Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
2020.FIC.026 |
Object Name |
Insulator |
Title |
Birnbach White Porcelain Standoff Insulator |
Description |
The insulator is a white cylindrical standoff insulator, situated on an oval base. The base is significantly wider than the cylinder, providing stability. The insulator features three holes on top, all of which pass through to the bottom. One hole is located on the top of the cylinder, while the other two are positioned on the top of the oval base. On the back of the insulator, there is an embossed inscription that reads, "BIRNBACH. NO.866," with the "NO.866" portion written upside down. The area around the inscription is indented, adding to the insulator's design details. 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 Industrial Quick Search, standoff insulators like this one are commonly used in transformers. These insulators play a crucial role in guiding electricity along the correct path, thereby preventing power damage and reducing energy waste. Their cylindrical shape and placement ensure that the electrical components stay insulated and properly spaced, helping to maintain the efficiency and safety of electrical systems. 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. Industrial Quick Search. (n.d.). Industrial Quick Search. Ceramic Insulator: Types, Uses, Features and Benefits. https://www.iqsdirectory.com/articles/ceramic/ceramic-insulators.html 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) |
1.500 |
Length (in) |
1.750 |
Width (in) |
0.500 |
Condition |
Good |
Condition Notes |
Overall: Abrasions on the bottom. Front: There is nothing of note. Right Side: There is nothing of note Back: There is a black accretion on the bottom near the middle. Left Side: There is nothing of note. Top: There is nothing of note. Bottom: There are abrasions all over. |
Inscription Type |
Manufacturer's Mark |
Inscription Location |
Bottom, Top to Bottom, Left to Right |
Inscription Technique |
Embossed |
Inscription Text |
"BIRNBACH" Line 1 "NO.866" Line 2 |
Classification |
Business & Commerce Electricity |
Subjects |
Ceramic industry Light fixtures Light bulbs Light Lighting industry Lighting Electricity Electrical apparatus industry Electric lighting |
Search Terms |
White Insulator Electrical Cylinder Oval Birnbach 866 Standoff Insulator Electricity Light Ceramic Porcelain Trenton Insulator Star Porcelain Company 1900 2002 19th Century 21st Century 20th Century Birnbach White Porcelain Standoff Insulator |
Provenance |
Found in collection |