Re: power line insulators

[roger haar <haar@soliton.physics.arizona.edu>]

Hi,
	I think the "fins" are actually to create a longer path for 
leakage current on surface dirt.  The resistance of the ceramic is very high
but dirt, oil, water, etc. from the enviornment may provide a less
resistive path to ground.  With the convoluted surface the path is 
several times longer.  

Thanks
roger Haar
U of AZ   

On Thu, 12 Jun 1997, Michael N. Monce wrote:

> 	I've looked at many sources but can't seem to find an answer to
> this:  Why are the ceramic standoff insulators on the high voltage power
> lines shaped the way they are?  I looked up the resistivities which are on
> the order of 10^10 ohms, so I don't think the leakage currents are that
> high that the "fins" on these things are needed for cooling.  Any clues?
>
> 				Mike Monce
> 				Connecticut College