Key Properties of Electrical Insulating Materials
Types, Properties, and Applications of Non-Metallic Electrical Insulators
Electrical insulating materials are a foundational part of industrial electrical systems. They protect equipment, separate conductive components, and help systems operate safely and reliably, often in environments where heat, voltage, and mechanical stress are constant challenges.
At Red Seal Electric Company, we specialize in non-metallic electrical insulating materials that perform where metals and conventional materials fall short. Below, we’ll break down what electrical insulating materials are, what properties matter most, and how they’re used across industries.
What Are Electrical Insulating Materials?
In the simplest terms, electrical insulating materials are materials that resist the flow of electric current while maintaining strength and stability. Their primary role is to prevent unintended current paths, reduce the risk of electrical failure, and protect both equipment and people.
In realistic industrial applications, however, insulating materials rarely serve just one purpose. In many cases, they must provide electrical insulation, heat resistance, and mechanical support at the same time, often under demanding conditions.
That’s why specially engineered non-metallic materials, such as laminates, composites, fiberglass, and high-temperature insulation, are so widely used in electrical systems.
Properties That Matter in Electrical Insulation
Choosing the right insulating material starts with understanding the environment it will operate in. Some of the most important properties include:
Electrical Performance
Dielectric strength and resistance to arc tracking are critical, especially in high-voltage and switchgear applications. Materials like NEMA GPO-1, GPO-2, and GPO-3 are commonly used for their reliable electrical performance.
Thermal Resistance
Many electrical components operate in elevated temperatures or near heat sources. Materials such as Mica M, Mica P, Glastherm® HT200, Transite 1000, and RS-100 are designed to maintain performance as temperatures rise.
Mechanical Strength and Stability
Insulating materials are often machined into structural components such as supports, barriers, spacers, and standoffs. Strength, rigidity, and dimensional stability are just as important as electrical properties. Products like Glastic® 1580, Glastic® SG-200, and standoff insulators are frequently used in these roles.
Environmental Resistance
Moisture, chemicals, vibration, and thermal cycling can all shorten the life of an insulating material. Selecting materials suited to the operating environment helps extend service life and reduce downtime.
Common Types of Electrical Insulating Materials
Electrical insulating materials come in a wide range of forms, each suited to specific applications.
Composite and Laminated Insulating Materials
Composite laminates are widely used in electrical systems due to their combination of strength, insulation, and heat resistance. Materials such as GPO laminates, Glastic®, HST-II, and GlasGuard™ Grade 1130 are commonly machined into custom electrical components.
High-Temperature Electrical Insulation
In applications involving sustained refractory heat, materials like Mica M, Mica P, H91 Cement Board, Fiberfrax, and Marinite A provide electrical insulation while withstanding high operating temperatures.
Flexible Electrical Insulation
Flexible materials are often used for phase insulation, barriers, and protective layers. Products like Formex are commonly found in motors, transformers, and electrical enclosures where space constraints or vibration are a concern.
Advanced Non-Metallic Materials
For highly demanding applications, advanced materials such as Vespel® offer exceptional thermal, mechanical, and electrical performance in environments where conventional insulation materials may fail.
Where Electrical Insulating Materials Are Used
Electrical insulating materials are found throughout industrial systems, including:
Power generation and transmission equipment
Switchgear and electrical panels
Motors, generators, and transformers
Induction heating systems
Glass manufacturing and high-temperature processing equipment
Industrial machinery and automation systems
In many of these applications, non-metallic insulating materials are chosen specifically because they outperform metal alternatives in electrical safety, thermal resistance, and long-term reliability.
Non-Metallic Electrical Insulating Materials at Red Seal Electric Company
Metal components conduct electricity and heat, often creating risks in electrical systems. Non-metallic insulating materials help eliminate those risks while offering additional benefits such as reduced weight, corrosion resistance, and design flexibility.
As non-metallic material specialists, Red Seal works with customers to select and fabricate insulating materials that meet the electrical, thermal, and mechanical demands of each application.
Red Seal Electric Company supplies a wide range of non-metallic electrical insulating materials, along with custom fabrication services tailored to industrial requirements. With over 70 types of composite insulating materials in stock— including fiberglass, mica, calcium silicate boards, and more— we’re ready to help you find the best-fit solution. Reach out to our team to request samples, specs, or a quote for your next project.
Available in rolls or sheets that can be printed and will accept adhesives.