Dow Corning Introduces SylGard High Voltage Insulator Coating

Midland, MI — Sylgard® HVIC+, Dow Corning's newest one-part silicone high voltage insulator coating (HVIC) for electrical system maintenance, is designed for long-term water repellency to protect against power distribution interruptions due to arcing and flashover from salt spray, industrial pollutants and desert sand.

"We've improved on the original coating to provide the best combination of wet electrical performance, tracking resistance, and durability for years of reliable operation," said Lucrece De Ridder, global marketing manager, Dow Corning Power and Utility Industry. "In addition, application is easier and faster, reducing labor cost and downtime."

Sylgard HVIC+ offers long-term water repellency/hydrophobicity, which prevents contaminants on the surface of the insulators from becoming wet and producing a conductive layer, which contributes to an increase in leakage currents, dryband arcing, and ultimately flashover. It also is unaffected by salt air, airborne pollutants, rain and humidity.

The coating can be used in line and station insulators, bushings, instrument transformers and for surface resistance on bucket truck booms. It is also useful on glass, porcelain and composite insulators where improved surface dielectric properties are needed. It is particularly well-suited for applications requiring arc resistance, such as barrier boards used in switch gear and in large motors.

Sylgard HVIC+ requires only one application, eliminating the need for repeated water washing or greasing, which results in significant savings in maintenance and replacement costs.

SOURCE: Dow Corning