Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
2020.FIC.032.A |
Object Name |
Insulator |
Title |
Black Spring Shaped Porcelain Insulator 1 |
Description |
This is a black spring-shaped porcelain insulator mounted on a square-shaped base. The top of the insulator features a plus sign-shaped indentation, and at the center of this indentation, there is a circular hole that goes through to the bottom. The hole on the bottom is square-shaped. Additionally, there are four white circles on the bottom, which are made of a coarser substance. 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 (Porbable) |
Height (in) |
4.500 |
Diameter (in) |
2.000 |
Condition |
Okay |
Condition Notes |
Overall: Accretions and discolorations throughout. One large abrasion on the back. Front: There is nothing of note. Right Side: There is a white discoloration around the indentation on the top of the base. Back: There is a large abrasion on top near the right side. Also, there is a white accretion on the bottom near the middle. Left Side: There are white accretions on top near both the right and left sides. Also, there is a white discoloration around the indentation on the top of the base. Bottom: There is a white accretion on top near the right side. |
Classification |
Business & Commerce Electricity |
Subjects |
Ceramic industry Light fixtures Light bulbs Light Lighting industry Lighting Electricity Electrical apparatus industry Electric lighting |
Search Terms |
Ceramic Insulator Electrical Porcelain Spring Black Star Porcelain Company 1900 2002 19th Century 20th Century 21st Century Light Trenton Black Spring Shaped Porcelain Insulator 1 |
Provenance |
Found in collection |