Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
2020.FIC.029 |
Object Name |
Insulator |
Title |
Brown Porcelain Corner Post Insulator |
Description |
This object is a brown cylindrical porcelain corner post insulator, which tapers significantly towards the center. It features a hole at the top that runs through to the bottom. The bottom of the post has a white ring made of a coarser material compared to the rest of the piece. Accompanying the item is a note that reads: "VITREOUS ELECTRICAL INSULATING PORCELAIN. THIS illustrates a railway signal base of 'Nu Blac' body and glazed black. This material was developed in order to meet an increasing demand for a material that could take a good uniform black glaze and have high dielectric and mechanical strength. Many manufacturers are now substituting this material for others because it does not show discolorations due to handling in assembly. This material can be molded as easily as our regular white electrical porcelain. Manufactured by THE STAR PORCELAIN COMPANY. TRENTON, NEW JERSEY. Established 1899." Although the note references a specific porcelain material, this item does not appear to be the same piece discussed in the note. According to the Potteries of Trenton Society and D.V. Abramson and T. Karschner's book An Inventory of Historical Engineering and Industrial Sites, Trenton, New Jersey, The Star Porcelain Company operated in Trenton, New Jersey from 1900 to 2002. The company was known for its specialized manufacturing of electrical porcelain, which led to rapid growth during its first two decades. By the late 1970s, they were still producing electrical porcelain before eventually ceasing operations. According to Reliance Potteries, porcelain insulators are crucial for power transmission systems. Their primary function is to prevent electrical current from leaking or short-circuiting, as porcelain is a non-conductive material. Some advantages of porcelain insulators include their ability to withstand both high and low temperatures, minimal environmental impact when disposed of, and their superior electrical strength compared to polymer insulators. Given these benefits, porcelain insulators remain a reliable choice for distributing electricity safely across power systems. According to Jyoti Ceramic of Medium, porcelain corner post insulators are designed to manage fence lines that change direction or serve as fence anchor points. They can also function as termination points for the fence line. Citations: Abramson, D.V. and T. Karschner. 1978. An Inventory of Historical Engineering and Industrial Sites, Trenton, New Jersey. On file, New Jersey Historic Preservation Office (NJDEP), Trenton, New Jersey. Ceramic, J. (2022, September 14). What is a ceramic insulator? used and types. Medium. https://jyoticeramicindia.medium.com/what-is-a-ceramic-insulator-used-and-types-3b4c1b73a3d6 Star Porcelain Company. Potteries of Trenton Society. (n.d.-c). https://potteriesoftrentonsociety.org/research/records/star-porcelain-company-2/ What are the advantages of using porcelain insulators?. Reliance Potteries. (2022, July 15). https://www.reliancepotteries.com/what-are-the-advantages-of-using-porcelain-insulators/ |
Year Range from |
1900 |
Year Range to |
2002 |
Material |
Ceramic |
Artist |
Star Porcelain Company (Probable) |
Height (in) |
1.250 |
Diameter (in) |
1.750 |
Condition |
Very Good |
Condition Notes |
Overall: A few scratches on the inside and wear on the bottom. Front: There is nothing of note. Right Side: There is nothing of note. Back: There is nothing of note. Left Side: There is nothing of note. Top: There are scratches on the inside Bottom: There is wear around the edges. |
Classification |
Business & Commerce Electricity |
Subjects |
Ceramic industry Light fixtures Light bulbs Light Lighting industry Lighting Electricity Electrical apparatus industry Electric lighting |
Search Terms |
Brown White Ceramic Insulator Electrical Porcelain Corner Post Star Porcelain Company Wire 1900 2002 19th Century 20th Century 21st Century Light Trenton Star Porcelain Company Brown Porcelain Corner Post Insulator |
Provenance |
Found in collection |