Updates & Events
Info for members about events, updates, and results
In 2026 we are planning to undertake several tasks in P35.011, Polymer and Composite Insulators, including those listed below:
- Perform Multi-Stress Aging Tests: For over two decades, EPRI’s multi-stress aging chamber has provided utilities with timely information about the performance of polymer insulators, significantly reducing the time needed compared to in-service experience alone. The chamber remains a valuable asset, and as some components are removed for evaluation, EPRI plans to add new designs that reflect industry trends.
- Perform Small-Scale Degradation Tests: EPRI has developed several small-scale degradation tests that are repeatable, reproducible, and relevant for assessing an insulator’s performance under specific in-service conditions. EPRI intends to continue monitoring the aging of samples, refine the test methodology, and report on the findings.
- Update E-Field Modeling Software: Recognizing the critical role of electric fields in the service life of polymer insulators, this software calculates the electric field on new or existing insulator designs, helping utilities determine the need for corona rings. EPRI works with user feedback to keep this tool user-friendly and relevant.
- Refine Polymer Insulator Impulse Testing Methodology: This task intends to refine the method of performing steep impulse testing on polymer insulators.
- Update the Insulator Reference Book (The Violet Book): This comprehensive guide provides state-of-the-art information on insulator selection, inspection, and maintenance. Revisions to the book are aim to include the numerous mechanical considerations when selecting insulator for different configurations.
- Update the ADSS Application: This web-based tool helps users understand the electric field influence of high-voltage transmission lines on all-dielectric self-supporting (ADSS) installations. EPRI continues to improve user accessibility.
- Develop Handling Test Methodology: These tests supplement performance tests by identifying polymer insulators that resist handling damage while meeting in-service performance needs. EPRI is developing a test protocol based on several years of test development.
- Develop Nondestructive Weathershed Bonding Assessment Method: This task evaluates the use of ultrasound technology and nondestructive stress application to detect poor weathershed bonding in polymer insulators. EPRI aims to expand the dataset across multiple makes and designs to verify the test method.
2026 Engagement Opportunities
| Event Name | Date | Location | Contact | Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission and Substations Task Force Meeting | February 9 - 12 | Charlotte, NC EPRI Offices | Rachel Moore | Meeting Information |
| Transmission & Substations Advisory Meeting | March 30 - April 1 | Charlotte, NC EPRI Offices | Rachel Moore | Meeting Information |
| EPRI R&D Project Update Webcast: Polymer Insulators, Glass and Porcelain Insulators (P35.011, P35.012) | May 12 11:00 am - 12:00 pm ET | Webcast | Tim Shaw | More information coming soon |
| Overhead Transmission 2025 ARP Rollout #1 | June 18 10:00 - 11:30 am ET | Webcast | Rachel Moore | More information coming soon |
| Overhead Transmission 2025 ARP Rollout #2 | July 30 10:00 - 11:30 am ET | Webcast | Rachel Moore | More information coming soon |
| Transmission and Substations Task Force Meeting | August 10-14 | Charlotte, NC EPRI Offices | Rachel Moore | More information coming soon |
| Transmission & Substations Advisory Meeting | August 31- September 2 | Rachel Moore | More information coming soon | |
| EPRI R&D Project Update Webcast: Polymer Insulators, Glass and Porcelain Insulators Update (P35.011, P35.012) | November 10 11:00 am - 12:00 pm ET | Webcast | Tim Shaw | More information coming soon |
2026 Anticipated Deliverables
| Deliverable | Type |
|---|---|
| Insulator Reference Book (TheViolet Book) | Reference Book |
| Insulator E-field Modeling Software (Insulator Calculation Engine [ICE]) | Software |
| Nondestructive Evaluation of Weathershed Bonding | Technical Update |
2025 Engagement Opportunities
| Meeting | Date | Location | Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPRI R&D Information Exchange Webcast: Applications and Issues of ADSS Fiber from an Industry Perspective | February 20, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm ET |
Webcast | Please email Tim Shaw if interested in this topic |
| Insulators Task Force | March 10-13 (In-person) March 17-20 (Virtual) | Charlotte, NC | Meeting Materials |
| EPRI Overhead Transmission Program (P35) New Supplemental Launch Webcast | April 3 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm ET |
Webcast | Meeting Materials |
| EPRI R&D Information Exchange Webcast: Insulator Specification Development within the Changing Supply Chain Landscape (P35.011, P35.012) | April 22 10:30-11:30 am ET | Webcast | Please email Tim Shaw if interested in this topic |
| Insulator Workshop | June 2-6 All day | Lenox, MA | Meeting Materials |
| EPRI R&D Project Update Webcast: Polymer Insulators, Glass and Porcelain Insulators (P35.011, P35.012) | June 12 11:00-12:00 pm ET | Webcast | Meeting Materials |
| Overhead Transmission 2026 ARP Rollout #1 | July 17 10:00 am - 11:00 pm ET | Webcast | Meeting Materials |
| Overhead Transmission 2026 ARP Rollout #2 | July 24 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm ET | Webcast | Meeting Materials |
| Insulators Task Force | August 18-22 (In-person) August 25-29 (Virtual) | Charlotte, NC | Meeting Materials |
| EPRI R&D Project Update Webcast: P35.011 Polymer Insulators, P35.012 Glass and Porcelain Insulators | October 23, 10:30am - 11:30am ET | Webcast | Meeting Materials |
2025 Deliverables
In 2025, a mix of ongoing research initiatives together with new research areas will be undertaken.
| PID# | Deliverable | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3002031699 | Insulator Workshop | Workshop | December 2025 |
| 3002032200 | Insulator E-field Modeling Software (Insulator Calculation Engine [ICE]) [Beta] | Pre-Software | December 2025 |
| 3002032206 | Polymer Insulator Population Assessment (PIPA) [for TRC] [Beta] | Pre-Software | December 2025 |
| 3002032776 | High-Voltage Indoor Insulator Aging Chamber [for TRC] | Software (web) | December 2025 |
| 3002032777 | Insulator Reference Book (The Violet Book): 2025 Edition | Technical Update | December 2025 |
| 3002032778 | Insulator E-field Modeling Software (Insulator Calculation Engine [ICE]) | Software | December 2025 |
| 3002032779 | All Dielectric Supporting Software (ADSS) [for TRC] | Software (web) | December 2025 |
| 3002032780 | Polymer Insulator Population Assessment (PIPA) [for TRC] | Software (web) | December 2025 |
| 3002032781 | All Dielectric Supporting Software (ADSS) [for TRC] [Beta] | Software (web) | December 2025 |
| 3002032782 | Revision of the Methodology for Assessing Impact Damage on Polymer Insulators | Technical Update | December 2025 |
| 3002032783 | Polymer Insulator Vintage Guide | Software (web) | December 2025 |