Gunshot damage to ceramic and nonceramic insulators

Gunshot testing of power transmission ceramic and nonceramic insulators was performed and the results were compared to the in service experience of a large electric utility. Significant differences in the response of ceramic and nonceramic insulators to being gunshot were found. These differences were reductions in electrical and mechanical properties which were dependant on whether the insulators are line posts or suspensions, as well as whether they were ceramics or nonceramics. A major concern was the finding that nonceramic suspension insulations were separated more easily than their ceramic equivalents.