Power transformers, shunt reactors, circuit breakers, and capacitors all require transformer bushings as crucial parts. They permit an electrically charged, current-carrying conductor to travel past a conducting barrier, like the enclosure of a transformer or circuit breaker, without coming into contact with electricity.
Electrical insulation serves as the foundation for a transformer bushing's operation. A number of layers of insulating material, like porcelain, glass, or epoxy, are used to create the bushing. The high voltages present in a transformer are intended to be withstood by these layers.
Additionally insulated from the surrounding material is the conductor that travels through the bushing. This is accomplished by wrapping the conductor in an insulating layer made of mica or paper.
The operation of the bushing is also influenced by its form. A consistent electric field is intended to be generated by the bushing all around the conductor. As a result, high-voltage hotspots are less likely to occur, which reduces the risk of arcing or flashover.
Solid type bushings and capacitance-graded bushings are the two primary varieties of transformer bushings. Bushings of the solid type are constructed from a single piece of insulating material. The conductor is connected to each of the several insulating layers that make up a capacitance-graded bushing. As a result, there is a capacitance formed between the wire and the bushing, which aids in more evenly dispersing the electric field.
The safe operation of electrical equipment depends on transformer bushings. They aid in preventing fires and damage to the equipment. Transformer bushings must be regularly inspected and maintained to continue operating safely.
