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Distribution (Overhead): Section

13

Section 13 Distribution (Overhead):

Polymer Insulators
Table of Contents

Page

Polymer Insulators.................................................................................13-2
Polymer Insulator Accessories and Tools...........................................13-5
Polymer Insulator Dimensions and Data..............................................13-6
Polymer Spool Insulator........................................................................13-8

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Polymer Insulators
NOMENCLATURE

Benefits:
ANSI compliant tie top head design facilitates the
use of factory-formed ties for exceptional fit and
performance matching.
The polymer insulators closely match the dielectric
properties of the covered conductor jacket.
The polyethylene surface, coupled with the multiple
skirt design with descending skirt diameters and long
leakage distances, provides superior moisture and
contamination shedding properties.
UV Stabilized for long-term service.

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The PLP Polymer Insulators are for use in overhead distribution lines using bare or covered conductors. They are
particularly suited for use with Spacer Cable and Tree wire
as a better electrical alternative, to porcelain insulators.
The insulators are made from a proprietary, high-density
polyethylene-based compound with a dielectric constant
compatible with polyethylene covered conductors.
They are designed to meet most of the dimensional, electrical, and mechanical requirements of the ANSI C29.5
insulator standards, even though this standard applies
only to Wet-Process Porcelain Insulators. These insulators
can be used in any application that calls for porcelain insulators requiring adherence to this ANSI standard.
Two basic designs are offered: Tie Top and Vise Top
Insulators, both available for application on 1" or 1-3/8"
pins depending upon the specific ANSI class or voltage
application.

High impact resistance designed to reduce breakage

and vandal/gun shot damage, particularly at cold
temperatures.
The light weight design reduces shipping costs and
lineman handling requirements.

Polyethylene material eliminates abrasion of the
conductor at the insulator/conductor interface.
Polymer Insulators can be used with jacketed jumper
wires, eliminating skinning, and providing additional
wildlife protection at equipment locations.
Vise Top Polymer Insulator designs provide a unique
clamping mechanism for quick installation for a greater
range of conductors.
The same clamp and head design is used for all Vise
Top Polymer Insulators. The skirt design varies by
voltage application.
A Vise Top Stringing Tool is offered to aid jacketed
conductor installation and reduce stringing equipment
requirements.

The Tie Top Insulators are designed to meet most ANSI

C29.5 insulator head dimensional standards for appropriate insulator classes with C or F necks. Therefore, they
are compatible with all PLP Formed Wire and Plastic Ties,
and covered or bare tie wire.
The Vise Top Insulators employ a unique clamp style
head. While they are also designed to meet certain ANSI
standards, the clamp head design is not applicable to
ANSI tie top insulator head dimensional standards.

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Distribution (Overhead): Section

Polymer Insulators

13
Polymer Insulators

Tie Top Polymer Insulators:

The PLP Tie Top Polymer Insulators are designed to
match most Head and Neck dimensional standards for
ANSI C29.5, class 55-3, 55-4, 55-5 or 55-6, and 55-7 pin
type insulators. C (2-1/4" nominal) and F (2-7/8" nominal) Neck sizes are available.
Certain ANSI C29.5 25 & 35 kV insulator classes specify
J neck dimensions (nominal 3.5" diameter) while the
PLP polymer insulators for those classes utilize the more
common F neck design, providing savings in tie costs.

Conductor Inserts:
Compatible conductor inserts for either jacketed or bare
conductors are available. Nylon inserts are offered for
use with jacketed conductors. Bronze inserts are offered
for bare copper conductors. Aluminum inserts are offered
for bare aluminum conductors. It is recommended that the
utility determine the suitability of PLP Vise Top Polymer
Insulators on bare conductors before installation.

By using ANSI head and neck dimensional standards,

PLP metal or plastic factory formed ties will install easily
and provide superior holding and electrical performance
on PLP Tie Top Polymer Insulators. Consult PLP for
suitability of other formed tie brands with these insulators.
Covered or bare hand tie wire is also suitable for use
with PLP Tie Top Polymer Insulators depending upon
conductor type.

Torque Bolts:
Two Torque Bolts are supplied with each vise top
insulator. The breakaway torque ring is designed to insure
the proper torque and subsequent holding force to the
conductor will be applied during initial installation. All
Vise Top Insulators use the same Torque Bolt.
New Torque Bolts should be used whenever conductors
are removed from the Vise Top Insulator or any time the
bolts are unscrewed and initial torque is lost. Individual
Torque Bolts are available for replacement as needed.

Vise Top Polymer Insulators:

The PLP Vise Top Polymer Insulator utilizes a unique plastic clamp mechanism and black nylon torque bolts to secure the conductor. Nylon Torque bolts with break away
heads are designed to provide a method to insure that
proper torque is applied to the mechanism for fast and
proper conductor clamping force.

Torque Bolt Hook Tool:

An aluminum hook tool accessory is offered for use with
hydraulic or power wrenches for easy installation of Torque
Bolts. However, the tool should be operated at low speeds.
A standard shotgun stick is also ideal for the installation of
the torque bolts.

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SECTION CONTENTS

Polymer Insulators
Ordering Guide
PLP Polymer Insulator Ordering Guide
Application

Catalog Number

Approx. Unit
Weight lbs

Carton
Quantity

Pallet
Quantity

General
Appearance

15kV
15kV C Neck Tie Top: ANSI Class 55-3*;
1" Pin, RUS Accepted
15kV F Neck Tie Top: ANSI Class 55-4*;
1" Pin, RUS Accepted
15kV Vise Top: Nylon Inserts for Jacketed
Conductors; ANSI Class 55-3/4; 1" Pin
15kV Vise Top: Metal Inserts for
Bare Aluminum Conductors; ANSI Class
55-3/4; 1" Pin
15kV Vise Top: Bronze Inserts for Bare
Copper Conductors; ANSI Class 55-3/4*;
1" Pin

IP-15-C

0.9

18

648

IP-15-F

1.2

18

648

IP-15-VTN

2.0

18

144

IP-15-VTM

2.0

18

144

IP-15-VTM-B

2.0

18

144

IP-25-F1

1.3

18

324

IP-25-F2

1.3

18

324

IP-25-VTN1

2.3

12

192

IP-25-VTN2

2.2

12

192

IP-25-VTM1

2.3

12

192

IP-25-VTM1-B

2.3

12

192

IP-25-VTM2

2.2

12

192

IP-25-VTM2-B

2.2

12

192

IP-35-F1

2.8

12

216

IP-35-F2

2.8

12

216

IP-35-VTN1

3.2

12

120

IP-35-VTN2

3.2

12

120

IP-35-VTM1

3.2

12

120

IP-35-VTM1-B

3.2

12

120

IP-35-VTM2

3.2

12

120

IP-35-VTM2-B

3.2

12

120

25kV
25kV F Neck Tie Top: ANSI Class 55-5*;
1" Pin
25kV F Neck Tie Top: ANSI Class 55 -5*;
1-3/8" Pin
25kV Vise Top: Nylon Inserts for Jacketed
Conductors; ANSI Class 55-5*; 1" Pin
25kV Vise Top: Nylon Inserts for Jacketed
Conductors; ANSI Class 55-5*; 1-3/8" Pin
25kV Vise Top: Metal Inserts for Bare
Aluminum Conductors; ANSI Class 55-5*;
1" Pin
25kV Vise Top: Bronze Inserts for Bare
Copper Conductors; ANSI Class 55-5*; 1"
Pin
25kV Vise Top: Metal Inserts for Bare
Aluminum Conductors; ANSI Class 55-5*;
1-3/8" Pin
25kV Vise Top: Bronze Inserts for Bare Copper Conductors; ANSI Class 55-5*; 1-3/8" Pin

35kV
35kV F Neck Tie Top: ANSI Class 55-6*;
1" Pin
35kV F Neck Tie Top: ANSI Class 55-7*;
1-3/8" Pin
35kV Vise Top: Nylon Inserts for Jacketed
Conductors; ANSI Class 55-6*; 1" Pin
35kV Vise Top: Nylon Inserts for Jacketed
Conductors; ANSI Class 55-7*; 1-3/8" Pin
35kV Vise Top: Metal Inserts for Bare
Aluminum Conductors; ANSI Class 55-6*;
1" Pin
35kV Vise Top: Bronze Inserts for Bare
Copper Conductors; ANSI Class 55-6*; 1"
Bare Pin
35kV Vise Top: Metal Inserts for Bare
Aluminum Conductors; ANSI Class 55-7*;
1-3/8" Pin
35kV Vise Top: Bronze Inserts for Bare
Copper Conductors; ANSI Class 55-7*;
1-3/8" Pin
*Nominal ANSI Classes

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Distribution (Overhead): Section

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Polymer Insulators

Polymer Insulators

Vise Top Stringing Tool:

The polyurethane Vise Top String Tool (VTST) is offered to
aid jacketed conductor installation. The VTST temporarily
installs in the Vise Top clamp, by hand or with Hot Sticks,
and is designed to permit short span, low tension jacketed
conductor stringing without the need for stringing wheels.
The tool is not recommended for use with bare cables,
long spans, line, or sag angles over approximately 10.
A proper size stringing block should be used at the 1st
and last pole, at large line or sag angles, or long spans
throughout the pull, rather than the tool.
It is recommended that harsh material pulling ropes, such
as nylon, be avoided to minimize excessive wear to the
inner surface of the tool. It is also suggested low pulling
speeds be used when pulling rope or cable through the
tool to avoid excessive wear.
The tool can be reused, however, it is recommended the
tool be inspected after each pull to insure it is suitable for
further use. Areas of wear on the tool from previous pulls
can be rotated away from where the rope and conductors
will rest in the bore during subsequent pulls. Do not reuse
the tool if there has been excessive wear throughout all
areas of the inner bore.
Consult PLP for additional recommendations.

Vise Top Polymer Insulator Accessories and Tools

Optional Accessories
Product
Vise Top Torque Bolt
Material: Black UV Resistant Nylon
Length: 6" w/Ring, 5" installed
Vise Top Hook Tool
Material: Aluminum Alloy
Size: 7/16" Hex
Length: 6.375"
Vise Top Stringing Tool
Material: Polyurethane Bodies
Steel Hot Stick Ring
Length: 5"
Conductor Opening Diameter: 1.75"

Catalog
Number

Approx.
Unit
Weight Lbs

PT-01

Carton
Quantity

Pallet
Quantity

0.1

As
Ordered

As
Ordered

VTHT-01

0.15

As
Ordered

As
Ordered

IP-VLST-01

0.55

As
Ordered

As
Ordered

General
Appearance

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Polymer Insulators
Nominal Dimensions & PLP Formed Tie Applications
B
D

F
Radius

Radius

OD

Radius

OB

Nominal Insulator Dimensions

Tie Top
IP-15-C

Tie Top
IP-15-F

5.0

5.1

8.4

5.5

5.5

5.5

3.75

3.75

2.25

2.875

Insulator Type
Catalog Number

Vise Top
IP-15-VT
(all)

Tie Top
IP-25-F1/2

Vise Top
IP-25-VT
(all)

Tie Top
IP-35-F1/2

Vise Top
IP-35-VT
(all)

5.7

8.4

7.5

10.0

6.1

7.5

7.5

5.0

4.5

4.35

4.5

5.5

6.0

2.5

2.875

2.5

2.875

2.5

Dimensions (in)

E (Radius)

0.75

1.0

NA

1.0

NA

1.0

NA

F (Radius)

0.625

0.625

0.5

0.75

0.5

0.75

0.5

Number of Skirts

Maximum Conductor OD,

Top Groove

1.3

1.875

1.875

1.75

1.875

1.75

1.875

Maximum Conductor OD,

Side Groove

1.375

1.375

1.0

1.625

1.0

1.625

1.0

Maximum Conductor Outer Diameter (in) with PLP Factory Formed Ties*
PLP Tie
Distribution Tie

1.05

1.75

NA

1.75

NA

1.75

NA

WRAPLOCK Tie

0.75

1.15

NA

1.15

NA

1.15

NA

EZ-WRAP Twin Tie

1.05

1.75

NA

1.75

NA

1.75

NA

Double Support Tie

1.05

1.75

NA

1.75

NA

1.75

NA

Side Tie

0.87

1.6

NA

1.6

NA

1.6

NA

EZ-WRAP Side Tie

1.05

1.75

NA

1.75

NA

1.75

NA

Double Side Tie

1.0

1.0

NA

1.25

NA

1.25

NA

Plastic Top Tie;

Jacketed Cond.

1.3

1.875

NA

1.875

NA

1.875

NA

Plastic Side Tie;

Jacketed Cond.

0.8

0.8

NA

1.06

NA

1.06

NA

Plastic Angle Side Tie;

Jacketed Cond.

0.8

0.8

NA

1.06

NA

1.06

NA

13-6

*For some Formed Ties it is necessary to reduce Max Conductor OD that can fit into the insulator groove because allowance needs to be made for
tie tube thickness &/or wires of the tie may take up space in the groove.

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Distribution (Overhead): Section

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Polymer Insulators

Polymer Insulators

15, 25 & 35kV Polymer Insulator Data Table

15kV Applications

Insulator Data

PLP PI

Catalog Number
& Application

IP-15-C IP-15Tie Top VTN/M*

Vise
Top

Nominal
ANSI Class

25 kV Applications

ANSI C29
ANSI
55-3
C29 55-4
Standards PLP PI Standards
NA

IP-15-F
Tie Top

NA

55-3

55-4

55-4

55-3

55-3

Neck Size/Style

NA

Typical Operating
Voltage Application,
kV (L-L)

15

15

15

15

Leakage
Distance (in)

12.7

16.1

14.5

Dry Arcing
Distance (in)

6.2

4.5

Pin Hole
Diameter (in)

Suggested Minimum
Pin Length (in)

60Hz Dry
Flashover (kV)

PLP Polymer Insulator

IP-25-F1 IP-25- IP-25-F2 IP-25Tie Top VTN/M*1 Tie Top VTN/M*2
Vise Top
Vise Top
55-5

55-5

15

25

6.3

77

60Hz Wet
Flashover (kV)

35 kV Applications
ANSI
C29 55-5
Standards

ANSI C29
55-6
Standards

PLP PI

ANSI C29
55-7
Standards

PLP PI

NA

IP-35-F1 IP-35Tie Top VTN/M*1

Vise Top

NA

IP-35-F2 IP-35Tie Top VTN/M*2

Vise Top

NA

55-5

55-6
(w F neck)

55-6

55-6

55-7
(w F neck)

55-7

55-7

55-5

55-5

NA

NA

NA

NA

25

25

25

25

35

35

35

35

35

35

14.1

18

14.1

18

12

20.9

21

15

20.9

21

15

7.5

7.5

6.25

9.5

9.8

9.5

9.8

1.375

1.375

1.375

1.375

1.375

7.5

7.5

7.5

7.5

7.5

7.5

101 (N)
97 (M)

55

93

65

89

88 (N)
94 (M)

89

88 (N)
94 (M)

85

126 (1)

128 (N)
115 (M)
(1)

100

126

128 (N)
115 (M)

100

45

50(N)
65(M)

30

50

35

55

55 (N)
55 (M)

55

55 (N)
55 (M)

45

82 (1)

72 (N)
80 (M)
(1)

50

82

72 (N)
80 (M)

50

Positive Impulse
Flashover (kV)

125

114(N)
154(M)

90

147

105

144

150 (N)
152 (M)
(1)

144

150 (N)
152 (M)
(1)

140

175 (1)

188 (N)
196 (M)
(1)

150

175

188 (N)
196 (M)

150

Negative Impulse
Flashover (kV)

-160 -144(N)
-200(M)

-110

-201

-130

-223

-219(N)
-216 (M)
(1)

-223

-219(N)
-216 (M)
(1)

-170

-238 (1) -272 (N)

-261 (M)
(1)

-170

-238

-272 (N)
-261 (M)

-170

Low Frequency
Puncture (kV)

208

174(N)
163(M)

90

160

95

218

228 (N)
218 (M)
(1)

201

191 (N)
184 (M)
(1)

115

223

219(N)
(1)
209 (M)
(1)

135

235

219 (N)
209 (M)

135

10kV to grd, V

<5

<5

<50V
@10kV

<5

<50V
@10kV

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

15kV to grd, V

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

<5

<5

<5

<5

<100V
@15kV

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

22kV to grd, V

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

<5(1)

<6(1)

<100V
@22kV

<5

<6

<100V
@22kV

Cantilever
Strength (lbs)

3000

3000

2500

3000

3000

3000

3000

3000

3000

3000

3000

3000

3000

3000

3000

3000

Approximate
Weight (lbs)

0.9

NA

1.3

NA

1.3

2.3

1.3

2.3

NA

2.8

NA

2.8

3.2

NA

Maximum Operating
Temperature
(Degree C)

120

120

NA

120

NA

120

120

120

120

NA

120

120

NA

120

120

NA

RIV @ 1MHz

Notes:
*Vise Top Insert Catalog #s:
Use Suffix N for Nylon Inserts for Jacketed & Bare Copper Conductors
Use Suffix M for Aluminum Inserts for Bare Aluminum Conductors: for Bare Copper Based Conductors, add a "B" to the end of the Aluminum insert version (i.e. IP-25-VTM1-B).
(1) Electrical test data extrapolated from similar design PIs with 1-3/8" pin

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Polymer Spool Insulator

Benefits:
Exceeds ANSI Class 53-2 electrical requirements

NOMENCLATURE

Made in the USA

Lightweight
Resistant to cracking, chipping and vandals
Fully UV stabilized
Recyclable
Long service life without deterioration
Compatible with all manufacturers pole hardware
Compatible with all PLP factory formed ties for spool
applications

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The PLP Polymer Spool Insulators are used to insulate
and support primary neutral and secondary (bare or
covered) conductors at the pole or house using various
clevis mounting configurations. They are compatible with
all manufacturers hardware designs that are to be used
with the ANSI C29.3 Class 53-2 spool insulators. They are
designed to be used with PLP Spool Ties and EZ-WRAP
Spool Ties and are Class 53-2 compliant. The IP-53-2 is a
direct replacement for porcelain spool insulators.
The IP-53-2 spool insulator is manufactured in the USA
of a proprietary polyethylene material. This material is UV
stabilized and is very resistant to breaking, chipping and
cracking. The insulators are lightweight, at 0.34 lbs., and,
like all the PLP polymer insulators, are fully recyclable.
Catalog
Number

IP-53-2

Carton
Description
Polymer Spool Insulator 1-3/4"
Neck Diameter A-NECK

Qty

Wt

48

20 LBS

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