GC4A5FY Hold the Wire (Traditional Cache) in Texas, United States created by cachestacker

This cache has been archived.

cachestacker: Time to go. Redux coming soon.

GC4A5FY ▼

A cache by cachestacker Message this owner

Hidden : 4/20/2013

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: micro (micro)

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Geocache Description:

Overhead conductors for high-voltage electric power transmission are bare, and are insulated by the surrounding air. Conductors for lower voltages in distribution may have some insulation but are often bare as well. Insulating supports called insulators are required at the points at which they are supported by utility poles or transmission towers. Insulators are also required where the wire enters buildings or electrical devices, such as transformers or circuit breakers, to insulate the wire from the case. These hollow insulators with a conductor inside them are called bushings.

Insulators used for high-voltage power transmission are made from glass, porcelain or composite polymer materials. Porcelain insulators are made from clay, quartz or alumina and feldspar, and are covered with a smooth glaze to shed water. Insulators made from porcelain rich in alumina are used where high mechanical strength is a criterion. Porcelain has a dielectric strength of about 4–10 kV/mm. Glass has a higher dielectric strength, but it attracts condensation and the thick irregular shapes needed for insulators are difficult to cast without internal strains. Some insulator manufacturers stopped making glass insulators in the late 1960s, switching to ceramic materials.

Recently, some electric utilities have begun converting to polymer composite materials for some types of insulators. These are typically composed of a central rod made of fibre reinforced plastic and an outer weathershed made of silicone rubber or ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM). Composite insulators are less costly, lighter in weight, and have excellent hydrophobic capability. This combination makes them ideal for service in polluted areas. However, these materials do not yet have the long-term proven service life of glass and porcelain.

Of course, this hunt will take you along some power lines. Don't worry - it's not up there. Watch out for thorns. You can get real close to GZ in a Prius if it hasn't rained lately. But you can have a LOT of fun out here in Jeep.

Congrats to Bob-in-Clear-Lake and NanoAnimation for FTF!

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