- Air: A good insulator at atmospheric pressure, but its insulating properties decrease with altitude. - Rubber: Natural rubber and synthetic rubbers provide excellent electrical insulation. - Wood: Dry wood is a good electrical insulator, but its moisture content can affect its insulating properties. - Paper: Cellulose-based paper is commonly used as an electrical insulator in transformers and capacitors.
2. Synthetic Insulators:
- Plastics: Thermoplastics such as polyethylene, PVC, and ABS, and thermosets such as epoxy and polyester resins offer excellent electrical insulation. - Ceramics: Ceramic materials like porcelain, alumina, and steatite provide high dielectric strength and resistance to heat and moisture. - Glass: Borosilicate glass and tempered glass exhibit high electrical resistance and are used in insulators for high-voltage applications. - Silicone: Silicone rubber compound is known for its flexibility, high dielectric strength, and moisture resistance. - Mica: Muscovite and phlogopite mica sheets are used as insulators in high-voltage capacitors and electronic components due to their excellent electrical and thermal properties.
3. Composite Insulators:
- Polymer Composite Insulators (PCIs): Made from a combination of fiberglass or carbon fiber reinforced polymer matrices, PCIs offer high mechanical strength, light weight, and excellent electrical properties. - Silicone Composite Insulators (SCIs): Similar to PCIs but with a silicone rubber housing, SCIs provide improved weathering resistance and anti-tracking performance.
4. Liquid Insulators:
- Mineral oil: Used in transformers and high-voltage bushings, mineral oil provides electrical insulation and helps dissipate heat. - Synthetic oils: Esters and silicones are non-flammable synthetic oils that offer better fire resistance and environmental benefits compared to mineral oil.
5. Gaseous Insulators:
- Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6): An inert and colorless gas, SF6 has excellent insulating properties and is widely used in high-voltage circuit breakers and switchgear. - Nitrogen (N2): Nitrogen gas is used as an insulator in gas-insulated switchgear and transformers, providing high dielectric strength and arc extinction capabilities.