High-pressure washing tests on polymer insulators

Florida Power and Light Co. (FPL) has installed various types of polymer insulators throughout its transmission system over the years. Contamination levels vary from light to heavy among these installations. In the heavy contamination areas, high-pressure washing techniques are utilized on ceramic insulators to combat contamination build-up. However, existing guidelines on the washability of polymer insulators are not readily available nor practical. 138 kV and 230 kV suspension insulators manufacturers were pressure wash tested under varying test conditions. The purpose of the test was to determine safe washing parameters, including water pressure and nozzle tip to insulator distance, that could be used on all the insulator types in the FPL transmission system. Test results were translated into a uniform washing procedure to be used by field crews.