Insulators & Bushings.
Distribution and line insulators, guy strain and HDPE insulators, and apparatus bushings that mechanically support energized conductors while electrically isolating them from grounded structures — porcelain, silicone, and polymer, for utility and industrial systems. Insulators are rated under ANSI/NEMA C29; bushings under IEEE C57.19.
- Voltage class
- MV / HV
- Manufacturers
- 2
- Insulator standard
- C29
Manufacturers.
Insulator & bushing standards.
Electrical power insulators are rated under the ANSI/NEMA C29 series; outdoor apparatus bushings under the IEEE C57.19 series. Both coordinate insulation by basic impulse insulation level.
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ANSI/NEMA C29.1
The test-method anchor for the C29 series — electrical and mechanical test procedures for power insulators, applied across porcelain, glass, and composite line and apparatus types.
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ANSI/NEMA C29.5
Wet-process porcelain insulators, low- and medium-voltage types — the standard behind distribution pin and post insulators.
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ANSI/NEMA C29.2 · C29.4
Porcelain and toughened-glass suspension insulators (C29.2) and wet-process porcelain strain insulators (C29.4) — the suspension and strain types used on distribution and transmission structures.
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IEEE C57.19
The series for outdoor power apparatus bushings — general requirements and test procedure (C57.19.00) and performance and dimensions for transformer and reactor bushings (C57.19.01).
Insulator & bushing types.
Distribution insulators
Pin, post, and suspension insulators that support and isolate line conductors on poles and structures. Built in porcelain, silicone, and polymer composite, rated by voltage class, BIL, and mechanical strength under the ANSI/NEMA C29 series.
Guy strain insulators
Insulators installed in a guy wire to isolate the section above the break from ground. Specified by mechanical strength and the guy system they serve, in porcelain and molded polymer constructions.
HDPE insulators
Molded high-density polyethylene guy strain and secondary insulators for overhead distribution and communications construction — light, non-tracking, and corrosion-free.
Apparatus bushings
Bushings that carry an energized conductor through a grounded barrier — a transformer tank wall, reactor, or switchgear enclosure. Outdoor power apparatus bushings are rated under the IEEE C57.19 series by voltage class and BIL.
FAQ.
What is the difference between an insulator and a bushing?
An insulator supports and isolates a conductor on a structure or within equipment. A bushing carries an energized conductor through a grounded barrier, such as a transformer tank wall or switchgear enclosure, while maintaining insulation between the conductor and the grounded barrier.
What standards govern insulators and bushings?
Electrical power insulators are covered by the ANSI/NEMA C29 series, which fixes ratings, tests, and dimensions for line and apparatus insulators in porcelain, glass, and composite, with low- and medium-voltage types in C29.5 and suspension and post types in their own parts. Outdoor power apparatus bushings for transformers and reactors are covered by the IEEE C57.19 series.
What is the difference between distribution insulators, guy strain insulators, and HDPE insulators?
Distribution insulators — pin, post, and suspension types — support and isolate line conductors on poles and structures. Guy strain insulators are installed in a guy wire to insulate the section above the break from ground. HDPE insulators are molded high-density polyethylene components used as guy strain and secondary insulators in distribution and communications construction.
What does BIL mean for insulators and bushings?
BIL, the basic impulse insulation level, is the crest withstand voltage the component is rated to survive under a standard lightning or switching impulse. It is a primary parameter in coordinating insulation across a power system.
What is the difference between porcelain and polymer insulators?
Porcelain is a long-established rigid ceramic material. Polymer and silicone composite insulators are lighter, more impact-resistant, and offer hydrophobic surfaces that can improve performance in contaminated or coastal environments. Material is selected for the application and site conditions.
Which manufacturers does Hawk carry for insulators and bushings?
Hawk carries insulators and bushings from ARP and Aluma-Form. ARP produces silicone-rubber distribution and line post insulators; Aluma-Form supplies guy strain and HDPE insulators for overhead construction.
Does Hawk publish insulator and bushing pricing or lead times?
No. Insulators and bushings are configured and priced per project. Send the voltage class, BIL, material, and mounting, and pricing and availability are confirmed once those are defined.
Sourcing insulators or bushings?
Send the voltage class, BIL, insulating material, and mounting — Hawk MV Supply will fill in the rest.
Insulators and bushings for medium- and high-voltage power systems.
Hawk MV Supply sources insulators and bushings — the components that mechanically support energized conductors and apparatus while electrically isolating them from grounded structures. Insulators carry line and apparatus conductors on poles, structures, and inside equipment as pin, post, and suspension types, alongside guy strain and HDPE insulators for overhead construction; bushings carry an energized conductor through a grounded barrier such as a transformer tank or switchgear wall. Electrical power insulators are rated under the ANSI/NEMA C29 series, which fixes ratings, tests, and dimensions across porcelain, glass, and composite — with low- and medium-voltage types in C29.5 and suspension and strain types in their own parts — while outdoor power apparatus bushings for transformers and reactors are covered by the IEEE C57.19 series. An insulator or bushing is specified by voltage class, basic impulse insulation level (BIL), insulating material, and mounting and mechanical strength rating, with creepage distance considered for contaminated or coastal environments; exact values are confirmed per project.
Insulators and bushings are used throughout utility and industrial power systems — on distribution and transmission structures, in substations, and as components of transformers, switchgear, and reclosers. Hawk carries insulators and bushings from ARP, which produces silicone-rubber distribution and line post insulators, and Aluma-Form, which supplies guy strain and HDPE insulators for overhead and communications construction. Brand names and logos are the property of their respective owners; specifications shown are typical industry ranges, with product availability and exact values confirmed at quote.