Cantilever Load Performance of Composite Line -Post Insulators
(1996)Abstract
During service it is important that the loads on line post insulators always remain below levels that could
produce damages to the FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic) core that provides the mechanical strength of
the insulator. Several series of tests have been performed in several laboratories on three types of
composite line post insulators to determine the level at which damage to the FRP core occurs.
Tests were done first on composite line post insulators without weathersheds. A damage limit level
based on non destructive diagnostic tests was established with a first series of tests done on three
types of insulators. A few subsequent tests showed, upon dissection of the insulators, that cracks
could form in the rod just inside the base end fitting of the insulator at load levels below the previously
established damage load level. The cracks could be observed on the compression side of the rod and
were almost perpendicular to the rod glass fibers. A last series of tests were done on complete
composite insulators using dissection to locate damages to the rod and to investigate if the
weathershed had an influence of the failure level.
A test procedure is proposed that establishes if a given cantilever load produces damages to the FRP
core of a composite line post insulator.
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