Polymer Insulators

A Better Solution

May 2016
LET’S
CONNECT
POLYMER
INSULATORS

• Design derived from PLP’s many years of worldwide experience and tested to
adhere to ANSI C29.5 and ANSI 29.6 insulator standards

• Usable for any application that calls for porcelain or polymer pin insulators, and
suitable for use with all types of jacketed or bare conductors.

• Currently available in a line of 15, 25 and 35kV Tie Top and Vise Top designs for 1"
or 1-3/8" pins

• Specifically designed for use with PLP formed wire ties, plastic ties and hand tie
wire

• Unique descending skirt design and polyethylene surface provide superior mois-
ture and contamination shedding properties

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Polymer Insulators

Table of Contents

Polymer Insulator Introduction.......................................................................................................... 1

Polymer Insulators – Tie Top............................................................................................................. 2

Polymer Insulators – Vise Top........................................................................................................... 6

Polymer Insulators – Accessories................................................................................................... 10

Polymer Insulators – Spool..............................................................................................................11

Additional Polymer Insulator Information Available from PLP:

SP3245 – Polymer Insulator: Tie Top Application Procedure

SP3032 – Polymer Insulator: Vise Top (VT) Application Procedure

EN-SS-1162 – Polymer Insulator: Vise Top Sell Sheet

EN-SS-1132 – Polymer Insulator: Tie Top Sell Sheet

 Polymer Insulators
The PLP Polymer Insulators are for use in over-
head distribution lines using bare or covered con-
ductors. They are particularly suited for use with
Spacer Cable and Tree Wire as a better electrical
alternative to porcelain insulators.

PLP Polymer Insulators are manufactured from

a proprietary, high-density polyethylene-based
compound having a dielectric constant that
is compatible with polyethylene-covered
conductors.

These insulators are designed to meet the

applicable dimensional, electrical, and
mechanical requirements of the ANSI C29.5
and C29.6 pin-type insulator standards, even
though these standards apply only to Wet-Process
Porcelain Insulators. These insulators can be used
in any application that calls for porcelain insulators
requiring adherence to these ANSI standards.

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.

The Tie Top Insulators are designed to meet pertinent

ANSI C29.5 and C29.6 insulator head dimensional
standards for appropriate insulator classes with “C”,
“F” or “J” 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 style head design is not applicable
to ANSI tie top insulator head dimensional standards.

BENEFITS
• ANSI compliant tie top head design facilitates the use • High impact resistance – designed to reduce break-
of factory-formed ties for exceptional fit and perfor- age and vandal/gun shot damage, particularly at cold
mance matching. temperatures.

• The Polymer Insulators closely match the dielectric • The lightweight design reduces shipping costs and
properties of the covered conductor jacket. lineman handling requirements.

• The polyethylene surface, coupled with the multiple • Polyethylene material eliminates abrasion of the
skirt design with descending skirt diameters and long conductor at the insulator/conductor interface.
leakage distances, provides superior moisture and • Polymer Insulators can be used with jacketed jumper
contamination shedding properties. wires, eliminating skinning, and providing additional
• UV-stabilized for long-term service. wildlife protection at equipment locations.

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 Polymer Insulators – Tie Top

ANSI Class:
55-3, 55-4, 55-5, 55-6, 55-7, 56-1
The PLP Tie Top Polymer Insulators are designed to
match the head, neck and mounting pin requirements
of ANSI C29.5, Class 55-3, 55-4, 55-5, 55-6, and 55-7
as well as ANSI C29.6, Class 56-1 pin-type insulator
standards. “C” (2 -1/4" nominal), “F” (2-7/8" nominal)
and “J” (3-1/2") neck sizes are available.

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 the suitability of other factory formed
tie brands with these insulators.

Covered or bare hand tie wire is also suitable for use

with PLP Tie Top Polymer Insulators depending on
conductor type.

FEATURES
• Tie top designs are perfect for use with all PLP ties
• Matched dielectric properties
• Superior moisture and contamination shedding
• UV stabilized material
• High impact resistance
• Lightweight design
• Head dimensions - ANSI compliant
• Dramatically reduces abrasion
• Ideal for jumpers and stinger wires
• 100% recyclable
• 1" or 1-3/8" pins

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 Polymer Insulators – Tie Top

ANSI Class:
55-3, 55-4, 55-5, 55-6, 55-7, 56-1

Polymer Insulators Tie Top – Pin-Type

PLP Catalog Mounting Pin
Description
Number ANSI Class* Application
15kV Applications
IP-15-C** 55-3 C Neck 1"

IP-15-F** 55-4 F Neck 1"

25kV Applications
IP-25-F1 55-5 1"
F Neck
IP-25-F2 55-5† 1-3/8"
IP-25-J1 56-1† 1”
J Neck
IP-25-J2** 56-1 1-3/8"
35kV Applications
IP-35-F1 55-6† 1"
F Neck
IP-35-F2 55-7† 1-3/8"
IP-35-J1 55-6 1"
J Neck
IP-35-J2 55-7 1-3/8"
* Nominal ANSI C29.5 or C29.6 Class designation
** RUS Accepted
† Meets the electrical requirements of the ANSI Class designation, but there are differences in the
physical characteristics.

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Polymer Insulators – Tie Top
Nominal Dimensions & PLP Formed Tie Applications

E
Radius

F
Radius

Nominal Insulator Dimensions

Insulator Type Tie Top Tie Top Tie Top Tie Top Tie Top Vise Top
Catalog Number IP-15-C IP-15-F IP-25-F1/2 IP-25-J1/2 IP-35-F1/2 IP-35-J1/2
Dimensions (in)
A 5.0 5.25 5.7 6.7 7.5 7.5
B 5.5 5.5 6.1 7.0 7.5 7.5
C 3.75 3.75 4.35 4.9 5.5 5.5
D 2.25 2.875 2.875 3.5 2.875 3.5
E (Radius) 0.75 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
F (Radius) 0.65 0.65 0.65 1.0 0.75 1.0
Number of Skirts 3 4 3 3 4 4
Maximum Conductor OD,
1.50 1.875 2.0 2.00 2.00 2.00
Top Groove
Maximum Conductor OD,
1.30 1.30 1.30 2.00 1.50 2.00
Side Groove
PLP Tie Maximum Conductor Outer Diameter (in) with PLP Factory Formed Ties*
Distribution Tie 1.25 1.75 1.75 1.75 1.75 1.75
WRAPLOCK Tie ®
1.25 1.75 1.75 1.75 1.75 1.75
EZ-WRAP Twin Tie
®
1.25 1.75 1.75 1.75 1.75 1.75
Double Support Tie 1.25 1.75 1.75 1.75 1.75 1.75
Side Tie 1.05 1.05 1.25 1.75 1.25 1.75
EZ-WRAP Side Tie
®
1.05 1.05 1.25 1.75 1.25 1.75
Double Side Tie 1.05 1.05 1.25 1.75 1.25 1.75
Plastic Top Tie;
1.50 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00
Jacketed Cond.
Plastic Side Tie;
1.30 1.30 1.30 2.00 1.50 2.00
Jacketed Cond.
*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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 Test Results Based on ANSI C29 Standards
15kV Applications 25kV Applications 35kV Applications

ANSI ANSI ANSI C29.5 ANSI C29.6 ANSI C29.5 ANSI C29.5
Insulator C29.5 55-3 C29.5 55-4 55-5 56-1 55-6 55-7
Data PLP PI Standards PLP PI Standards PLP PI Standards PLP PI Standards PLP PI Standards PLP PI Standards
Catalog Number IP-15-C IP-15-F IP-25-F1 IP-25-F2 IP-25-J1 IP-25-J2
& Application Tie Top NA Tie Top NA Tie Top Tie Top NA Tie Top Tie Top NA IP-35-F1 IP-35-J1 NA IP-35-F2 IP-35-J2 NA
"Nominal" ANSI
Class 55-3 55-3 55-4 55-4 55-5 55-5 55-5 56-1 56-1 56-1 55-6 55-6 55-6 55-7 55-7 55-7
Neck Size/Style C C F F F F F J J J F J J F J J
Typical
Operating
Voltage
Application,
kV (L-L) 15 15 15 15 25 25 25 25 25 25 35 35 35 35 35 35
Leakage
Distance (in) 12.7 7 14.5 9 14.1 14.1 12 17.4 17.2 13 20.9 21.1 15 20.9 20.8 15
Dry Arcing
Distance (in) 6.2 4.5 6.3 5 7.5 7.5 6.25 8.7 8.5 7 9.5 9.6 8 9.5 9.3 8
Pin Hole
Diameter (in) 1 1 1 1 1 1.375 1 1 1.375 1.375 1 1 1 1.375 1.375 1.375
Suggested
Minimum Pin
Length (in) 6 5 6 5 6 6 6 6 6 6 7.5 7.5 7.5 7.5 7.5 7.5
60Hz Dry
Flashover (kV) 77 55 93 65 89 (1) 89 85 107 (1) 107 95 126 (1) 113 (1) 100 126 113 100
60 Hz Wet
Flashover (kV) 45 30 50 35 55 (1) 55 45 71 (1) 71 60 82 (1) 75 (1) 50 82 75 50

Positive Impulse
Flashover (kV) 124 90 114 105 142 (1) 142 140 152 (1) 152 150 175 (1) 157 (1) 150 175 157 150
Negative
Impulse
Flashover (kV) -160 -110 -144 -130 -223 (1) -223 -170 -222 (1) -222 -190 -238 (1) -254 (1) -170 -238 -254 -170
Low Frequency
Puncture (kV) 208 90 160 95 218 201 115 179 184 130 223 202 135 235 194 135
RIV @ 1 MHz
<50µV <50µV
10kV to grd, µV <5 @10kV <5 @10kV NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA
100 µV 100 µV
15kV to grd, µV NA NA NA NA <2 (1) <2 @15kV <29 (1) < 29 @15kV NA NA NA NA NA NA

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100 µV 100 µV
22kV to grd, µV NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA <39 (1) <26 (1) @22kV <39 <26 @22kV
Cantilever
Strength (lbs) 3000 2500 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000
Approximate
Weight (lbs) 0.9 NA 1.3 NA 1.3 1.3 NA 2 2 NA 2.8 2.5 NA 2.8 2.5 NA
Maximum
Operating
Temperature
(Degree C) 120 NA 120 NA 120 120 NA 120 120 NA 120 120 NA 120 120 NA
Polymer Insulators – Tie Top

(1) Electrical test data extrapolated from similar design polymer insulator with 1-3/8” pin hole

5
Polymer Insulators – Vise Top
ANSI Class:
55-3, 55-4, 55-5, 55-6, 55-7
The PLP Vise Top Insulator utilizes a unique plastic
clamp mechanism and nylon torque bolts to secure
the conductor. The nylon torque bolt with break-
away ring is designed to ensure that the optimal
holding force is applied while providing for a fast
conductor clamping.

Compatible conductor inserts for either jack-

eted or bare conductor are available. Nylon
inserts are offered for use with jacketed con-
ductors. Bronze inserts are offered for bare
copper conductors, and aluminum inserts are
offered for bare aluminum conductors.

PLP also offers a Universal Insert design which is

compatible with all conductors. It is recommended
that the utility determine the suitability of the PLP
Vise Top Polymer Insulators on bare conductor
before installation.

FEATURES
• Superior moisture and contamination shedding
• UV stabilized material
• High impact resistance
• Lightweight design
• Ideal for jumpers and stinger wires
• 100% recyclable
• 1" or 1-3/8" pins
• Performance matched inserts for
bare conductor
• Universal Insert design to reduce the number of
different insulators required
• Ideal for use with shot gun sticks
• Vise Top Stringing Tool available

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 Polymer Insulators – Vise Top
ANSI Class:
55-3, 55-4, 55-5, 55-6, 55-7

NEW
Universal Vise Top Insulators – Pin Type
PLP Catalog Mounting Pin
ANSI Class* Insert Application
Number Diameter
15kV
IP-15-VTU 55-3, 55-4 Universal All Conductor Applications 1"
25kV
IP-25-VTU1 1"
55-5 Universal All Conductor Applications
IP-25-VTU2 1-3/8"
35kV
IP-35 -VTU1 55-6 1"
Universal All Conductor Applications
IP-35 -VTU2 55-7 1-3/8"

Vise Top Insulators – Pin Type

PLP Catalog Mounting Pin
ANSI Class* Insert Application
Number Diameter
15kV
IP-15-VTN Nylon Jacketed Conductors
IP-15-VTM 55-3, 55-4 Aluminum Bare Aluminum Conductors 1"
IP-15-VTM-B Bronze Bare Copper Conductors
25kV
IP-25-VTN1 1"
Nylon Jacketed Conductors
IP-25-VTN2 1-3/8"
IP-25-VTM1 1"
55-5 Aluminum Bare Aluminum Conductors
IP-25-VTM2 1-3/8"
IP-25-VTM1-B 1"
Bronze Bare Copper Conductors
IP-25-VTM2-B 1-3/8"
35kV
IP-35 -VTN1 55-6 1"
Nylon Jacketed Conductors
IP-35 -VTN2 55-7 1-3/8"
IP-35 -VTM1 55-6 1"
Aluminum Bare Aluminum Conductors
IP-35 -VTM2 55-7 1-3/8"
IP-35 -VTM1-B 55-6 1"
Bronze Bare Copper Conductors
IP-35 -VTM2-B 55-7 1-3/8"
*Nominal ANSI C29.5 Class Specifications
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 Polymer Insulators – Vise Top
Nominal Dimensions

Nominal Insulator Dimensions

Insulator Type Vise Top Vise Top Vise Top
Catalog Number IP-15-VT (all) IP-25-VT (all) IP-35-VT (all)
Dimensions (in)
A 8.5 8.4 10.0
B 5.5 7.3 7.5
C 3.75 4.5 6.0
D 2.50 2.50 2.50
F (Radius) 0.5 0.5 0.5
Number of Skirts 4 3 4
Tangent Vise Attachment,
1.875 1.875 1.875
Maximum Conductor OD
Side Groove,
1.0 1.0 1.0
Maximum Conductor OD

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 Polymer Insulators – Vise Top

Test Results Based on ANSI C29 Standards

Test Results Based on ANSI C29 Standard
15kV Applications 25kV Applications 35kV Applications
ANSI
Insulator Data ANSI C29.5 ANSI C29.5 ANSI C29.5
C29.5
PLP PI PLP PI PLP PI 55-5 PLP PI 55-6 PLP PI 55-7
55-3/55-4
Standards Standards Standards
Standards
Catalog Number & IP-15-VTN/M/U IP-25-VTN/M/U-1 IP-25-VTN/M/U-2 IP-35-VTN/M/U-1 IP-35-VTN/M/U-2
NA NA NA NA
Application Vise Top Vise Top Vise Top Vise Top Vise Top

"Nominal" ANSI Class 55-3 55-3/55-4 55-5 55-5 55-5 55-6 55-6 55-7 55-7

Neck Size/Style NA C/F NA NA F NA F/J NA F/J

Typical Operating Voltage

15 15 25 25 25 35 35 35 35
Application, kV (L-L)

Leakage Distance (in) 16.1 7/9 18.1 17.9 12 23.5 15 23.3 15

Dry Arcing Distance (in) 7 4.5/5 8.7 8.5 6.25 10.6 8 10.4 8

Pin Hole Diameter (in) 1 1 1 1 3/8 1 1 1 1 3/8 1 3/8

Suggested Minimum Pin

6 5 6 6 6 7.5 7.5 7.5 7.5
Length (in)
101(N) 88(N) (1)
88(N) 128(N) (1) 128(N)
60Hz Dry Flashover (kV) 55/65 85 100 100
95(M) 94(M) (1) 94(M) 115(M) (1) 115(M)
50 (N) 55(N) (1)
55(N) 72 (N) (1) 72 (N)
60 Hz Wet Flashover (kV) 30/35 45 50 50
64(M) 55(M) (1) 55(M) 80(M) (1) 80(M)
Positive Impulse Flashover 147(N) 150(N) (1)
150(N) 188(N) (1) 188(N)
90/105 140 150 150
(kV) 154(M) 152(M) (1) 152(M) 196(M) (1) 196(M)

Negative Impulse -201(N) -219(N) (1)

-219(N) -272(N) (1) -272(N)
-110/-130 -170 -170 -170
Flashover (kV) -200(M) -216(M) (1) -216(M) -261(M) (1) -261(M)

Low Frequency Puncture 174(N) 228(N) 191(N) -206(N) -219(N)

90/95 115 135 135
(kV) 163(M) 218(M) 184(M) -207(M) -209(M)
RIV @ 1 MHz
<50µV
10kV to grd, µV <4 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA
@10kV
<100µV
15kV to grd, µV NA NA <0.5 (1) <0.5 NA NA NA NA
@15kV
<100µV <100µV
22kV to grd, µV NA NA NA NA NA <6 (1) <6
@22kV @22kV

Cantilever Strength (lbs) 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000

Approximate Weight (lbs) 2 NA 2.3 2.3 NA 3 NA 3.2 NA

Maximum Operating
120 NA 120 120 NA 120 NA 120 NA
Temperature (Degree C)

(1) Electrical test data extrapolated from similar design polymer insulator with 1-3/8" pin hole
(1) Electrical test data extrapolated from similar design polymer insulator with 1-3/8” pin hole

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 Polymer Insulators – Vise Top Accessories

Torque Bolts: Vise Top Stringing Tool:

Two torque bolts are supplied with each Vise Top The polyurethane Vise Top String Tool (VLST) is
insulator. The breakaway torque ring is designed to offered to aid jacketed conductor installation. The
ensure the proper torque and optimum holding force VLST temporarily installs in the Vise Top clamp, by
to the conductor will be applied during initial installa- hand or with hot sticks, and is designed to permit
tion. All Vise Top insulators use the same torque bolt. short span, low tension jacketed conductor stringing
without the need for stringing wheels.
New torque bolts should be used whenever conduc-
tors are removed from the Vise Top Insulator or any The tool is not recommended for use with bare con-
time the bolts are unscrewed and initial torque is ductors, long spans, or line, or sag angles over ap-
lost. Individual torque bolts are available for replace- proximately 10°. A proper size stringing block should
ment as needed. 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 sug-
gested 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

PT-01 the tool be inspected after each pull to insure it is suit-
able 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 sub-
Torque Bolt Hook Tool: sequent pulls. Do not reuse the tool if there has been
excessive wear throughout all areas of the inner bore.
An aluminum hook tool accessory is offered for use
with hydraulic or power wrenches for easy installa-
tion of torque bolts. However the tool should be oper-
ated at low speeds. A standard shotgun stick is ideal
for the installation of the torque bolts.

IP-VLST-01

VTHT-01

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 < PREVIOUS
Polymer Insulators
>
SECTION CONTENTS
– Spool Insulators
SEARCH NEXT

PLP Polymer Spool Insulators are used to insu-

late and support primary neutral and secondary
ulator (bare or covered) conductors at the pole or house
using various clevis mounting configurations.
They are compatible with all clevis manufactur-
ers’ hardware designs that are to be used with the
Benefits:
ANSI C29.3 Class 53-2 spool insulators. They are
• Exceeds to
designed ANSI
beClass
used53-2
withelectrical requirements
PLP Spool Ties and
EZ-WRAP™ Spool
• Made in the USA Ties. It is a direct replacement
for porcelain spool insulators.
• Lightweight
• Resistant
The IP-53-2tospool
cracking, chipping
insulator is and vandals
manufactured in the
USA of a proprietary
• Fully UV stabilized polyethylene material. This
material is UV stabilized and is very resistant to
• Recyclable
breaking, chipping and cracking. The insulators RUS ACCEPTED
are lightweight,
• Long service lifeatwithout
0.34 deterioration
lbs., and, like all the PLP
Polymer Insulators, are fully
• Compatible with all manufacturers’recyclable.
pole hardware
• Compatible with all PLP factory formed ties for spool
applications
BENEFITS
to insulate 3.125˝ • Exceeds ANSI Class 53-2 electrical requirements
are or cov- 1.75˝
ious clevis • Made in the USA
le with all R.7" • Lightweight
e used with
hey are de- • Resistant to cracking, chipping and vandals
Z-WRAP™ 3˝
P-53-2 is a • Fully UV stabilized
s.
• 100% recyclable
the USA of • Long service life without deterioration
erial is UV .715˝
ipping and • Compatible with all manufacturers’ pole hardware
4 lbs., and,
yclable. • Compatible with all PLP factory formed
spool ties

Carton
Qty Wt

48 20 LBS Carton
Catalog Number Description
Qty. Weight (lbs)
Polymer Spool Insulator 1-3/1"
IP-53-2 48 20
Neck Diameter – A Neck

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World Headquarters
660 Beta Drive
Cleveland, Ohio 44143

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 91129
Cleveland, Ohio 44101

Telephone: 440.461.5200
Fax: 440.442.8816
Web Site: www.preformed.com
E-mail: inquiries@preformed.com

© 2016 Preformed Line Products

Printed in U.S.A.
EN-ML-1022-7
05.16.IH