Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
2020.FIC.028 |
Object Name |
Insulator |
Title |
Practical Electrical Black Porcelain Insulator |
Description |
This object is a black cylindrical porcelain igniter, which tapers towards the top. The top, bottom, and inside of the igniter are all white, with the top being open to reveal the interior. The bottom has a small hole near the center, exposing a bit of the inside, and the area around the hole is slightly raised. There is an embossed inscription around the hole on the bottom, which reads, "SUPER IGNITIONITER. EG." Notably, the "EG" portion of the inscription is upside down, adding a unique touch to the design. 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) |
1.500 |
Diameter (in) |
3.375 |
Condition |
Good |
Condition Notes |
Overall: Wear throughout. Front: There is wear around the hole. Right Side: There is nothing of note. Back: There is wear around the two holes. Left Side: There is nothing of note. Top: There is a large abrasion on top near the left side. There is an abrasion on the bottom near the right side. And finally, there is a large abrasion on top near the right side. Bottom: There are scratches all over. |
Inscription Type |
Inscription |
Inscription Location |
Bottom, Top to Bottom, Left to Right |
Inscription Technique |
Pen and Ink |
Inscription Text |
"PRACTICAL" Line 1 "ELEC." Line 2 "Spd1.49" Line 3 "S-1101" Linw 4 |
Classification |
Business & Commerce Electricity |
Subjects |
Ceramic industry Light fixtures Light bulbs Light Lighting industry Lighting Electricity Electrical apparatus industry Electric lighting |
Search Terms |
Black Eectricity Electrical Porcelain Ceramic Practical Electric Insulator Gray Star Sphere Light S-1101 spd1.49 Star Porcelain Company 1900 2002 19th Century 20th Century 21st Century Practical Electrical Black Porcelain Insulator |
Provenance |
Found in collection |