
High safety (explosion protection): this is their main advantage. Silicone rubber is an elastic material; if an internal malfunction occurs, the shell only cracks, preventing an explosion.
The main characteristics of silicone rubber composite insulated terminations are as follows:
· High safety (explosion proof):this is their main advantage. Silicone rubber is an elastic material; if an internal malfunction occurs, the shell only cracks, preventing an explosion. This eliminates the risk of injury to personnel and damage to equipment from splinters typical of porcelain insulators.
· Excellent resistance to stains (self-cleaning):The surface of the silicone rubber insulator ribs has hydrophobic properties (like a lotus leaf), which prevents the adhesion of dirt. The specific creepage distance can reach 25 mm/kV (corresponds to pollution class III). In addition, in highly contaminated environments, the insulator can be cleaned directly with water.
· Light weight and easy installation:The products are extremely lightweight - only 20–40% of the weight of porcelain end sleeves designed for the same voltage. The cable length for some dry-type plug-in models can be reduced to 1/6 of the standard length, which greatly simplifies transportation and installation.
Construction and design:Typically the product consists of an inner tube made of fiberglass reinforced epoxy resin and an outer shell (ribs) of silicone rubber. The interior may be filled with insulating compound (oil-filled type) or be a completely dry construction. The main element, the stress-balancing cone, is often molded from high-quality silicone rubber or ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM).
Of course, there are certain restrictions. Because it is an organic composite material, its long-term stability may theoretically be inferior to that of inorganic porcelain insulators; After many years of operation, risks such as a decrease in hydrophobicity and aging of the material are possible. However, extensive operating experience confirms that these products are capable of meeting long-term service requirements.
Overall, silicone rubber composite insulated terminations have become the preferred solution in the high voltage cable accessories industry due to its outstanding advantages such as explosion-proof, dirt-resistant and light weight. They are particularly suitable for sites with high safety and reliability requirements, such as urban centers and areas with high air pollution.