Ask the Expert Question-and-Answer Archive

by Ron Joseph

August, 2009

Insulating Paint for Electrical Steel Poles

Q. Ron, we have used a steel power pole on our 11,000 volt network. Can you tell me the details of an electrical insulating paint that we can paint the first 2 metres out of the ground on the pole. In this way we can provide some safety for anyone touching the pole if a ground fault occurs, insulation level would need to be about 2000 volts ac.

A. I spent a few minutes searching Google for a suitable coating, but didn't come up with anything useful. Yet I have to believe that utility companies have already identified appropriate coatings for your type of use.

If you can't find a coating by searching the Internet I would be willing to try to find the coating by making phone calls to the leading paint companies in the US and perhaps also to utility companies. This work would be on the basis of a consulting agreement.

Please get back to me if you need my assistance.

Regards,

Ron Joseph