What are Epoxy Insulators?
Epoxy insulators are electrical insulators formed from epoxy glue and hardener. Various epoxy resin systems can be used to make these insulators, such as indoor types (Bisphenol A-epichlorohydrin resin and anhydride hardener) or outdoor types (cycloaliphatic epoxy resin and hardener).
Epoxy Housings and their Role in Medium Voltage Applications:
Epoxy cast-resin is a robust polymer that offers superb electrical insulation properties. It exhibits electrical breakdown strengths ranging from 20 kV/mm to 40 kV/mm, contingent on the system used. Due to their superior insulation resistance, these housings are commonly employed for switches in medium-voltage applications, found in numerous electrical substations and transformer stations. They can be cast into almost any shape and size, proving ideal for tailored insulation solutions. Some people may refer to them as
pole-housings.
Utilizing Epoxy Resin in the Electronics Industry:
In the electronics industry, epoxy resin compositions serve as insulation for motors, generators, transformers, switchgear, bushings, and insulators. They protect electrical components against short circuits, water, and dust. Epoxy resins are primarily used for overmoulding integrated circuits, transistors, and hybrid circuits, as well as fabricating printed circuit boards.
Epoxy Terminals in Medium Voltage Equipment:
Also referred to as epoxy terminal bushings, epoxy terminals are round or square-shaped plates made from epoxy resin. They are threaded with various small bolts or cables and find their use in different types of transformers in medium voltage applications, including instrument transformers and oil-filled transformers. Sometimes, these items are called terminal blocks.
Defining an Epoxy Insulator:
An electrical insulator is a material that does not allow internal electric charges to flow freely. This inhibits the conduction of an electric current under the influence of an electric field. Insulators can be made from diverse materials, such as glass, porcelain, glass-fibre, silicones, and epoxy resins. The capacity to insulate relies on the material used, the distance between the current and the earth, and the voltage applied, a property known as breakdown voltage or breakdown strength.
What are Bushing Plates?
Bushing plates, utilized in medium voltage applications like instrument transformers and oil-filled transformers, play a critical role in managing and distributing voltage. There are also high voltage bushing plates, which are used specifically for high voltage equipment.
