ANSI

C29.11-1989 ( R I 996)

American National Standard

for Composite Suspension Insulators

for Overhead Transmission Lines Tests

Secretariat:
National Electrical Manufacturers Association
1300 North 17th Street, Suite 1847
Rosslyn, VA 22209

O Copyright 2001 by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association. All rights including
translation into other languages, reserved under the Universal Copyright Convention, the Berne
Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works, and the International and Pan
American Copyright Conventions.

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NOTICE AND DISCLAIMER

The information in this publication was considered technically sound by the consensus of
persons engaged in the development and approval of the document at the time it was
developed. Consensus does not necessarily mean that there is unanimous agreement
among every person participating in the development of this document.
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) standards and guideline
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Approval o f an American National Standard requires verification by ANSI that the re-

American quirements for due process, consensus, and other criteria for approval have been met by
Nationa] the standards developer.
Standard Consensus is established when, in the judgment of the ANSI Board of Standards Review,
substantial agreement has been reached by directly and materially affected interests. Substantial agreement means much more than a simple majority, but not necessarily unanimity. Consensus requires that all views and objections be considered, and that a concerted
effort be made toward their resolution.
The use of American National Standards is completely voluntary; their existence does not
in any respect preclude anyone, whether he has approved the standards or not, from manufacturing, marketing, purchasing, or using products, processes, or procedures not conforming to the standards.
The American National Standards Institute does not develop standards and will in n o circumstances give an interpretation o f any American National Standard. Moreover, n o person shall have the right or authority t o issue an interpretation of an American National
Standard in the name of the American National Standards Institute. Requests for interpretations should be addressed t o the secretariat or sponsor whose name appears on the
title page of this standard.
CAUTION NOTICE: This American National Standard may be revised or withdrawn a t
any time. The procedures of the American National Standards Institute require that
action be taken periodically to reaffirm. revise, or withdraw this standard. Purchasers
of American National Standards may receive current information on all standards by
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Published by

American National Standards Institute

1430 Broadway, New York, New York 10018

Copyright O 1989 by American National Standards institute, h c

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form,
in an electronic retrieval system or otherwise, without
the prior written permission of the publisher.

Printed in the United States of America

A5C1189112

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Foreword

(ThisForeword is not part of American National Standard C29.11-1989.)

This standard comprises a manual of procedures to be followed in making tests to
determine the characteristics of insulators used on electric power systems. This new
American National Standard is not an insulator specification,but rather it sets forth a
test method to be used in conjunction with insulator specifications.
American National Standard for Wet-Process Porcelain Insulators - Composite Suspension Insulators for Overhead Transmission Lines - Tests, ANSI C29.11-1989, was
prepared by Accredited Standards Committee C29, which is in charge of this work.
Suggestions for improvement of this standard will be welcome. They should be sent to
the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, 2101 L Street, NW, Washington,
DC 20037.
This standard was processed and approved for submittal to ANSI by Accredited Standards Committee on Insulators for Electric Power Lines, C29. Committee approval of
the standard does not necessarily imply that all members voted for its approval. At the
time it approved this standard, the C29 Committee had the following members:

J. Nicholls, Chairman
N. Spaulding, Vice-chairman
C. White, Secretary
Organization Represented
Name of Representative
Association of American Railroads ....................................................... Representation Vacant)

Bonneville Power Administration .......................................................

Electric Light and Power Group ..........................................................

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Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers ................................

National Electrical Manufacturers Association

..................................

Stone & Webster Engineering Corporation ........................................

U.S. Department of the Army (Liaison, with Vote) ...........................

R. Brown
R. Bush
G. Cook
A. Jagtiani
J. Karcher
W. Kosakowski
E. Marchbank
D.Soffrin (Alt)
K. Labbe
T.Pinkham
N. Spaulding
A. Baker
J. Carter
R. Harap
R. Harmon
B. Kingsbury
J. Nicholls
A. Schwaim
H. Van Herk
L.Zimmerman
G. Davidson
H.Snyder

Individual Members
G. Amburgey
J. Buchanan

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The C29 Working Group on Nonceramic Insulators, which was responsible for the
development of this standard, had the following members:

Robert Brown, Chairman

A. Akhtar

G. Karady
B. Kingsbury
J. Kise
A. Knotos
G. Lusk
J. Nicholls
R. Robarge
E. Wheeler
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H. Brown
E. Chemey
C. deTourreil
R. Essig
G. Gaibrois
R. Harap
R. Harmon
A. Jagtiani

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Contents

PAGE

SECTION

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1. Scope and Application................................................................................................

1.1 Scope .................................................................................................................
1.2 Application .......................................................................................................

6
6
6

2. Referenced and Related Standards.............................................................................

2.1 Referenced American National Standards........................................................
2.2 Other Referenced Standard ...............................................................................
2.3 Related Amencan National Standard ...............................................................

6
6
6
6

3. Definitions ..................................................................................................................
3.1 Insulators and Parts ...........................................................................................
3.2 Terms Related to Exposure ...............................................................................
3.3 Mechanical Terms.............................................................................................

6
6
7
7

4. Classification of Tests ................................................................................................

4.1 Prototype Tests .................................................................................................
4.2 Design Tests ......................................................................................................
4.3 Sample Tests .....................................................................................................
4.4 Routine Tests ....................................................................................................

7
7
7
7
7

5. Dimensions .................................................................................................................

6 . Marking ......................................................................................................................

7. Prototype Tests ...........................................................................................................

7.1 Tests on Interfaces and Connection of End Fittings .........................................
7.2 Core Time-Load Test ........................................................................................
7.3 Housing Tracking and Erosion Test .................................................................
7.4 Core Material Tests ...........................................................................................

8
8
9
10

8. Design Tests ...............................................................................................................

8.1 Lightning Critical-ImpulseFlashover Test .......................................................
8.2 Alternating-VoltageRated Dry Flashover Test ................................................
8.3 Switching Critical-ImpulseFlashover Test ......................................................

10
10
11
11

9. Sample Tests ...............................................................................................................

9.1 Sample Selection...............................................................................................
9.2 Verification of Dimensions...............................................................................
9.3 Verification of the Locking System ..................................................................
9.4 Mechanical Load Test .......................................................................................
9.5 Galvanizing Test ...............................................................................................
9.6 Retest Procedure for Sample Tests ...................................................................

11
11
11
11
12
12
12

10. Routine Tests .........................................................................................................

10.1 Mechanical Test ................................................................................................
10.2 Visual Examination...........................................................................................

12
12
12

Figures
Figure 1 Thermal Mechanical Test ...........................................................................
Figure 2 Electrodes for High-Voltage Test ...............................................................

9
11

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American National Standard

for Composite Suspension Insulators

for Overhead Transmission Lines Tests

1. Scope and Application

Lines with a Nominal Voltage Greater Than 1000 V,

IEC 383-1983.'

1.1 Scope. This standard describes the tests to be

prepared on composite insulators for applications
above 70kV, and defines the acceptance criteria for
such tests. See 3.1.1 for the definition of a composite
insulator. All hitherto published American National
Standards in the C29 series are for insulators made of
wet-process porcelain or toughened glass.
The standard includes definitions pertinent to
composite insulators. It introduces a new category of
tests called prototype tests, designed to evaluate the
materials and construction of composite insulators.
Prototype tests are expected to be be performed on
representative samples but may be performed prior to
the start of production.

2.3 Related American National Standard.- The

standard listed here is for information only and is not
essential for the completion of the requirements of
this standard.
ANSIDEEE 100-1984, Dictionary of Electrical and
Electronics Terms

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1.2 Application. This standard is applicable to composite insulators used on transmission lines as suspension or tension insulators.

2. Referenced and Related Standards

2.1 Referenced American National Standards.
This standard is intended to be used in conjunction
with the following American National Standards.
When these standards are superseded by a revision
approved by the American National Standards, Inc,
the revision shall apply.
ANSI C29.1-1988, Electrical Power Insulators, Test
Methods for
ANSIDEEE 4- 1978, Techniques for High-Voltage
Testing
2.2 Other Referenced Standard. This standard is
also intended to be used in conjunction with Tests on
Insulators of Ceramic Material or Glass for Overhead

3. Definitions
NOTE: Definitions as given in this section apply specifically to the subjects treated in this standard. For additional
definitions, see ANSIAEEE 100-1984.

3.1 Insulators and Parts

3.1.1 Composite Insulator. A composite insulator is made of at least two insulating parts - a core
and a housing. It is equipped with end fittings.
3.1.2 Core. The core is the internal insulating
part of a composite insulator. It is intended to carry
the mechanical load. It consists mainly of glass fibers
positioned in a resin matrix so as to achieve maximum tensile strength.
3.1.3 Housing. The housing is external to the
core and protects it from the weather. It may be
equipped with weathersheds. Some designs of composite insulators employ a sheath made of insulating
material between the weathersheds and the core. This
sheath is part of the housing.
3.1.4 Weathersheds. Weathersheds are insulating parts, projecting from the housing or sheath,
intended to increase the leakage distance and to provide an interrupted path for water drainage.
3.1.5 End Fittings. End fittings transmit the mechanical load to the core. They are usually made of
metal.
'Available from the American National Standards Institute.

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3.1.6 Coupling Zone. The coupling zone is the

part of the end fitting that transmits the load to the
line, to the tower, or to another insulator. It does not
include the interface between the core and the end
fitting.
3.1.7 Interfaces. An interface is the surface between different materials. Examples of interfaces in
composite insulators are as follows:
(1) Glass fiber/impregnating resin
(2) Filler/polymer
(3) Core/housing
(4) Weathershed/weathershed
(5) Weathershed/sheath
(6) Housinglend fittings
(7) Core/end fittings
3.2 Terms Related to Exposure
3.2.1 Tracking. Tracking is the formation of
electrically conducting paths starting and developing
on the surface of an insulating material. These paths
are conductive even under dry conditions. Tracking
can occur on surfaces in contact with air and also on
the interfaces between insulating materials.
3.2.2 Treeing. Treeing is the formation of microchannels within the material. The microchannels can
be either conducting or nonconducting and can progress through the bulk of the material until electrical
failure occurs.
3.2.3 Erosion. Erosion is nonconductive loss of
material from the insulating surface. It can be uniform, localized, or tree-shaped. Shallow surface
traces, commonly tree-shaped, can occur on composite insulators, as on ceramic insulators, after arcing.
These traces do not affect the operating characteristics of the insulator.
3.2.4 Chalking. Chalking is a surface condition
wherein some particles of the filler become apparent
during weathering, forming a powdery surface.
3.2.5 Crazing. Crazing is the formation of surface microfractures of depths up to 0.1 mm.
3.2.6 Cracking. Cracking is any surface fracture
of a depth greater than 0.1 mm.
3.2.7 Hydrolysis. Hydrolysis is a chemical process involving the reaction of a material with water in
liquid or vapor form. It can lead to electrical or mechanical degradation.
3.3 Mechanical Terms
3.3.1 Specified Mechanical Load (S.M.L.). The
S.M.L. is a load specified by the manufacturer that
has to be verified during a Mechanical Load Test (see
9.4). It forms the basis for selection of an insulator.
3.3.2 Routine Test Load (R.T.L.). The R.T.L. is
a rating equal to 50% of the S.M.L.

4. Classification of Tests

4.1 Prototype Tests. The purpose of these tests is

to verify the suitability of the prototype design, materials, and method of manufacture. The prototype tests
are described in Section 7. When a composite insulator is submitted to the prototype tests, the results
shall be considered valid for the whole class of insulators represented. A class of insulators is defined as
those:
(1) Having a core and weathersheds of the same
materials and method of manufacture
(2) Having the end fittings of the same design,
materials, and method of attachment to the core
(3) Having the same or greater housing thickness
(4) Having the same or smaller ratio of S.M.L. to
the smallest core radial cross-sectional area between
end fittings
(5) Having the same core diameter
The prototype test report shall include a drawing
of the insulator tested, with dimensions. These dimensions shall at a minimum include those dimensions that define a class. To allow for subsequent
manufacturing or design variations, the term same
in 4.1(3), 4.1(4), and 4.1(5) may vary up to 15%
before the prototype tests must be repeated. See Section 5 for tolerances on dimensions.
4.2 Design Tests. The purpose of these tests is to
verify those characteristics of a composite insulator
which depend on its size and shape. The requirements are given in Section 8.
4.2.1 Electrical Design. The electrical design of
a composite insulator is defined by the following
characteristics:
(1) Dry arcing distance
(2) Leakage distance
(3) Weathershed inclination
(4) Weathershed diameter
(5) Weathershed spacing
The electrical design tests shall be performed only
once on insulators of a specific electrical design.
4.2.2 Mechanical Design. The mechanical design of a composite insulator is defined by the following characteristics:
(1) Core diameter
(2) Method of attachment of the end fittings
4.3 Sample Tests. These tests verify the conformance of composite insulators to the requirement
given in Section 9. They are to be made on insulators
taken at random from a production lot.
4.4 Routine Tests. These tests are for the purpose
of eliminating insulators with manufacturing defects.
7
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AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD C29.11-1989

5. Dimensions
The following tolerances are allowed on all dimensions for which special tolerances do not apply. x is
the dimension in millimeters.

? (0.04~ 1.5) mm, when x S 300 mm

? (0.02% + 6) mm, when x 2 300 mm with a

maximum tolerance of 50 mm

6. Marking
Each insulator shall be clearly and indelibly marked
with the name or trademark of the manufacturer, the
year of manufacture, the specified mechanical load
(S.M.L.), and the routine test load (R.T.L.). The
routine test load shall be identified by the word
TEST.

7. Prototype Tests
Prototype testing is done in four parts as described in
Sections 7.1.7.2,7.3, and 7.4. Each part may be performed independently on new test specimens. The
test specimens shall pass the tests in each part in sequence. Prototype tests are to be performed only once
for each class of insulator. The results shall be recorded in a test report. The test report shall constitute
the evidence of successful completion of the prototype tests.

7.1 Tests on Interfaces and Connection of End

Fittings
7.1.1 Test Specimen. Three insulators shall be
tested. The insulation length (metal-to-metal spacing)
shall be at least 800 mm in length to be valid for all
lengths. If insulators less than 800 mm in length are
tested, the tests are only considered valid for insulators up to the length tested. The end fittings and end
weathershed geometry shall be representative of
production insulators. The insulators shall be subjected to the mechanical test of 10.1 prior to testing.
7.1.2 Power Frequency Voltage Test. The dry
power frequency flashover voltage shall be obtained
by averaging five flashover voltages on each of the
three test specimens. The flashover voltage shall be
corrected to standard conditions in accordance with

ANSIDEEE 4-1978. The flashover voltage shall be

reached within 1 minute by increasing the voltage
linearly from zero.
7.1.3 Sudden Load Release Test. Each test
specimen shall be subjected to five sudden load releases. The load shall be 30% of the S.M.L. The
insulator temperature shall be -2OC to -25C.
7.1.4 Thermal Mechanical Test. The insulators
shall be loaded at ambient temperature to at least 5%
of the S.M.L. for 1 minute. During this time, the
length of the insulators shall be measured. The measurement accuracy shall be at least 0.5 mm. This will
be the reference length.
The insulators shall be submitted to thermal variations from -35Cto +50C while under a permanent
mechanical load of 0.5 S.M.L. as shown in Figure 1.
The time at each temperature shall be at least 8 hours
per cycle. The tests may be conducted in any suitable
medium.
At the end of thermal cycling, the insulators shall
be allowed to reach ambient temperature and the
length shall again be measured using the same load
as for the reference length.
NOTE: The test may be interrupted for maintenance for a
total duration of 4 hours.

7.1.5 Water Penetration Test. The test specimens shall be kept immersed in boiling tap water for
42 continuous hours. At the end of boiling, the insulators shall remain in the vessel until the water cools
to approximately 50C. This temperature shall be
maintained until the verification tests start.
7.1.6 Verification Tests. The verification tests
consist of the sequence of tests described in 7.1.6.1
through 7.1.6.3, and are used to verify that the insulators have not been damaged by the previous tests.
They shall all be completed within 48 hours.
7.1.6.1 Visual. The housing shall be inspected
visually. No cracks are permitted.
7.1.6.2 Steep Front Impulse Voltage Test.
The test specimens shall be fitted with a sharp-edged
electrode. The electrode shall consist of a clip made
of a copper strip approximately 20 mm wide and less
than 1 mm thick. The electrode shall lie firmly on the
housing between the weathersheds forming two approximately equal test sections. If the test specimens
have an insulating length equal to or less than 500
mm, no clip is necessary; the voltage may be applied
between end fittings.
An impulse voltage with a front steepness of at
least 1000 kV/microsecond shall be applied to each
test section. Each test section shall be stressed with
25 impulses of positive and 25 impulses of negative
polarity. Each impulse shall cause an external flashover of the test section. No puncture shall occur.

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They are to be made on every insulator according to

the requirements of Section 10.

R.T.L.

''

(2 0.5 S.M.L.)

71 TIME

IN HOURS

AIR TEMPERATURE 'C

TIME IN HOURS

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THERMAL TEST CYCLES

Figure 1
Thermal Mechanical Test

Following the test, the electrode used to form the test

sections shall be removed.
7.1.6.3 Power Frequency Voltage Test. The
power frequency flashover voltages shall be determined once more for each specimen using the procedure given in 7.1.2. The average flashover voltage for
each test specimen shall be at least 90% of the value
determined in 7.1.2.
Each test specimen shall be individually subjected
to 80% of its average flashover voltage as determined
in 7.1.2. The voltage shall be maintained for 30 minutes. No puncture shall occur and the temperature of
the shank measured immediately after the test shall
not be more than 20'C above ambient.
7.2 Core Time-Load Test
7.2.1 Test Specimen. Six insulators shall be
tested. The insulation length (metal- to-metal spacing)
shall not be less than 800 mm or the longest length to
be manufactured, whichever is less. The end fittings
shall have a grip to the core that is representativeof
production insulators, but the coupling zone may be
modified to avoid failure of the end fittings.

7.2.2 Determination of the Average Failing

Load of the Core. Three of the test specimens shall
be tested in tension. The tensile load shall be increased rapidly but smoothly from O to 75% of the
expected mechanical failing load, and then shall be
gradually increased to failure in a time of 30 to 90
seconds. Failure shall be by fracture or complete
pull-out of the core. Failure of an end fitting within
the coupling zone shall require testing of additional
test specimens until three core failures (fracture or
complete pull-out) are obtained.
7.2.3 Core Time Load Test. Three test specimens shall be subjected to a tensile load of 60% of
the average failing load obtained in 7.2.2. This load
shall be maintained for 96 hours without failure.

7.3 Housing Tracking and Erosion Test

7.3.1 Test Specimen. Two insulators or test
specimens shall be tested. The specimen length shall
be chosen such that the leakage distance falls between 484 mm and 692 mm. The applied voltage
shall be equal to the value obtained by dividing the
leakage distance of the test specimen by 34.6, with

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AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD C29.11-1989

the result expressed in kV. The test specimen shall be

fitted with end fittings representative of those used in
production.
7.3.2 Test Chamber. The volume of the test
chamber shall not exceed 10 cubic meters. An aperture of not more than 80 square centimeters shall be
provided for natural exhaust air. A turbo sprayer or
room humidifier of constant spraying capacity shall
be used as the water atomizer. It shall not spray directly onto the test specimen. The contaminant shall
be sodium chloride (NaCl) and deionized water. The
maximum voltage drop permitted is 5% when the test
circuit is loaded with a resistive current of 250 mA
root-mean-square (r.m.s.). A current of 1 ampere
r.m.s. shall cause an overcurrent trip-out.
The test specimen shall be cleaned with deionized
water before starting the test. One test specimen shall
be tested vertically and one test specimen tested
horizontally. There shall be a clearance of at least
200 mm between the roof of the chamber and a test
specimen and a clearance of at least 100 mm between
the walls and a test specimen.
7.3.3 Test Conditions. The following conditions
shall.be maintained for a 1000-hour duration of the
test:
Water flow rate
Size of droplets
Temperature
NaCl content of water

0.4 f O . 1 (See Note 1)

5 to 10 pm
20'C f 5'C
10 kg/m3t 0.5 kg/m3

NOTES:
'The water flow rate is.defined in liters per hour per cubic
meter volume of the test chamber. The water may not be
recirculated.
'Interruptions for inspection purposes shall not be counted
in the test duration. Each interruption shall not exceed 15
minutes.

7.3.4 Evaluation. No more than three overcurrent trip-outs are allowed. No tracking is allowed. No
weathershed punctures are allowed. Erosion is not
allowed to reach the core.
7.4 Core Material Tests
7.4.1 Dye Penetration Test
7.4.1.1 Test Specimen. Ten samples shall be

cut from an insulator. The housing material may be

removed from the core but removal is not mandatory.
The length of the samples shall be 10 mm k 0.5 mm.
They shall be cut 90 degrees to the axis of the core
with a diamond-coated circular saw blade under cool
running water. The cut surfaces shall be smoothed
with a 180-gritabrasive cloth. The cut ends shall be
clean and parallel.
7.4.1.2 Test. The samples shall be placed on a
layer of steel or glass balls in a glass vessel with the

fibers vertical. The balls shall be of the same diameter and in the range of 1 mm to 2 mm. The dye, composed of 1 gram of fuchsin in 100 grams of methanol,
is poured into the vessel until its level is 2 mm to 3
mm above the top of the balls.
7.4.1 3 Evaluation. The time for the dye to
rise through the samples by capillarity shall be more
than 15 minutes.
7.4.2 Water Diffusion Test
7.4.2.1 Test Specimen. Six samples shall be
cut from an insulator. The housing material may be
removed from the core, but removal is not mandatory. The length of the specimens shall be 30 mm Ie
0.5 mm. oval is not mandatory. The length of the
samples shall be 10 mm 5 0.5 mm. They shall be cut
90 degrees to the axis of the core with a diamondcoated circular saw blade under cool running water.
The cut surfaces shall be smoothed with a 180-grit
abrasive cloth. The cut ends shall be clean and parallel.
7.4.2.2 Prestressing. The surfaces of the specimens shall be cleaned with isopropyl alcohol and
filter paper immediately before boiling. The specimens shall be boiled in deionized water with 0.1% by
weight NaCl in a glass container for 100 hours f 0.5
hours. Only one core material may be boiled at one
time.
After boiling, the specimens shall be removed
from the salt water and placed into tap water in a
glass container at room temperature for at least 15
minutes. The following test shall begin within 3
hours of removal of the specimens from the salt water.
7.4.2.3 Test. The test arrangement is shown in
Figure 2. Immediately before the test, the specimens
shall be removed from the water and their surfaces
dried with filter paper. The specimens shall be placed
between the electrodes and the voltage increased at a
rate of approximately 1 kV per second to a value of
12 kV where it shall remain for 1 minute.
7.4.2.4 Evaluation. No puncture or surface
flashover is allowed. The current during the whole
test shall not exceed 1 mA r.m.s.

8. Design Tests
Design tests are performed on full insulators.
8.1 Lightning Critical-Impulse Flashover Test.

This test is to be performed on one insulator in accordance with ANSIDEEE 4-1978. The specimen
mounting shall be in accordance with 3.1 of ANSI
C29.1-1988, except that the upper surface of the

10
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AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD C29.11-1989

HIG H-VOLTAGE
ELECTRODES
MADE OUT OF BRASS

50 m m
64 m m

30 m m lr 0.5 m m

I
NOTE: For samples with large diameters, the diameters of the electrodes must be
increased. The diameter of the elect~od*smust be at least 20 m m greater than that
of the samples.

Figure 2
Electrodes for High-Voltage Test
energized electrode shall be 100 to 200 mm from the
connection point of the lower end fitting.
8.2 Alternating-Voltage Rated Dry Flashover
Test. This test is to be performed on one insulator in
accordance with ANSIDEEE 4-1978,2.3.3.2. The
specimen mounting shall be in accordance with 3.1
of ANSI C29.1-1988, except that the upper surface of
the energized electrode shall be 100 to 200 mm from
the connection point of the lower end fitting.
8.3 Switching Critical-Impulse Flashover Test.
This test is to be performed only when the intended
service voltage is in excess of 300 kV phase-tophase. It is to be performed on one insulator in accordance with 2.5 of ANSI/IEEE 4-1978. The specimen
mounting shall be in accordance with 18.1.3 or 18.2
of IEC 383-1983.

9. Sample Tests
9.1 Sample Selection. The insulators shall be selected from the lot at random. The purchaser has the

right to make the selection. The insulators shall be

subjected to the applicable sample tests.
Tests
Verification of dimensions
Verification of locking system
Mechanical load test
Galvanizing test

Number of
Samples
7
3
4

In the event of a failure of the sample to satisfy a

test, the retest procedure of 9.6 shall be applied.
9.2 Verification of Dimensions. The insulators in
the sample shall be checked for dimensions against
the dimensions on the manufacturers drawing. If
tolerances are not given on the drawing, the tolerances given in Section 5 shall apply.
9.3 Verification of the Locking System. For ball
and socket insulators, the specified samples shall be
tested for disengagement force of the cotter key. It
shall be between 111 and 667 newtons force for three
locking-to-unlocking operations.
11

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AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD C29.11-i989

9.4 Mechanical Load Test. The sample insulators

shall be subjected to a tensile load that shall be increased rapidly but smoothly from zero to 75% of the
S.M.L. and then gradually be increased to the S.M.L.
in a time between 30 and 90 seconds. If 100% of the
S.M.L.is reached in less than 90 seconds, the load
shall be sustained at S.M.L.for the remainder of the
90 seconds. The test is passed if no failure occurs.
The load shall then be increased until the insulator
fails. The failure load shall be recorded. The historical failure loads shall justify the manufacturers
choice of S.M.L.

9.5 Galvanizing Test. The specified size of sample

shall be tested in accordance with Section 6 of ANSI
C29.1-1988. Five to ten measurements shall be uniformly and randomly distributed over the entire surface. Both the average thickness value for each individual specimen and the average of the entire sample
shall equal or exceed the following:

Hardware
(except nutshlts)
Nutshlts

Average of
Entire
Sample
(mil)

Average of
Individual
Specimen
(mil)

3.4

3.1
1.7

2.1

10. Routine Tests

Routine tests are to be performed on every insulator
produced.
10.1 Mechanical Test. Every insulator shall withstand for at least 10 seconds a tensile load equal to or
greater than the R.T.L. rating.

10.2 Visual Examination. The mounting of the metallic parts shall be in conformance with the manufacturers drawing. The color of the insulator shall
be approximately as specified on the drawing.
The following imperfections shall be acceptable
on the insulator surface: Superficial defects of area
less than 25 square millimeters (the total defective
area not to exceed 2% of the total insulator surface)
and depth less than 1 mm.

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9.6 Retest Procedure for Sample Tests. If only

one insulator or metal part fails to comply with the
requirements of a sample test, a new sample equal to
twice the quantity originally submitted to that test
shall be subjected to retesting. The retesting shall
comprise the test in which failure occurred, preceded

by those tests that may be considered as having influenced the results of the original test.
If two or more insulators or metal parts fail to
comply with any of the sample tests or if any failure
occurs during the retesting, the complete lot is considered as not complying with the standard and shall
be withdrawn for examination by the manufacturer.
The number then selected shall be three times the
first quantity chosen for tests.
The retesting shall comprise the test in which
failure occurred, preceded by those tests that may be
considered as having influenced the results of the
original test. If any insulator fails during the retesting, the complete lot is considered as not complying
with this standard.

12

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No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS

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Not for Resale, 04/20/2011 08:35:20 MDT