Spool Insulator Buying Guide

There are different types of insulators that are used on overhead lines. All of them are responsible for restricting the flow of electric current to certain areas of the lines. One type of insulator that you are likely to buy for a distribution line is a spool insulator.

Although spool insulator rarely takes a center stage like other insulators, it plays very critical roles. Do you want to learn more about spool insulators? Well, this article is for you.

We are going to discuss everything that you should know about spool insulators.

What is a spool insulator?

The spool insulator is also called a shackle insulator, it is a type of insulator that provides insulation on both the primary and secondary conductors of a distribution line.

A typical spool insulator has a hole at the center which provides a platform for mounting. The groove at the outside making it easy for you to mount the wire.

There are specific places on a powerline where you are likely to find spool insulators.

The most common place is on the racks which are on the sides of the building. It is on these racks that the conductors get into the building.

Shackle insulators can provide perfect insulation on both the primary and secondary conductors right at the pole and to the house.

Different clevis mounting configurations are used to ensure that the spools remain firm and sturdy in their respective positions for effective performance.

Insulators are also used in scenarios where you are required to do a wire transposition. This is a situation where you use two or even four porcelain spool insulators then let the wires cross each other.

Configurations of Spool Insulator

Video of spool insulator

Although shackle insulators may appear to be the same, they usually have different configurations.

In one configuration, the insulator system can have different sides of the spool insulator and side component.

For another configuration, the outer surface of the insulator can have circumferential grooves.

Other configurations of spool insulators have a locking pin and a locking hole that is located on the thereon.

So, which spool insulator embodiment should I choose?

How to make spool insulators?

Polymer spool Insulator

When making the spool insulator, the porcelain is sound, thoroughly vitrified. There are no cracks in the glaze of the spool insulator. The porcelain spool insulator is smoothly glazed.

During the process of manufacturing, there is no fracture extending through the spool insulator body, or the glaze caused by the strain set up. The entropy of mixing is achieved in order to ensure all the constant materials making the body are properly mixed. Any outside stresses in any part of the insulator do not lead to deterioration.

There is a hole in the middle of the porcelain wire insulator to guarantee the stud pin goes through. The porcelain spool insulators can roll on the secondary clevis. The guy wire or other conductors go through the insulator wrap on the grooves of the spool insulator.

The Material for Spool Insulators

What are spool insulators made of?

There are two main materials that are used to make spool insulators.

These are porcelain and ceramic.

The two materials are used because of their distinct physical, mechanical and electrical properties.

However, these two materials are unique in their own ways. They differ in some of their properties.

Both the ceramic shackle insulator and porcelain shackle insulators have high thermal strength and resistance. They cannot be easily affected by high temperature variation.

For instance, they can withstand the extreme temperature of up to 1000C.

These materials can only be deformed when subjected to extreme physical force.

Porcelain and ceramic insulators are strong and durable

Another reason why ceramic and porcelain are preferred for making spool insulators is their resistance to surface degradation.

The surfaces of these two materials can rarely corrode unless you deliberately deploy extreme measures to damage them. The good news is the surface of ceramic and porcelain insulators are glaze to protect them from the vagaries of nature.

These two materials cannot b rodents and birds which can compromise their quality and effectiveness.

Customized spool insulator

Porcelain Insulator

Ceramic and porcelain materials for spool insulators are easily customizable.

You can customize them to meet the specific needs of your electric transmission line.

For example, they can be designed so that their sizes are compatible with the conductors.

This explains why you are free to buy small porcelain insulators and at the same time large porcelain insulators.

The color of the spool insulator

Still, in terms of customization, you are free to select any color of the insulator that you want.

Although brown porcelain insulators are the most popular, you can choose to buy white porcelain insulators.

Naturally, you will choose the color that will look appealing to your eyes.

The Price of Spool Insulator

If you are planning to buy spool insulators for powerline, you would definitely want to know something about the price.

Actually, spool insulators are not that expensive as you may be assuming.

What is the cost of a single spool insulator?

You can buy a single piece of insulator for less than $5.

However, it is vital to know that the price of spool insulators is not uniform across the board. There are various factors that determine the actual price of the insulators.

One of the factors is the material of make.

Obviously, you will expect porcelain insulators’ value to be higher than that of ceramic.

Specific properties of the material will influence the amount that you will eventually pay for the insulator.

If porcelain insulator properties seem superior, why should it cost less?

You may also pay more for extra decorations on the insulators.

For example, porcelain insulator markings have the potential of attracting some amount of money.

You may also pay more in order to get customized spool insulators for your powerline.

Another thing that can influence the price of a spool insulator is the manufacturer or even supplier.

Some manufacturers and suppliers charge exorbitant prices while others just charge average prices for the insulators.

It is upon you to compare the price lists of different manufacturers and suppliers before you buy porcelain insulators for sale.

Spool Insulator Replacement

Over time, one or two spool insulators can become faulty. This means they will stop functioning as usual.

When you find yourself in such a situation, you will have no other option but to replace the fault porcelain products insulators.

To do a replacement, you will have to remove the conductors that are connected to the faulty spools.

Porcelain Spool Insulator Manufacturers

Porcelain Insulator

So, where can I buy the best porcelain insulators for sale?

Simply locate a reliable spool insulator manufacturer in China.

Find every detail about the manufacturer before you make any financial commitment.

Are they registered? Do they have the capacity? What about their customer service?

You can even go ahead to read their spool insulator reviews to see what other people are saying about the manufacturer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

which insulators are also called spool insulators?

Shackle insulators.

What is a spool insulator?

The spool insulator is a type of insulator that provides insulation on both the primary and secondary conductors of a distribution line.

A typical spool insulator has a hole at the center which provides a platform for mounting. The groove at the outside making it easy for you to mount the wire.

What does a spool insulator do?

A spool insulator is mainly used to insulate and support the secondary conductors at the pole.

A spool insulator is mounted to the pole using various clevis configurations and is compatible with all manufacturer’s hardware designs.

Why does a spool insulator need to be customized?

A spool insulator made of ceramic and porcelain is customizable, so that the sizes, colors, and other specifications can be designed to compatible with the conductors of an electric transmission line.

How much is a spool insulator?

The price of a spool insulator is not uniform across the board. There are various factors that determine the actual price of the insulators.

1.The material of the insulator.

2. The specification you required

3.The manufacturers and suppliers you choose.

Read More

1.Spool insulator system

2.Polymer spool insulator