Steatite Transformer and Condenser Bushings
When high voltages must be passed through transformer and condenser housings, these bushings are often specified. They are available in standard terminal to base lengths up to 4-1/2 inches and can be supplied with or without hardware. Halves may be paired in varying combinations to provide flexibility for your applications. White glaze is standard with brown glaze and permanent marking available.
**Steatite Transformer and Condenser Bushings in High-Voltage Applications**
Applications
Steatite transformer and condenser bushings, manufactured by LSP Industrial Ceramics, are critical components in high-voltage electrical systems, designed to insulate and guide conductors through transformer and condenser housings. Steatite, a metamorphic rock also known as soapstone, is prized for its exceptional dielectric properties and thermal stability, making it ideal for applications where high voltages must be safely managed. These bushings are available in standard terminal-to-base lengths up to 4.5 inches, with customizable hardware options, and can be paired in various combinations to meet specific design requirements. Their white glaze finish (with brown glaze optional) enhances durability and prevents surface conduction, ensuring reliable performance in demanding environments.
In the defense industry, steatite bushings are extensively used in military equipment, such as radar systems and high-voltage power supplies for missile guidance systems. Their ability to withstand extreme temperatures (up to 1000°C) and resist chemical corrosion makes them suitable for harsh operational conditions, including exposure to moisture and environmental stressors. The bushings’ high dielectric strength prevents electrical arcing and short circuits, critical for maintaining the integrity of sensitive defense electronics. Additionally, their mechanical strength supports heavy electrical components like busbars, ensuring stable operation in stationary applications such as military communication infrastructure.
In industrial applications, steatite transformer and condenser bushings are employed in power distribution systems, particularly in transformers and switchgear. Their low thermal conductivity and chemical inertness make them ideal for supporting high-voltage conductors in environments with elevated temperatures or corrosive substances, such as chemical processing plants. The bushings’ customizable configurations, including mounting holes with tolerances as precise as 0.0005 inches, allow for seamless integration into complex machinery. This versatility ensures they meet the rigorous demands of industrial settings, where reliability and minimal downtime are paramount.
Beyond defense and industrial uses, steatite bushings find applications in telecommunications and laboratory equipment. In telecommunications, they serve as insulators in antenna assemblies, supporting lightweight components while resisting environmental factors like temperature fluctuations and humidity. In laboratory furnaces and ovens, steatite bushings support heating elements or thermocouples, maintaining precise positioning under high temperatures. Their glazed surfaces enhance durability, preventing degradation in harsh conditions. With LSP Ceramics’ extensive inventory and custom manufacturing capabilities, these bushings provide tailored solutions for diverse high-voltage applications, ensuring safety and efficiency across industries.