Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
2020.FIC.025 |
Object Name |
Insulator |
Title |
Qualitrol Corpation White Porcelain Insulator |
Description |
The insulator is a white, half-circular shaped porcelain piece with a rectangular bottom. The bottom material is coarser than the rest of the insulator, and it features four holes. The two holes closest to the edges are circular, while the two near the center are oval-shaped. The insulator has protruding sides with a circular hole on each side, and the areas around these holes are elevated. A raised rim separates the main portion of the insulator from the bottom and the sides. On the front of the insulator, the main portion is adorned with nine circular holes. Six of these holes are located on top, one in the center, and two on the bottom. The top and center holes are surrounded by elevated areas, while the two smaller holes on the bottom are located on a rectangular-shaped piece of elevated porcelain. The front of the insulator also bears an inscription that reads, "QUALITROL CORP. FAIRPOINT. N.Y. U.S.A." The six holes on top separate the text "QUALITROL CORP" from "FAIRPOINT. N.Y." The back of the insulator has several notable differences. The areas around the bottom holes are elevated, and the holes on the edges are diamond-shaped, larger than the others. The main portion has a completely elevated rim, and only the center hole has an elevated area around it. The six holes on top are split into different sections. Additionally, the bottom of the insulator features an embossed inscription reading, "000-0-98." 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) |
4.500 |
Length (in) |
6.500 |
Width (in) |
1.500 |
Condition |
Okay |
Condition Notes |
Overall: Accretions throughout. There is a large piece missing on the front. Front: There is a black accretion on the bottom near the left side. Also, one of the elevated areas on top is chipped near the right side. Right Side: There is nothing of note. Back: There are a couple of abrasions on the bottom near the middle. There are black accretions on the center near the middle. And finally, the inscription is faded. Left Side: There is a scratch on the center near the left side. Top: There is an abrasion on the center near the middle. Bottom: There is a white accretion on top near the left side. Also, there is wear all over. |
Inscription Type |
Manufacturer's Mark |
Inscription Location |
Front, Top to Center, Middle |
Inscription Technique |
Embossed |
Inscription Text |
"QUALITROL CORP" Line 1 "FAIRPORT. N.Y" Line 2 "U.S.A" Line 3 Manufacturer's Mark Embossed Back, Bottom, Middle "000-0-98" |
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 Ceramic Electricity Electrical Circle Light Electrical Porcelain Star Porcelain Company Qualitrol Corporation New York Fairport 000-0-098 Trenton 1900 2002 19th Century 21st Century 20th Century Qualitrol Corpation White Porcelain Insulator |
Provenance |
Found in collection |