Polluted and Coastal Lines
Pollution does not break an insulator, it shortens the path across it. Salt, cement dust and fertiliser all do the same thing differently, and the selection has to start from the site, not the catalogue.
What gets in the way
The four problems this sector brings us
Creepage specified from a default table
Creepage requirement is a function of pollution class, system voltage and altitude. Send us all three and we will work it through rather than quoting a default.
Wet flashover as the real limit
In coastal service the wet figures decide. Our range publishes wet power frequency withstand and wet flashover voltages for every unit, not just the dry ones.
Washing and maintenance burden
Insulators in polluted areas need cleaning with a neutral detergent before installation and inclusion in a washing programme afterwards. We will advise the interval alongside the selection.
Mixed types on one line
Different insulator types in different scenarios need separate quantity calculation. We keep that split explicit in the quotation instead of averaging it away.
Recommended products
What we usually supply here
Porcelain line post, 160 mm shed diameter, 305 mm high, 400 mm creepage, 8 kN cantilever.
View specifications
70 kN cap-and-pin porcelain disc, 146 mm spacing, 320 mm creepage, 16C coupling.
View specifications
Larger shackle: 100 mm diameter, 12 kN transverse strength, 22 kV dry flashover.
View specificationsAnswers
Polluted and Coastal Lines: questions we are asked
What creepage distance do I need?
It depends on your pollution class, system voltage and altitude. There is no single answer, which is why we ask for site data before quoting rather than after.
Do you supply composite or glass insulators for heavy pollution?
Our published product range covers porcelain insulators, toughened glass insulators, surge arresters, fuse cutouts and bushings. The units detailed on this site are the porcelain range; ask us about the others and we will confirm current availability.
How often should polluted-area insulators be inspected?
Inspection intervals depend on the deposit rate at your site. We provide regular maintenance, inspection and replacement recommendations as part of after-sales support.
Working on a polluted and coastal lines project?
Send the line data and quantity schedule. Our engineers will come back with a selection, a documentation package and a delivered price.