Electrical Insulator: In Electricity, Definitions, Examples, Properties, Uses, Applications, and Fun Facts

Electrical Insulator Overview

Electrical insulators are substances that prevent electrons from freely moving from one particle to another. If any charge is ever transferred to an element, it remains where it was when it first arrived and is not dispersed throughout the surface. Both chargings by rubbing and charging by induction is used to charge these components.

What is an Insulator?

A substance that does not conduct electrical current is known as an "insulator." Air, glass, plastic, paper, and rubber are all insulating materials. Insulation covers most electrical conductors. In order to employ larger wire or more turns in the winding of transformers and other devices, magnet wire is covered with an incredibly thin layer of insulation. Insulator is a broad term that includes both the substance and objects created by it. Various materials, including glass, silicone, rubber, plastic, oil, wood, dry cotton, quartz, ceramic, etc., are used to make them. Insulators have little conductivity and significant electrical resistance. By focusing on the flow, the insulators reduce current loss and increase current efficiency.

What is an Electrical Insulator?

A substance known as an "electrical insulator" is one that makes it difficult for electricity to pass through an electric current. Varnish is used in electric motors and transformers. Some switches employ insulating gases like sulfur hexafluoride. Electric currents are often carried through insulated wires to ensure that they reach their intended destination. 

Electrical Insulator Highlights

The following table gives details about electrical insulators-

Electrical Insulator Examples

The following are some of examples of electrical insulators- 

1. Asphalt
2. Ceramics
3. Dry air
4. Glass
5. Mica
6. Plastic
7. Porcelain
8. Quartz
9. Rubber
10. Styrofoam
11. Teflon
12. Wax

The majority of nonmetals are good insulators and poor conductors. They lack free electrons that may be used to carry electricity. Greater resistance to the flow of electric current is provided by materials with higher resistivity values, making them better insulators. For instance, copper has a resistivity value of 10⁻¹² m, and glass has a value of 10¹² m (ohmmeter).

Read more about the SI Unit of Electric Current, Ohm's Law, and Limitations of Ohm's Law.

Properties of Electrical Insulators 

The following are some of the characteristics of an electrical insulator-

1. The characteristic of a substance that measures how strongly it resists the passage of electric current is called resistivity (specific resistance). 
2. An excellent insulator has a very high resistivity.
3. The capacity of a substance to sustain electric pressures without degrading is known as its dielectric strength. 
4. Kilovolts per millimeter (kV/mm) is the standard unit used to express dielectric strength.
5. The ratio of the electric flux density produced in the material to that produced in a vacuum is known as the relative permittivity (or dielectric constant).
6. The ratio of power lost in the material to the total power transferred through it is known as the electrical dissipation factor (also known as dielectric loss). 
7. It is derived from the loss angle's tangent and is hence sometimes referred to as the "tan delta."

Types of Electrical Insulation in Overlined Wires

Electrical insulators are capable of withstanding electric charges. Based on the operating voltage levels and uses, they may be roughly divided into three categories of electrical insulation, which are as follows-

Pin Electrical Insulator

The ideal support for low-voltage line conductors is a pin insulator. For 11 kV, a single piece of pin insulation is used, and for 25 kV, a double piece. Three or four-pin insulators can be utilized over 44 kV. A porcelain shell covers an electrical insulator. Therefore, an electrical appliance will remain leak-resistant even if its outer surface becomes wet because its inner surface will remain dry.

Strain Electrical Insulator

A tension insulator is another name for a strain insulator. They work best for high voltages in locations with higher stress, such as abrupt bends, river crossings, etc., where the direction of the electrical line may change. It helpsreduce the overly high tension in the line. Electrical insulators with strain have dielectric characteristics. If the tension gets too high, more strings can be added.

Suspension Electrical Insulator

High-voltage gearbox lines are best handled by suspension electrical insulators. Porcelain discs are organized within this kind of electrical insulator in a sequence through metal linkages, giving them the impression of being strung together. The placement of insulation is greatly influenced by the weather, voltage, insulation size, etc.

Uses of Electrical Insulators

Electrical insulators are often quite helpful in homes, workplaces, streets, etc. Unfortunately, one of the finest conductors of electric charges is human skin. Electrical equipment is also shielded from high voltage generation by the presence of electrical insulator materials. Insulators have a plethora of applications. Below is a list of the uses of electrical insulators-

1. By limiting pollution emissions, it aids in protecting the environment.
2. It aids in lowering energy costs.
3. It increases the efficiency of processes.
4. It makes it possible to have soundproof equipment.
5. It safeguards against electrocution or electric shock.
6. It stops excessive voltage from entering an electric circuit.

Read more about the Unit of Electric Charge and Working Principle of Transformer.

Common Uses of Electrical Insulators

The following are some of the common uses of electrical insulators-

1. Allows appliance soundproofing.
2. Enhances process effectiveness.
3. Reduces the cost of electricity by contributing.
4. Reduces the release of pollutants, protecting the environment.
5. Reduces the risk of electric shock or electrocution.
6. Stops an electric circuit's excessive voltage generation.

Applications of Electrical Insulators

Electrons cannot move freely between atoms because the electrical insulation materials closely bond them. They thereby prevent electric charges from conducting. Given its advantages, the electrical insulator has a variety of uses. These are used to-

1. Cabling's Coating
2. Insulation for electrical cables
3. Street-surface coating for electric poles
4. The Circuit Boards
5. Volt-ampere devices

Fun Facts about Electrical Insulators

1. Glass or fiberglass is used to surround unsafe high-voltage areas to stop charges from conducting through them.
2. To verify the flow of electrical charges without getting shocked, your electrician uses a specialized screwdriver with a plastic covering.
3. You might be shocked to learn that the special occasion diamond necklace you wear is a superb electrical insulator.

Read more about the Electrical Power Formula.

Points to Remember

1. Electrical conductors are substances that easily permit the flow of electricity through them.
2. In equipment and appliances where the passage of electricity is not required, electrical insulators are employed.
3. Insulators are materials that restrict the free passage of electric charges.
4. The best kind of electrical insulator for supporting low voltage is called a pin-type electrical insulator. 
5. The majority of non-metals are excellent insulators but poor electrical conductors.
6. They lack the free electrons required for electrical conductivity.