Electrical Insulation
Electrical Insulation Washers
ASG offers a wide range of non-metallic gaskets, thanks to a broad network of suppliers and material manufacturers, some of which are needed for specific applications. One such selection of products on offer from our vast catalogue are electrical insulation washers, which consists of a varied choice of material types each with its own unique properties to meet particular application demands. Our washers are manufactured in-house using a combination of a skilled workforce and high spec machinery in practically any size and quantity, with a plain or self-adhesive finish to one or both faces and in a choice of individually cut parts or kiss-cut in roll for quick and easy application. Plastic washers produced using samples, dimensions or drawings provided by our customers which would detail the Outer Diameter (OD), Internal Diameter (ID) and the thickness, from a one-off sample to multi-thousand runs, we have a machine to quickly and accurately produce perfectly formed gaskets in a range of sizes, these include a number of presses and CNC machines.
What are Electrical Insulation Washers?
Washers are a flattened ‘ring’ of material that is placed between 2 surfaces to reduce friction and prevent unsteadiness, it creates a smooth, level surface for nuts/bolts to rest on or for a better fit for nuts/bolts and, can be used as an air/watertight seal. Washers can also be used for insulation in many industries, these include electrical insulation washers, which are a selection of specially designed materials. Electrical insulation washers are used to restrict the flow of electric current, by supporting electrical conductors – without allowing the current to pass through.
Why use Electrical Insulation Washers?
Electrical insulation washers are used to do just that – insulate! They provide a barrier to restrict the flow of electrical current, protecting electrical conductors from coming into contact with people or tools during installation, repairs or when an electrical appliance or device is being used. Electrical insulation washers also prevent electrical arcing (electrical current flows through the air between two conductors, as a result of the electrical breakdown of a gas that produces an ongoing electrical discharge) and are used in other electrical insulation applications.
Types of Electrical Insulation Washers Available
Advanced Seals & Gaskets work with a multitude of material manufacturers, giving our customers more choice when designing their electrical insulation washer and ensuring we can offer a solution to just about any application. Each type of material has its own range of properties, colours, thicknesses, etc – our most popular include:
Epoxy Glass – a green coloured material with good mechanical strength, good chemical, electrical and radiation resistance, low moisture absorption and a working temperature range of up to +120℃.
Kapton – is a polyamide film that offers a combination of mechanical and tears strength along with chemical, electrical and thermal properties that enables the gasket to withstand vibration and extreme temperatures in demanding environments.
Leatheroid – is a grey/blue coloured paper gasket material, also sometimes called Elephantidae. These gaskets are used within the electrical industry to insulate hot elements.
MICA – is a mineral-based sheeting material that has excellent mechanical performances, is resistant to chemicals and provides electrical and therm insulation. MICA gaskets are often used to replace asbestos as they can withstand extremely high temperatures of up to 1000℃.
MYLAR is an extremely strong, flexible polyester film. MYLAR is an excellent insulation material with dielectric strength, moisture resistance and is an excellent insulation material.
Nomex washers can be manufactured using Nomex paper or Nomex board, they can withstand high temperatures, have high mechanical and dielectric strength, and are an excellent insulation material for all kinds of electrical equipment and applications.
Presspahn washers are manufactured using a brown coloured material manufactured using kraft wood pulp. Presspahn washers have excellent physical and mechanical properties, generally used as electrical insulation.
SRBF is resin bonded fibre material that is tough and rigid, with an operating temperature of 120℃, low water absorption and is resistant to wear, impact chemicals.
SRBP (synthetic resin bonded paper) is manufactured using layers of paper and synthetic resins. This material is suited to high and medium voltage application. SRBP has good mechanical and excellent electrical insulation properties, with low water absorption.
Valox is an excellent electrical insulation material that also offers flame retardant properties.
PTFE is a non-conductive plastic material used to produce electrical insulation washers.
PVC is a tough, lightweight abrasion-resistant material that has good dielectric strength making it a great material to use for electrical insulation washers.
Benefits of Using Electrical Insulation Gaskets
Advanced Seals & Gaskets Ltd offer electrical insulation washers in a range of materials, thicknesses, colours and finishes. Each material will provide insulation within certain applications and suitable for various levels of protection required. Some of the materials listed above are available in variants that can offer additional properties such as flame retardancy and higher chemical or temperature resistance for use in the most extreme environments.