Plastics for Electric Power Generation and Distribution

Power Generation and Distribution

High-performance plastics and engineered materials are used to make parts and components for power generation facilities and the distribution networks that deliver electricity to end users. These materials can help improve efficiency, safety, and performance from the power plant to the substation to the service line.

Your Branch: Columbus 614-985-0745 Zip code: 43229 |

Plastics for the Power Generation and Distribution Industry

The power generation and distribution industry produces the electricity that homes, businesses, and communities depend on every day and delivers it through a complex network of substations, transformers, switchgear, and power lines. As energy demand grows, grids modernize, and renewable sources come online, the materials used to build and maintain this equipment need to be tough, reliable, and long-lasting, whether they are installed inside a generating facility or exposed to the elements on a utility pole.

Piedmont Plastics supplies the plastic sheet, rod, tube, and film materials that power generation companies, utilities, and electrical equipment manufacturers rely on in their applications. With more than 50 years of experience and numerous locations across North America, Piedmont makes it easy to find the right material for your application and get it delivered quickly.

Benefits of Plastic Applications in Power Generation & Distribution

High-performance plastics and thermoset composites play a critical role in improving safety, efficiency, and long-term reliability across power generation and distribution systems.

Excellent electrical insulation with high dielectric strength for high- and medium-voltage equipment
Flame, arc, and track resistance with low smoke generation
Strong property retention at elevated temperatures and good thermal insulation characteristics
Corrosion, chemical, moisture, UV, and weather resistance for indoor and outdoor installations
Lightweight, strong, durable, and friction/wear resistant, making installation and field maintenance easier

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With over 100 years of combined product knowledge and industry experience, we are confident our plastics experts can help you find a solution for your application.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Plastics offer excellent dielectric strength, arc resistance, and thermal stability, making them ideal for insulating electrical components such as switchgear, transformers, and bus bars.

Plastics offer excellent dielectric strength, arc resistance, and thermal stability, making them ideal for insulating electrical components such as switchgear, transformers, bus bars, and substation equipment. They also help reduce the risk of electrical faults and protect personnel working near energized equipment.

Yes. Many engineering plastics resist water treatment chemicals, oils, fuels, acids, and cleaning agents commonly found in power plants. Materials such as PTFE, PVC, HDPE, and PEEK maintain their properties where metals might corrode, making them a durable choice for both plant equipment and outdoor distribution hardware.

High-performance plastics like PEEK, PEI, and PTFE, along with thermoset laminates such as GPO-3 and G-10 or FR-4, retain their strength and insulating properties at elevated temperatures. This makes them well suited for generator components, transformer insulation, and equipment that operates under continuous thermal load.

GPO-3, G-10/FR-4, phenolic, PTFE, and PEI are frequently selected for high-voltage insulation because of their high dielectric strength and resistance to arc and track. The best choice depends on voltage level, operating temperature, and mechanical requirements, and our experts can help you compare options.

Common standards include UL 94 for flammability, NEMA LI 1 for industrial laminates, and ASTM test methods for dielectric strength (D149), arc resistance (D495), and tracking resistance (D2303). Switchgear and distribution equipment may also need to meet ANSI/IEEE requirements. Piedmont can provide material data sheets and certifications to support your specifications.