Saudi Arabia is recognized for its extreme summer heat, often exceeding 50°C (122°F) in some places. The scorching heat brings significant challenges to many infrastructure systems, specifically electrical systems. Electrical insulation is one of the most important electrical components affected by extreme summer heat. In this blog, you will find an explanation of the concept of electrical insulation, including a description of how it works and how and why the summer heat in Saudi Arabia can be particularly harmful to electrical insulation and systems. We will also provide some practical considerations for managing these challenges and protecting electrical systems in extreme heat.
Electrical insulation is a material or medium used to resist the flow of electricity. The primary function of insulation is to provide separation to electrical conductors with no current flowing as a result of its function. Insulation controls and directs electricity to flow in a desired path while preventing accidental contact, short circuits, electric shock, and fires from occurring. There are many common types of electrical insulating materials, including;
- PVC Polyvinyl Chloride
- Rubber
- Teflon
- Fiberglass
- Ceramic
To be effective, electrical insulation must be able to withstand electrical stresses, insulate atmospheric heat, moisture, and chemicals, and have a working life of many years.
Effects of Heat on Electrical Insulation in Saudi Arabia
Due to the extreme heat and severe summer conditions in Saudi Arabia, the following generalizes several risks to electrical insulation. In critical electrical systems, if such deterioration occurs, then it could be significantly unsafe, as well as cause very costly downtime or damage to the system in all areas. A routine inspection schedule, along with proper control of the heat, can help extend the life and reliability of such insulating materials. In short, the extreme heat will have an effect on insulation systems in the following manner:
1. Temperature Impact
Exposure to high temperatures over an extended period can have a dramatic impact on insulating materials, specifically polymer materials such as PVC or rubber. Any prolonged exposure to heat will cause thermal degradation or the degradation of the chemical bonds in the polymer matrix. The degradation will be evidenced in a variety of ways, such as making the insulation brittle and creating cracking, loss of flexibility, and a very noticeable loss of dielectric strength or the ability of the material to withstand the electrical breakdown. All of these will make the insulation less effective in retaining electrical current.
2. Accelerated Aging
High ambient temperatures will also accelerate the aging process of insulation. In the field of electrical engineering, we generally have a rule that states that every 10 degrees Celsius in raised temperature reduces the life expectancy of the insulation by one-half. In places like Saudi Arabia, where the summer ambient temperatures are higher even in normal conditions, it won’t be long until the insulation has failed before life expectancy.
3. Increased Electrical Losses
Heat, therefore, increases the resistance of the conductors, which results in an increase in the operating temperature of the system. This, consequently, contributes to heat in the insulation and the conductors, creating a feedback loop with energy losses and further damage to the insulation.
4. Irradiation Damage
In addition to summer heat, there is UV radiation from the sun, as well. UV radiation will degrade the insulation, especially in exposed or outside installations. UV-exposed insulation will result in loss of mechanical strength and surface cracking, particularly in non-UV stabilized plastic insulators.
5. Humidity and Condensation
Even though Saudi summers can be dry, there are some areas and equipment (particularly near the coast or many underground installations) that can experience humidity and condensation. Anytime that humidity or condensation occurs in conjunction with high temperatures, partial discharge to ground or surface tracking can develop, meaning the electricity will find an alternate path across the insulation.
Methods to Protect Electrical Insulation from Extreme Heat
There are a number of best practices to traverse the influence of excessive heat on electrical equipment:
Heat Resistant Insulation
Using materials that are more heat resistant, such as cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE), Teflon, and high-grade silicone rubber, will work better in hot climates.
Efficient Ventilation and Cooling
The electrical equipment and compartments, panels, or transformer rooms should be kept cool per expected design conditions.
Routine maintenance and testing
Utilizing infrared thermography and diagnostic and/or insulation resistance testing of the electrical equipment can prolong the useful life of insulation. This kind of preventative maintenance approach allows industry professionals to catch an electrical resistance failure before there is an actual electrical failure.
Shielding and UV protection
For outdoor electrical construction, utilize insulation that is rated for UV exposure or is able to shield an underground or AC conduit-connected product.
Derating electrical insulation
Derating electrical equipment entails mitigating the load on electrical components through excessively hot environments to have the insulation operate safely and usually avoid overloading the heat to an equipment failure detonation.
Hire the Experts - Silver Foundation
When you partner with the experts at Silver Foundation, we will bring our vision to life with a professional workforce, precision, and a partnership with sheer excellence. With years of experience in construction and infrastructure development, Silver Foundation has established a reputation for delivering quality electrical work projects in Saudi Arabia with standards of international excellence. Whether you are undertaking a residential, commercial, or industrial development, our team of skilled professionals will provide full support from planning and design all the way through installation and commissioning. Hiring Silver Foundation is more than hiring an electrical contractor; it is hiring a partner you can trust to help you achieve your project objectives with dignity, creativity, and workmanship that is not easily found elsewhere.
Conclusion
The summer heat in Saudi Arabia is not only uncomfortable but also a real risk to electrical infrastructure. Insulation, being the protective barrier of electrical systems, is especially at risk. Suppose we can understand how wildly high temperatures will impact insulation. In that case, the risk can be mitigated, and solutions can be put in place. Experienced electrical engineers and contractors can ensure the long-term safety and reliability of electrical systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What services are offered by the Silver Foundation?
Silver Foundation offers infrastructure development, project management, and electrical engineering solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial projects in Saudi Arabia.
2. Does Silver Foundation have experience managing large-scale projects?
Yes, the team has extensive experience managing large-scale developments in the KSA to ensure quality, safety, and on-time delivery.
3. How does Silver Foundation maintain quality for projects?
Silver Foundation utilizes strict quality control procedures, premium materials, and skilled workers to ensure superior quality.
4. Can I get a plan specifically for my project?
Absolutely! Silver Foundation works directly and closely with the client to design tailored solutions to your specific needs and goals goals.
