Approved as an American National Standard

ANSI Approval Date of Final Action: August 31, 2023

ANSI/NEMA C29.10-2017 (R2023)

American National Standard for Wet Process Porcelain Insulators—

Indoor Apparatus Type

Published by

National Electrical Manufacturers Association

1300 North 17th Street, Suite 900
Rosslyn, VA 22209

www.nema.org

© 2023 National Electrical Manufacturers Association. All rights, including translation into other
languages, reserved under the Universal Copyright Convention, the Berne Convention for the Protection
of Literary and Artistic Works, and the International and Pan American copyright conventions.
 NOTICE AND DISCLAIMER

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Approval of an American National Standard requires verification by ANSI

AMERICAN that the requirements for due process, consensus, and other criteria for
approval have been met by the standards developer.
NATIONAL
STANDARD Consensus is established when, in the judgment of the ANSI Board of
Standards Review, substantial agreement has been reached by directly
and materially affected interests. Substantial agreement means much
more than a simple majority, but not necessarily unanimity. Consensus
requires that all views and objections be considered, and that a
concerted effort be made toward their resolution.

The use of American National Standards is completely voluntary; their

existence does not in any respect preclude anyone, whether he has
approved the standards or not, from manufacturing, marketing,
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and will in no circumstances give an interpretation of any American
National Standard. Moreover, no person shall have the right or authority
to issue an interpretation of an American National Standard in the name
of the American National Standards Institute. Requests for
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name appears on the title page of this standard.

Caution Notice: This American National Standard may be revised or

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Standards Institute require that action be taken periodically to reaffirm,
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Standards may receive current information on all standards by calling or
writing the American National Standards Institute.

Published by

National Electrical Manufacturers Association

1300 North 17th Street, Suite 900, Rosslyn, Virginia 22209

© 2023 National Electrical Manufacturers Association

All rights, including translation into other languages, reserved under the Universal Copyright
Convention, the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works, and the
International and Pan American copyright conventions.

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form, in an electronic retrieval system or
otherwise, without prior written permission of the publisher.

Printed in the United States of America

ANSI/NEMA C29.10-2017 (R2023)
Page ii

Foreword
(This foreword is not part of ANSI/NEMA C29.10-2017 (R2023).)

In this standard are specified the material, dimensional, and performance requirements for indoor
apparatus wet-process porcelain insulators used in electric power transmission and distribution. Included
are requirements for testing thermal and mechanical strength, impulse and dew withstand values,
flashover value, porosity, and, when galvanized hardware is used, coating thickness.

This standard supersedes ANSI C37.31-1962 (R1976), which had been developed by the Accredited
Standards Committee on Power Switchgear, C37, and approved as an American National Standard on
April 17, 1962. Responsibility for this standard has been transferred to the Accredited Standards
Committee on Insulators for Electric Power Lines, C29, by mutual agreement between both committees.

Proposals for modification or improvement of this standard are welcome. They should be sent to the
National Electrical Manufacturers Association, 1300 N 17th Street, Suite 900, Arlington, VA 22209 or sent
via the NEMA website (http://www.nema.org).

NOTE – The user’s attention is called to the possibility that compliance with this Standard could require
use of an invention covered by patent rights.

By publication of this Standard, no position is taken with respect to the validity of any such claim(s) or of
any patent rights in connection therewith. If a patent holder has filed a statement of willingness to grant a
license under these rights on reasonable and non-discriminatory terms and conditions to applicants
desiring to obtain such a license, then details may be obtained from the Secretary, or the NEMA website.

This standard was processed and approved for submittal to ANSI by Accredited Standards Committee
(ASC) on Insulators for Electric Power Lines, C29. Committee approval of the standard does not
necessarily imply that all committee members voted for approval. At the time it approved this standard,
the ASC C29 Committee had the following members:

Arjan Jagtiani, Chairman

Paul Crampton, Secretary

Name Organization Interest Category

Robert Bernstorf Hubbell Incorporated Producer

Ivan Boev Kinectrics Inc General
Andy Bui Bonneville Power Administration User
James Cossavella K-Line Insulators USA Inc. Producer
Nicholas DeSantis LineWorks Engineering, LLC General
Kevin Edmonds NGK-Locke, Inc. Producer
Michael Garrels Xcel Energy User
Jean Marie George Sediver USA, Inc Producer
Arjan Jagtiani Sargent & Lundy LLC General
John Kuffel EPRI General
Lan Ping Ling Preformed Line Products Producer
Patrick Maloney PPC USA, Inc. Producer
Guberson (Sonny) Mercedat Marmon Utility LLC Producer
Brian Reynolds National Grid User
Stephen Roberts Southern Company User
Andrew Schwalm Victor Insulators, Inc. Producer
Timothy Shaw EPRI General

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 ANSI/NEMA C29.10-2017 (R2023)
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Rick Stanley Newell-PSN, LLC Producer

Ryan Stargel Tennessee Valley Authority User
Timothy Van Remmen Lapp Insulators LLC Producer
Mike Warntjes American Transmission Co. User
Prasad Yenumula Duke Energy User

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Contents
Foreword ................................................................................................................................................... ii
Section 1 Scope ........................................................................................................................................ 1
Section 2 Referenced Standards ............................................................................................................ 2
2.1 American National Standard...................................................................................................... 2
2.2 Other Standards ........................................................................................................................ 2
Section 3 Definitions ................................................................................................................................ 3
Section 4 General ..................................................................................................................................... 4
Section 5 Material ..................................................................................................................................... 5
Section 6 Dimensions and Characteristics ........................................................................................... 6
Section 7 Marking ..................................................................................................................................... 7
Section 8 Sampling, Inspection, and Tests ........................................................................................... 8
8.1 General ...................................................................................................................................... 8
8.2 Design Tests .............................................................................................................................. 8
8.2.1 Tensile Strength ........................................................................................................... 8
8.2.2 Impulse Withstand ........................................................................................................ 8
8.2.3 Compression Strength .................................................................................................. 8
8.2.4 Thermal Shock ............................................................................................................. 8
8.2.5 Torsional Strength ........................................................................................................ 8
8.2.6 Low-Frequency Dew Withstand ................................................................................... 8
8.3 Quality Conformance Tests ....................................................................................................... 9
8.3.1 Visual and Dimensional Tests ...................................................................................... 9
8.3.2 Porosity Test ................................................................................................................. 9
8.3.3 Galvanizing Test ........................................................................................................... 9
8.3.4 Cantilever Strength ....................................................................................................... 9
Section 9 Routine Tests ......................................................................................................................... 10
9.1 Flashover ................................................................................................................................. 10

Tables
Table 1 Electrical Characteristics (All Strength Classes) ..................................................................... 10
Table 2 Mechanical Characteristics of Strength Class A-10 ................................................................ 10
Table 3 Mechanical Characteristics of Strength Class A-20 and B-20 ................................................ 10
Table 4 Mechanical Characteristics of Strength Class A-30 and B-30 ................................................ 11
Table 5 Mechanical Characteristics of Strength Class B-40 ................................................................ 11
Table 6 Mechanical Characteristics of Strength Class B-50 ................................................................ 11

Figures
Figure 1 Class "A" Construction ............................................................................................................ 12
Figure 2 Class "B" Construction ............................................................................................................ 13

Appendices
Appendix A General Information ................................................................................................................ 15

© 2023 National Electrical Manufacturers Association

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Page 1

Section 1
Scope

This standard covers indoor high-voltage apparatus insulators made of wet-process porcelain and used in
the transmission and distribution of electrical energy.

© 2023 National Electrical Manufacturers Association

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Section 2
Referenced Standards

2.1 American National Standards

This standard is intended for use in conjunction with the latest approved revision of the following
American National Standard.

ANSI C29.1 Test Methods for Electrical Power Insulators

2.2 Other Standards

This standard is also intended to be used in conjunction with the following standards:

ASTM A153/A153M Specification for Zinc Coating (Hot-Dip) on Iron and Steel Hardware

ASTM D1535 Standard Practice for Specifying Color by the Munsell System

© 2023 National Electrical Manufacturers Association

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Section 3
Definitions

See Section 2 of ANSI C29.1 Test Methods for Electrical Power Insulators for definitions of terms.

© 2023 National Electrical Manufacturers Association

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Section 4
General

4.1 Insulators shall conform in all respects to the requirements of this standard. The text, figures,
and tables supplement each other and shall be considered part of this standard.

4.2 Manufacturer’s drawings, if furnished, shall show the outline of the insulators, together with all
pertinent dimensions. Any variations in these dimensions due to manufacturing tolerances shall be
indicated.

4.3 When specified in the clauses below, the following retest procedure applies: If only one insulator
or metal part fails, or in case the average value fails to comply with the applicable rating, a new sample
equal to twice the quantity originally submitted to that test shall be subjected to retesting. If two or more
insulators or metal parts fail to comply with the initial test, or if any failure occurs during the retesting, the
complete lot is considered as not complying with the requirements of this standard.

© 2023 National Electrical Manufacturers Association

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Section 5
Material

5.1 The insulators shall be made of wet-process porcelain that meets the mechanical and electrical
requirements of this standard.

5.2 The entire surface of the insulator that will be exposed after assembly shall be glazed.

Note: The most commonly requested color for porcelain insulators is light gray. If gray is required,
it shall be in accordance with ASTM D1535 Standard Practice for Specifying Color by the Munsell
System, conforming to Munsell notation 5BG 7.0/0.4 within the following tolerances:

a. Hue: ±12 (3G to 7B)

b. Value: ±0.5
c. Chroma: −0.2 to +0.6

Other colors are available and can be negotiated between purchaser and supplier.

5.3 Metal parts shall be made of malleable iron, ductile iron or steel, gray iron, zinc alloy, or
aluminum alloy. Ferrous parts other than stainless steel, when galvanized, shall be galvanized in
accordance with ASTM A153/A153M.

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Section 6
Dimensions and Characteristics

6.1 Indoor insulators are classified according to construction:

Class A—Insert top and bottom (Figure 1)

Class B—Insert top, externally bonded base (Figure 2)

The figures are type drawings. Dimensions and characteristics shall be in accordance with the tables. Top
and bottom holes shall be as shown in the figures. Pitch diameters of threaded holes shall be either UNC
or oversized (as specified) where galvanized bolts are intended to be used.

6.2 Shell diameters shall not exceed 103 percent of the dimensions shown in the figures, to ensure
physical clearances in assembled apparatus. Minimum diameters are limited by the other specified
characteristics.

6.3 All dimensions and other numerical values are given in customary English units.

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Section 7
Marking

Each insulator unit shall include markings to identify the manufacturer and a time/lot reference (at a
minimum, the month and year that the item was produced). The marking shall be legible and durable.

© 2023 National Electrical Manufacturers Association

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Section 8
Sampling, Inspection, and Tests

8.1 General
Tests described in 8.2 shall be required only on insulators of new designs. Tests described in 8.3 shall be
required on each lot of insulators. Tests described in 8.4 shall be made on each insulator.

8.2 Design Tests

8.2.1 Tensile Strength

Three insulators shall be selected at random and tested in accordance with Clause 5.1.4.3 of ANSI
C29.1, Tensile Strength. Failure of the strength of more than one of the three insulators to meet the
strength requirements given in the applicable table shall constitute failure to meet the requirements of this
standard. If one failure occurs, the retest procedure of Clause 4.3 shall apply.

8.2.2 Impulse Withstand

Three insulators shall be selected at random and tested in accordance with Clause 4.8 of ANSI C29.1,
Impulse Withstand Voltage Tests. Failure of more than one insulator to meet the rated impulse withstand
value in the applicable table shall constitute failure to meet the requirements of this standard. If one
failure occurs, the retest procedure of Clause 4.3 shall apply.

8.2.3 Compression Strength

Three insulators shall be selected at random and tested in accordance with Clause 5.1.4.4 of ANSI
C29.1, Compression Strength. Failure of the strength of more than one of the three insulators to meet the
strength requirements given in the applicable table shall constitute failure to meet the requirements of this
standard. If one failure occurs, the retest procedure of Clause 4.3 shall apply.

8.2.4 Thermal Shock

Three insulators shall be selected at random and tested for 10 complete cycles in accordance with
Clause 5.5 of ANSI C29.1, Thermal Test. The temperature of the hot water bath shall be approximately
150°F (66°C), and the temperature of the cold water bath shall be approximately 39°F (4°C). At the end of
the tenth cycle, the test specimens shall be checked for electrical soundness. If one insulator fails, the
retest procedure of Clause 4.3 shall apply.

8.2.5 Torsional Strength

Three insulators shall be selected at random and tested in accordance with Clause 5.1.4.2 of ANSI
C29.1, Torsional Strength. Failure of the strength of more than one of the three insulators to meet the
strength requirement given in the applicable table shall constitute failure to meet the requirements of this
standard. If one failure occurs, the retest procedure of Clause 4.3 shall apply.

8.2.6 Low-Frequency Dew Withstand

One insulator shall be selected at random and tested in accordance with Clause 4.6 of ANSI C29.1, Low-
Frequency Dew Withstand Voltage Tests. Failure of the insulator to meet the rated withstand value given
in the applicable table shall constitute failure to meet the requirements of this standard. The retest
procedure of Clause 4.3 shall apply.

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8.3 Quality Conformance Tests

Insulators for quality conformance tests shall be selected on the following basis, where n is the number of
insulators:

Number of Insulators (n) Number of Samples

n<200 By agreement
n≥200 ½%1
1
If the percentage or calculation does not result in a whole number, then the next whole number
greater than the result shall be chosen.

8.3.1 Visual and Dimensional Tests

Conformity with 5.2 may be determined by visual inspection. All insulators not conforming to 5.2 fail to
meet the requirements of this standard.

The required number (n) of sample insulators shall be selected at random from the lot and the dimensions
checked against the dimensions on the manufacturer’s drawing. Failure of more than one of these
insulators to conform, within manufacturing tolerances, to the dimensions on this drawing shall constitute
failure of the lot to meet the requirements of this standard.

8.3.2 Porosity Test

Specimens shall be selected from insulators destroyed in other tests and tested in accordance with
Clause 5.4 of ANSI C29.1, Porosity Test. Penetration of the dye into the body of the dielectric shall
constitute failure of the lot to meet the requirements of this standard.

8.3.3 Galvanizing Test

Five pieces representative of each type of galvanized hardware used with the insulators shall be selected
at random and tested in accordance with Section 6 of ANSI C29.1, Galvanizing Test. Five to 10
measurements shall be uniformly and randomly distributed over the entire surface. The average thickness
value for each individual specimen and the average of the entire sample shall equal or exceed the
following:

Average of Entire Sample Average of Individual Specimen

Hardware (except nuts/bolts) 3.4 mil 3.1 mil
Nuts/bolts 2.1 mil 1.7 mil

If the average of one specimen, or if the average of the entire sample, fails to comply with the above, the
retest procedure of Clause 4.3 shall apply.

8.3.4 Cantilever Strength

The required number (n) of sample insulators shall be selected at random and tested in accordance with
Clause 5.1.4.1 of ANSI C29.1, Cantilever Strength. Failure of the strength of more than one insulator to
meet the strength requirement given in Table 1 shall constitute failure of the lot to meet the requirements
of this standard. If one failure occurs, the retest procedure of Clause 4.3 shall apply.

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Section 9
Routine Tests

9.1 Flashover
Each insulator unit shall be subjected to a routine flashover test in accordance with Clause 7.1 of ANSI
C29.1, Electrical Tests. All units that puncture fail to meet the requirements of this standard.

Table 1
Electrical Characteristics (All Strength Classes)
Withstand Test Voltage (kV)
Nominal Voltage Low-Frequency Low-Frequency Dew,
Rating (kV) Impulse Dry, One Minute 10 Seconds
2.4 45 15 10
4.8 60 19 15
7.2 75 26 24
13.2 95 36 26
14.4 110 50 30
23.0 125 60 40
23.0 150 60 40
34.5* 150 80 --
34.5* 200 80 --
*The 34.5-kV insulator units are for bus supports and front-connected devices only

Table 2
Mechanical Characteristics of Strength Class A-10
Nominal Voltage Cantilever* Torsional Tensile Compression
Rating (kV) (Pounds) (Inch-Pounds) (Pounds) (Pounds)
2.4 750 1500 1500 10000
4.8 750 1500 1500 10000
7.2 750 1500 1500 10000
*Cantilever strength ratings are given 2-1/2 inches above the cap

Table 3
Mechanical Characteristics of Strength Class A-20 and B-20
Nominal Voltage Cantilever* Torsional Tensile Compression
Rating (kV) (Pounds) (Inch-Pounds) (Pounds) (Pounds)
4.8 1000 2500 2000 20000
7.2 1500 3500 3000 20000
13.2 1250 3500 3000 20000
14.4 1000 3500 3000 20000
*Cantilever strength ratings are given 2-1/2 inches above the cap

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Table 4
Mechanical Characteristics of Strength Class A-30 and B-30
Nominal Voltage Cantilever* Torsional Tensile Compression
Rating (kV) (Pounds) (Inch-Pounds) (Pounds) (Pounds)
4.8≠ 2000 4500 3500 30000
7.2 3000 6000 5000 30000
13.2 2500 6000 5000 30000
14.4 2000 6000 5000 30000
23.0 1500 6000 5000 30000
34.5# 1250 6000 5000 30000
*Cantilever strength ratings are given 2-1/2 inches above the cap
#The 34.5-kV insulator units are for bus supports and front-connected devices only
≠Class A-30 only

Table 5
Mechanical Characteristics of Strength Class B-40
Nominal Voltage Cantilever* Torsional Tensile Compression
Rating (kV) (Pounds) (Inch-Pounds) (Pounds) (Pounds)
7.2 6000 10000 8000 50000
13.2 5000 10000 8000 50000
14.4 4000 10000 8000 50000
23.0 3000 10000 8000 50000
34.5≠ 2500 10000 8000 50000
*Cantilever strength ratings are given 2-1/2 inches above the cap
≠The 34.5-kV insulator units are for bus supports and front-connected devices only

Table 6
Mechanical Characteristics of Strength Class B-50
Nominal Voltage Cantilever* Torsional Tensile Compression
Rating (kV) (Pounds) (Inch-Pounds) (Pounds) (Pounds)
7.2 12000 15000 12000 80000
13.2 10000 15000 12000 80000
14.4 8000 15000 12000 80000
23.0 6000 15000 12000 80000
34.5≠ 5000 15000 12000 80000
*Cantilever strength ratings are given 2-1/2 inches above the cap
≠The 34.5-kV insulator units are for bus supports and front-connected devices only

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Figure 1
Class “A” Construction

Dimension H* (inches)
Nominal Class A-10 Class A-20 Class A-30
rating (kV)
2.4 2-1/2 --- ---
4.8 3-1/2 3-1/2 3-1/2
7.2 4-1/2 4-1/2 4-1/2
13.2 --- 6 6
14.4 --- 7-1/2 7-1/2
23.0 --- 10-1/2
34.5 --- 15
* Tolerance of ±1/32 inch

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Figure 2
Class “B” Construction

Dimension H* (inches)
Nominal Class B-20 Class B-30
rating (kV)
4.8 5 ---
7.2 5 6
13.2 7-1/2 7-1/2
14.4 9 9
23.0 --- 12
34.5 --- 16-1/2
* Tolerance of±1/32 inch

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Figure 2
Class “B” Construction (continued)

Nominal Dimension H* (inches)

rating (kV) Class B-40 and B-50
4.8 ---
7.2 6
13.2 7-1/2
14.4 9
23.0 12
34.5 16-1/2
* Tolerance of±1/32 inch

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Appendix A
General Information

(This appendix is not part of ANSI/NEMA C29.10-2017 (R2023) but is included for information only.)

Packaging of insulators should be such as to afford reasonable and proper protection to the insulators in
shipping and handling.

Each box or container should be marked with the number of pieces contained therein; the catalog
number, class number, or a description of the contents; and the manufacturer’s name.

Manufacturers should maintain records of the plant in which the insulator was produced.

© 2023 National Electrical Manufacturers Association