Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
2020.FIC.038 |
Object Name |
Insulator |
Title |
Crouse-Hinds White Porcelain Insulator |
Description |
A white circular-shaped porcelain insulator with an elevated rim around the edges on both the front and back. It features four circular holes: one on the top, three in the middle, and one on the bottom. On the front, an elevated circle goes around the center, encompassing two of the holes near the middle, though the circle is incomplete, with a portion missing near the top. Additionally, there is an elevated horizontal line running through the middle of the circle. On the back, there are two vertical lines that split the insulator into three sections, with the middle section being much smaller than the other two. A horizontal elevated line goes through the center of the back, with the portion in the middle section being slightly higher than the rest of the line. Embossed inscriptions appear in all corners except the upper left, reading: "CROUSE-HINDS," "0301076" (upper right corner), "1500W600V" (lower right corner), and "P1732B" (lower left corner). The areas around the inscriptions are indented. 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, insulators like insulation tubes are commonly used in machines that operate under high heat. Ceramic insulation tubes are typically found in ovens, heaters, and furnaces. The natural properties of ceramics, such as their ability to maintain size and shape under pressure, long-lasting durability, and resistance to abrasion, make them ideal for use in these types of machines. 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) |
Condition |
Good |
Condition Notes |
Overall: Wear throughout. A crack on the side. Front: There is a brown accretion on top near the right side. There is wear around the edges. And finally, there is a small crack on the bottom near the left edge. Back: There is wear around the edges. |
Inscription Type |
Manufacturer's Mark |
Inscription Location |
Bottom, Top to Bottom, Left to Right |
Inscription Technique |
Embossed |
Inscription Text |
"CROUSE-HINDS" Line 1 "0301076" Line 2 "P1732.B" Line 3 "1500W600V" Line 4 |
Classification |
Business & Commerce Electricity |
Subjects |
Ceramic industry Light fixtures Light bulbs Light Lighting industry Lighting Electricity Electrical apparatus industry Electric lighting |
Search Terms |
White Ceramic Electricity Electrical Porcelain Ceramic Trenton Star Porcelain Company 1900 2002 19th Century 20th Century 21st Century Crouse-Hinds 0301076 P1732.B 1500W 600V Volts Watts Crouse-Hinds White Porcelain Insulator |
Provenance |
Found in collection |