Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
2020.FIC.036 |
Object Name |
Insulator |
Title |
Kaz Manufacturing Company Green Porcelain Insulator |
Description |
This green circular porcelain insulator has a slightly lower rim on the front compared to the rest of the surface. Most of the front is occupied by an elevated porcelain piece shaped like a "T." The insulator has four circular holes in total: one at the bottom of the "T" (oval-shaped and much larger than the others), one in the middle of the "T" (small and does not go all the way through), and two above the "T" (medium-sized with an indentation around them). The back of the insulator is white and features a large elevated rim that goes almost completely around the top, leaving a small section open. On the back, there are two indentations: one oval-shaped at the top and one upside-down "T"-shaped at the bottom. An embossed inscription around the upside-down "T" reads, "110V. AG. 1. 10.95. 5.8. AMPS. KAZ MFG. Co." 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. 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. 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 |
Diameter (in) |
3.250 |
Condition |
Good |
Condition Notes |
Overall: Abrasions throughout. Accretions on the bottom Front: There is nothing of note. Back: There are scratches on the bottom near the left side. Left Side: There is an abrasion on the bottom near the middle. Top: There is an abrasion on the center near the right side. Also, there is an abrasion on the center near the right side. Bottom: There are black accretions around the edge. There is wear around the inner rim. And finally, there are brown accretions near the center. |
Inscription Type |
Manufacturer's Mark |
Inscription Location |
Bottom, Center, Middle |
Inscription Technique |
Embossed |
Inscription Text |
"10.95" Line 1 "110V" Line 2 "5.8" Line 3 "AG" Line 4 "AMPS" Line 5 "1" Line 6 "KAZ MFG. CO" Line 7 |
Classification |
Business & Commerce Electricity |
Subjects |
Ceramic industry Light fixtures Light bulbs Light Lighting industry Lighting Electricity Electrical apparatus industry Electric lighting |
Search Terms |
Green T Electricy Electrical Porcelain Ceramic Green Kaz Manufacturing Company Trenton White Circle 110V 10.95 AC AMPS 1 Star Porcelain Company 1900 2002 19th Century 20th Century 21st Century Kaz Manufacturing Company Green Porcelain Insulator |
Provenance |
Found in collection |