Insulator
This constitutes any material which offers resistance to the free flow of electrons or atoms in a structure of an object. The electrons or atoms are not free to move within the body where their molecules within the body structure are fixed.
Insulators belong to the class of nonconductor materials which neither conduct heat nor electricity (Austin Insulators Inc., 2002). Conductors conduct electricity since they have free electron or atoms which can roam in their body structure, whereas the latter do not have. Once heat or electricity is introduced to the insulators, their electrons gain the heat or charges instead do not transfer them to their neighboring counterparts. Consequently, it rendering the materials inactive or being bad conductor of heat plus electricity. Mainly these materials comprise glass, plastic, rubber plus wood. These materials mostly utilize their molecules especially those which are in liquid state since they can move via interactions in the same body. Conversely, this does not offer effective rate of power transfer more so the solid forms (Austin Insulators Inc., 2002).
Insulator’s type and nature of conductivity makes them be applied mainly in covering of other good conductors especially those which conduct electricity (NAIMA, 2010). Consequently they minimize risks which might occur while conductors are in use especially in their specialized fields. Insulators depending on the purpose intended to be accomplished find their applications in diverse areas where mainly they are incorporated with energy conductors. Here, they act like an objection to the continuous flow of heat or electricity especially in conjunctions (NAIMA, 2010). In addition, insulators are applied to make the handles of electrical appliances since they are reputed to have atoms rigidly held in their body structure; thus, they cannot assist in conducting of any energy.
In electrostatics, insulators pose hindrance to the flow of charges especially when placed in contact with charged bodies. This enables them to be utilized in the storage of charged bodies or act as covering materials where charges might be a hazard. For instance, plastics acts as insulators in electrical charging systems where the user operating the gadgets is not electrocuted. Besides plastics, insulators are of diverse materials where nearly each has a distinct use or area of utilization (LAPP Insulators LLC, 2011). This comprises from ceramic or mica materials applied in electrical kilns to high voltage used insulators. This is due to their varying resistivities which vary radically according to their making materials.
Additionally, insulators can be integrated with other materials to modify their characteristics depending on their application. For instance, polymer insulators, which are designed for the application of high-voltage appliances, which need adequate covering so as shun electrical leakages. Besides, insulators though may have a common purpose; their applications differ radically depending on their construction materials and where they are suited adequately. Mainly, diverse applications entail varying capacity of their resistance, which depends on insulator’s resistivity (LAPP Insulators LLC, 2011).
Insulators broadly assume three groups having like characteristics which enable them be preferred for work. They comprise:
• Base insulators – This type is mainly used as skirting especially in legged structures whose stands may leak electrical changes to the base on which it rests.
• Primary guy insulators – They are mainly attached at guy or re-radiating element to prevent high voltages, which flashover while the gadgets are in use or during its operations (The Physics classroom, 2011).
• Back up insulators – This kind sectionalizes the main guy line, to shun re-radiation of signal and integrated approximately 1/8 – 1/10 of Ariel frequency. The spacing may differ based on the purposes required.
Insulators serve vital significance in the electrical body fabrications which may not achieve their intended purposes in their absence. Though they may seem alike but are diverse especially in their functions and application areas (The Physics classroom, 2011).
Reference
Austin Insulators Inc. (2002). Why do we need insulators? Retrieved on 11Th July 2011 from http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:PGR5vVcrZQMJ:www.austinin sulators.com/radio/insulators.html+insulator+types+and+their+applicsations&cd=6&hl=e n&ct=clnk&gl=ke&client=firefox-a&source=www.google.co.ke
The Physics classroom. (1996-2011). Static Electricity – Lesson 1: Charge and Charge Interactions. Retrieved on 11Th July 2011 from http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:XUC6eNcgaZ4J:www.physicscl assroom.com/class/estatics/u8l1d.cfm+insulator&cd=7&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=ke&client=f irefox-a&source=www.google.co.ke
LAPP Insulators LLC. (2011). Rodurflex FAQs. Retrieved on 11Th July 2011 from http://www.lappinsulator.com/rodurflex.html
North America Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA). (2010). Fiber Glass Insulations for Residential and Commercial Envelope Applications. Retrieved on 11Th July 2011 from http://www.naima.org/insulation-knowledge-base/insulation-types/print/fiber-glass- insulations-residential-commercial-envelope-applications.html
