Porcelain vs. Glass

PORCELAIN vs. GLASS INSULATORS

The appeal to the porcelain manufacturers of America issued through our columns by Mr. Francis W. Jones, has served to bring out several interesting communications on this subject, two of which appear in this issue. Mr. Scott gives the results of tests on what is known as the Johnson fluid insulator. The excellent quality of this type of porcelain insulator was already established, but if anything were wanting to confirm it still more it could be found in the results of the Lauffen-Frankfort transmission in which this type of insulator was used extensively. As a matter of fact, only one single insulator "broke down" electrically. Indeed, it may be safe to say that for high tension transmission, where it is desirable to avoid appreciable leakage, the fluid insulator will be used exclusively.

On the other hand, Mr. C. Colne, a well-known glass and porcelain expert, who has been a U. S. commissioner to foreign expositions, on this subject, makes a plea for glass, and raises a number of very interesting points on the glassmaker's side.