What type of insulators are used whenever the conductors are dead ended and there is a change in the direction of transmission line? 

Explanation:

Type of Insulators Used for Dead-Ended Conductors and Direction Change

Correct Answer: Strain Type Insulators

Definition: Strain type insulators are specialized electrical insulators designed to withstand mechanical forces in addition to providing electrical insulation. They are typically used in situations where conductors are subjected to high tensile stress, such as when the conductors are dead-ended, or where there is a significant change in the direction of the transmission line.

Working Principle: Strain type insulators work by isolating the high-voltage current-carrying conductors from the supporting structures, while simultaneously bearing the mechanical stresses caused by the tension in the wires. They are usually mounted at the end of the poles or towers, and their design allows them to handle the pulling force exerted by the conductor.

In situations where the transmission line changes direction or terminates, the tension on the conductors increases significantly. Strain insulators are specifically designed to handle these high-stress conditions, ensuring that the conductors remain securely attached and electrically insulated from the support structures.

Design and Construction:

• Strain insulators are typically made of ceramic, glass, or polymer materials, which provide excellent electrical insulation and mechanical strength.
• They are often shaped like elongated discs or rods to optimize their ability to handle tensile forces.
• In high-voltage applications, multiple strain insulators are connected in series to form an insulator string, providing both the required electrical insulation and mechanical support.

Advantages:

• Capable of withstanding high tensile stresses, making them ideal for dead-end and angle points.
• Highly durable and resistant to environmental factors such as moisture, temperature variations, and UV radiation.
• Can be used in both low-voltage and high-voltage applications, depending on the design.

Applications:

• Dead-end poles or towers where the transmission line terminates.
• Angle points in transmission lines where the direction of the conductors changes significantly.
• Long spans of transmission lines where the mechanical tension on the conductors is high.

Conclusion:

Strain type insulators are the most suitable choice for situations involving dead-ended conductors or changes in the direction of transmission lines. Their ability to handle both electrical insulation and mechanical tension makes them indispensable in such applications.

Additional Information

To further understand the analysis, let’s evaluate the other options:

Option 1: Shackle Type Insulators

Shackle type insulators are primarily used in low-voltage distribution systems to support and insulate conductors. They are not designed to handle high tensile forces or the mechanical stresses associated with dead-end or angle points in transmission lines. Therefore, they are unsuitable for the given application.

Option 3: Pin Type Insulators

Pin type insulators are commonly used in low and medium voltage transmission and distribution systems. They are mounted on a pin fixed to a cross-arm on the pole or tower and are designed to support conductors running in straight lines. However, they are not suitable for handling the high mechanical stresses associated with dead-ended conductors or changes in direction.

Option 4: Suspension Type Insulators

Suspension type insulators are used in high-voltage transmission lines, where they are suspended from a cross-arm on the tower. They are ideal for supporting conductors in straight-line configurations and can also be used at angle points. However, they are not as effective as strain insulators in handling the high tensile stresses present at dead-end or termination points.

Conclusion:

While shackle, pin, and suspension type insulators have their specific applications, none of them are as well-suited as strain type insulators for situations involving dead-ended conductors or changes in the direction of transmission lines. Strain type insulators are specifically designed to handle both the mechanical and electrical demands of such scenarios, making them the correct choice.