Depth: 7/8

5 B.C.D.

6.3

4: 5/8-ll UFS Depth: 7/8 Short Flange Long Flange

1-1/16 x 1-1/2 1-1/16 x 1-1/2

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NGK-Locke Polymer Insulators, Inc.

Line Post Insulators

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NGK-Locke Polymer Insulators, Inc.

Line Post Insulators

1 : Drop Tongue 2 : Clamp Top, Horizontal 5U : 5" Bolt Circle (Short)* 6U : 5" Bolt Circle (Long)* MU : 5" Bolt Circle (Medium)*

3 : Bendable Curved Base, 14", 1-1/16" (LA405-B) 8 : Bendable Flat Base, 14", 1-1/16" w/ 4-15/16" (LA406-B) 5U : 5" Bolt Circle (Long)* DU : 5" Bolt Circle (Short)* MU : 5" Bolt Circle (Medium)*

*When two Flanges are used together, only one "U" is used in the catalog number. Example: L4-SN411-55U

End Fitting & Base Variations

[5_U] [ - DU ]

5 B.C.D.

6.3

4: 5/8-ll UFS Depth: 15/16

Short Flange
[M_U] [ - MU ] [6_U] [ - 5U ] 1-1/8

6.3

8.4

5 B.C.D.

5 B.C.D. 7 B.C.D. 4: 13/16 x 1-1/4 Thru Slot

4: 5/8-ll UFS Depth: 15/16

4: 5/8-ll UFS
Depth: 15/16

Medium Flange

Long Flange

1-1/16 x 1-1/2 1-1/16 x 1-1/2

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NGK-Locke Polymer Insulators, Inc.

Line Post Insulators

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NGK-Locke Polymer Insulators, Inc.

Line Post Insulators

Research & Development

The line post insulators were subjected to various mechanical, electrical, aging, and combined load tests to validate the design. Some unique tests and the facilities are introduced in the following.

Tests for ANSI C29.17

Cantilever Load Test in Thermal Cycle Chamber: This test evaluates the cantilever performance during a thermal cycle. ANSI defines 50% of the SCL under the thermal cycle of +50C to -35C as the test condition in this part of the prototype testing. Housing Tracking & Erosion Test: This is an accelerated aging test for the rubber material and also evaluates the shed profile design. The ANSI requirement is to maintain the test for 1000 hr. as a prototype test. AC Dry Flashover Test: This test evaluates the electrical performance of the line post. ANSI requires the test as part of prototype testing and design testing.

Cantilever Load Test Facility in Thermal Cycle Chamber

Unique Mechanical Evaluation Tests

1. Cyclic Cantilever Load Test: This test uses a cyclic cantilever load, which simulates conductor vibration for verification of fatigue performance. The picture (bottom-left) is a 2.5 diameter line post insulator.

Housing Tracking & Erosion Test

Cyclic Cantilever Load Test

AC Dry Flashover Test

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NGK-Locke Polymer Insulators, Inc.

Line Post Insulators

2. Sudden Longitudinal Load Release Test: This test provides an impact load that simulates a conductor failure and verifies the stress relief performance due to the flexibility of a polymer post insulator. The shock absorption function of the polymer line post was monitored by strain gauges placed on the insulators.

Before Load Release

Load Release

After Load Release

3. Combined Load Test: Various combinations of multiple loads were applied to obtain a clear understanding of the combined load performance of line posts. These test experiences were analyzed and later contributed to the establishment of a combined load curve calculation program.

Vertical & Compression Load

Vertical, Compression, & Longitudinal Load

Vertical, Tension, & Longitudinal Load

Vertical & Torsion Load

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NGK-Locke Polymer Insulators, Inc.

Line Post Insulators

Packaging
All of NLPIs insulators are packed in weatherproof containers in order to protect the products during land, air, and sea transportation. Several different grades of packaging can be offered depending on the mode of transport and the expected storage conditions. The packaging options that we offer are shown below. Since the user best knows their crate requirements, they should select the option that is most suited to their needs and include that information in the purchasing specification. Special packaging arrangements can be accommodated upon request. Each container is marked with the number of insulators it contains, the catalog number, the manufacturers name, and any other customer requests. Also, a Polymer Line Post Insulator Handling Instruction sheet is included with all containers. This sheet states any necessary cautions during handling, transportation, and installation. If corona rings are to be included, a corona ring installation sheet is also provided.

Standard Grade: Prefabricated Packaging Suitable for:

Moderate Amount of Handling Outdoor Storage Careful Stacking

Economical Grade: Cardboard Carton Suitable for:

Limited Amount of Handling Indoor Storage or Outdoors Only in Dry Areas Minimal Stacking Small Quantity of Insulators Immediate Use

Best Grade: Closed Wooden Crate Suitable for:

Excessive Amount of handling Long Term Outdoor Storage Crate Stacking Large Quantities of Large Insulators Transportation Over Rough Roads

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NGK-Locke Polymer Insulators, Inc.

Line Post Insulators

Notes

NGK-Locke Polymer Insulators, Inc. 1609 Diamond Springs Road, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23455, U.S.A. Tel: +1(757) 460-3649 Fax: +1(757) 460-3550 Website: www.ngk-polymer.com Email: info@ngk-polymer.com

NGK INSULATORS, LTD. U.S.A.

NGK-Locke, Inc. Atlanta Office 1880 West Oak Parkway, Suite 104 Marietta, Georgia 30062, U.S.A. Tel: +1(404) 659-3153 Fax: +1(618) 303-1374 NLATL@ngkus.com Baltimore Office 2525 Insulator Drive Baltimore, Maryland 21230, U.S.A. Tel: +1(410) 347-1700 Fax: +1(410) 347-1724 NLBALT@ngkus.com Los Angeles Office 21250 Hawthorne Blvd., Suite 500 Torrance, California 90503, U.S.A. Tel: +1(310) 316-3323 Fax: +1(310) 316-3944 NLLA@ngkus.com Dallas Office 1452 Hughes Road, Suite 200, PM232 Grapevine, Texas 76051, U.S.A. Tel: +1(817) 410-5789 Fax: +1(817) 410-5757 NLDA@ngkus.com

Europe
NGK Insulators UK, Ltd. Level 7, Westgate House, Westgate Road, Ealing, London W5 1YY, U.K. Tel: +44-(0)20-8799-0333 Fax: +44-(0)20-8799-0334

Canada
NGK Insulators Canada, Ltd. Toronto Office 2700 Matheson Blvd. East, Suite 700 East Tower, Mississauga L4W 4V9, Ontario, Canada Tel: +1(905) 602-1266 Fax: +1(905) 238-8247 NCTOR@ngkus.com Montreal Office 1501 avenue McGill College Bureau 515 Montreal (Quebec) H3A 3M8, Canada Tel: +1(514) 281-8488 Fax: +1(514) 281-8596 NCMON@ngkus.com

All Other Countries

NGK Insulators, LTD Overseas Department Marunouchi Bldg. 25F 2-4-1, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-6325, Japan Tel: +81(3) 6213-8813 Fax: +81(3) 6213-888 NGKTOKYO@ngkus.com

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