Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
2020.FIC.034 |
Object Name |
Insulator |
Title |
White Cylindrical Porcelain Standoff Insulator |
Description |
This is a white cylindrical-shaped standoff insulator. It has a tiny hole on both the top and bottom, revealing a small part of the inside of the insulator. The bottom has a rougher texture compared to the rest of the insulator. 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) |
3.250 |
Diameter (in) |
1.500 |
Condition |
Good |
Condition Notes |
Overall: A few accretions throughout. Front: There is nothing of note. Right Side: There is nothing of note. Back: There are a few black accretions on the bottom. Left Side: There is nothing of note. Top: There is nothing of note. Bottom: There are abrasions all over. Also, there are black accretions all over. |
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 Cylinder Standoff Insulator 1900 2002 19th Century 20th Century 21st Century Electricity Electrical Light Ceramic Porcelain Star Porcelain Company Trenton Insulator White Cylindrical Porcelain Standoff Insulator |
Provenance |
Found in collection |