Electrical properties of carbon fiber (other compostites)
Electrical properties of carbon fiber (other compostites)
(OP)
I'm researching alternative materials (to ceramic) for high voltage electrical insulation. What is a comparable material, and what are the respective costs?
Thanks,
Thanks,





RE: Electrical properties of carbon fiber (other compostites)
RE: Electrical properties of carbon fiber (other compostites)
I thought carbon fiber was a good conductor, but wasn't quite sure. "carbon" is a good hint
RE: Electrical properties of carbon fiber (other compostites)
No, not even close.
RE: Electrical properties of carbon fiber (other compostites)
RE: Electrical properties of carbon fiber (other compostites)
I believe mica and composites made with it are still used for high voltage electrical insulation.
Pure mica has unrivalled electrical insulation properties and temperature withstand above 850 deg. C.
There is a company in UK called Arlex that made a tough composite from fusing glass and mica. Used for arc chutes and stuff. Might be worth trying to contact for information as well as others like them.
Why do you want to look at alternatives to ceramic insulators?
RE: Electrical properties of carbon fiber (other compostites)
RE: Electrical properties of carbon fiber (other compostites)
When using any materials in high voltage applications air conductivity is one of the major problems. 100,000 volts requires a 3 foot gap of non conductive material. As voltages increase air gaps must in increase. Other considerations is non contiguous water streams when exposed to rain. No air voids in the glass for condensation to collect in the boom. Soot from engine exhaust cannot be allowed to collect on the inside of the boom. Hydraulic lines must always have a positive pressure meaning no vacuum as a vacuum will conduct.
Cross phase accidents have occurred because of the metal shafts used to attach the platforms were too close to a conductor on the side away from the operator and the operator working on the the other side of the shaft working on another conductor.