Electric Power Generation and Distribution
Enhancing efficiency, safety, and durability with high-performance plastics and composites
Electric power generation applications demand high-performance materials that deliver outstanding electrical insulation, flame and smoke resistance, and mechanical strength for electrical equipment.
Curbell Plastics supplies high-performance plastics and composites that meet these needs with lightweight, corrosion-resistant solutions that often outperform metal and traditional insulating materials.
FR-rated polycarbonate, PVC, and UL 94 V-0 compliant materials are essential for electrical components that must meet stringent fire and safety codes. These materials are ideal for control panels, cable management systems, and protective barriers where flame spread and smoke generation must be minimized.
GPO-3 UL-recognized sheets are widely used for their excellent arc resistance, track resistance, and mechanical stability under heat. They are often chosen for bus bar supports, switchgear components, and insulating barriers within transformers and power distribution equipment. Multiple grades are manufactured to meet or exceed the requirements of the NEMA GPO-3 electrical insulation specification.
Pultruded profiles, such as angles and channels, are fiber-reinforced composite shapes produced through a continuous manufacturing process. They offer high strength-to-weight performance, corrosion resistance, and excellent electrical insulation, making them a durable alternative to metal in industrial, electrical, and structural applications.
Industrial tapes in the electrical power industry are used for insulation, bonding, sealing, and protection. Made from materials like fiberglass, polyester, or PTFE, they are designed to withstand heat, voltage, and harsh conditions, making them essential for wire wrapping, coil insulation, and industrial assembly.
From insulating enclosures and generator housings to arc shields and structural supports, performance plastics and composites improve system reliability, reduce weight, and simplify installation, making them essential for today’s evolving power infrastructure.
Electric Power Generation and Distribution Applications Rely on Plastic Materials and Composites For:
- Excellent electrical insulation
- Flame, arc, and track resistance
- Excellent dielectric strength
- Flame resistance
- Good property retention at elevated temperatures
- Low smoke generation
- Corrosion and chemical resistance
- Thermal insulation
- Lightweight strength and durability
- Friction and wear resistance
- Moisture and weather resistance
- Cost-effective fabrication and machining
PLASTIC MATERIALS FOR POWER GENERATION APPLICATIONS
Acrylic
Outstanding strong, stiff, clear plastic available in a variety of brilliant colors and finishes.
GPO-3 Thermoset
A glass reinforced thermoset polyester material with excellent mechanical and electrical properties.
PEEK
Strong, stiff plastic with outstanding chemical resistance; performs over a wide range of temperatures.
PTFE
Low friction engineering plastic with outstanding chemical, high temperature, and weathering resistance.
UHMW
Extremely tough abrasion resistant, low cost plastic, used for a wide range of wear applications.
Plastic and Composite Applications for Electric Power Generation and Distribution
- High-voltage transformer insulation components
- Transformer parts
- Dry transformers
- Core blocks (transformer bases)
- Core and coil blocking
- Insulation spacers
- Switchgear components and insulation
- Circuit protection devices
- Phase and end barriers
- Bus bars and bus bar supports
- Generator and motor housings
- Cooling system components and piping
- Wear-resistant bearings, bushings, and seals
- Protective shields and covers for electrical panels
- Cable management systems and conduits
- Structural components for wind and solar energy systems
- Battery enclosures and protective covers
- Antenna bases
- Transportation applications
Plastics for Electric Power Generation Applications
The power generation industry requires materials that withstand extreme conditions while maintaining efficiency and safety. High-performance plastics help improve energy transmission, prevent electrical failures, and reduce long-term maintenance costs.
Switchgear and Control Panels
Plastics play a critical role in switchgear and control panels, where electrical insulation, flame resistance, and dimensional stability are essential. High-performance thermoplastics help protect against arcing, reduce component weight, and improve reliability in demanding power generation environments. Materials with UL 94 flammability ratings and excellent dielectric properties are preferred for these safety-critical applications.
Transformer Parts
Transformers rely on plastics that resist heat, chemicals, and moisture while providing long-term dielectric performance. From coil supports to spacers and bushings, these components demand materials that can withstand high electrical and thermal stress. Using engineered plastics reduces maintenance needs and improves service life compared to traditional insulating materials.
Electrical Insulation
Electrical insulation is one of the most important uses of plastics in power generation. Insulating materials protect equipment and personnel by preventing current leakage, reducing arc faults, and maintaining system efficiency. Plastics engineered for FAR 25.853 and UL 94 compliance are widely used in bus bars, cable management, and high-voltage components where safety and performance are critical.
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