process guide

What the Black RF Glaze on an Insulator Actually Does

Semiconductor RF glaze standardises the potential gradient across the insulator surface so capacitive arcs do not generate radio frequency noise.

The Problem RF Glaze Was Developed to Solve

One of the long-running problems in insulator manufacturing and use is the irregular behaviour of insulating parts with respect to noise signals that affect communications while the unit is operating at its normal service voltage. A great deal of development effort has gone into glazes whose properties improve the electrical behaviour of the insulator surface rather than only protecting it.

How the Semiconductor Glaze Works

The principle behind the RF semiconductor glaze is standardising the potential gradient across the surface. Excessive concentrations of gradient give rise to capacitive arcs, and those arcs generate noise at radio communication frequencies. By improving conductivity in those areas the glaze improves the distribution of the electric field and the arcing is suppressed.

Where It Matters in Practice

Radio influence voltage is measured and published per design. Our pin type and line post units are rated at 100 uV or 200 uV maximum RIV at 1000 kHz depending on type, with the test voltage to ground stated alongside. Where a line runs close to telecommunications infrastructure those figures are what the specification should be written against.