Why Choose FRP Products for Electrical Substations?

When building components or choosing products for use in electrical substations, it is crucial that the material used can withstand many harsh conditions, such as corrosive salt air or extreme weather conditions. Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) is becoming a more popular choice over traditional materials like metals and wood in the utility markets. In this blog post, we will look at why that is happening. 

Why Choose FRP Products for Electrical Substations?

Several benefits come with choosing FRP products, especially for electrical applications. Aside from being cost-effective and robust, let’s look at some of the exceptional properties of FRP. 

High Strength-to-Weight Ratio

FRP is a lightweight material with a high strength-to-weight ratio. It is highly durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions without damage. These properties make it an ideal choice for use in applications with limited or difficult access. 

Low Electrical Conductivity

An ideal selection for an electrical substation is a material that is nonconductive or has very low electrical conductivity, like FRP. This is because the materials that fiberglass is comprised of are poor electrical conductors and are instead used as electrical insulators.

Resistant to Multiple Impacts

FRP products are highly corrosion resistant, weatherproof and will not rot, rust or spall. These properties make FRP products a solid option for off-shore and electrical applications because they require little to no maintenance compared to other materials.

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Fiberglass Systems from Strongwell

Strongwell designs and manufactures two systems which can be used in electrical substation applications owing to the corrosion-resistant and lightweight properties of the FRP materials, as well as being easy to install and low maintenance.

COMPOSOLITE Secondary Containment Systems

In any application that requires liquid or solid materials to be safely contained, the COMPOSOLITE® Secondary Containment System is the ideal solution. Being built with FRP means it is high-strength, lightweight, cost-effective, and can easily be installed in locations that are difficult to access.

Benefits include

  • Corrosion Resistant
  • Cost-Effective
  • Easy to Install
  • High Strength
  • Lightweight
  • Low Maintenance

In addition to the above benefits and features, each Containment System is designed specifically to fit your requirements and is available in a range of heights (24”, 30”, 36” or custom request) with the option to add liners and drainage systems. 

UTILICOVER® Trench Cover Systems

Strongwell’s second system is the UTILICOVER® trench cover system which boasts several properties suitable for electrical substation applications. These fiberglass covers are easy to install, high-strength and offer extra levels of safety to those working within the environment.

Features of the cover systems include

  • Cost-Effective
  • Customizable
  • Durable
  • Easy to Install
  • Extremely Lightweight 
  • Safe

These covers can be installed quickly and easily compared to containers made of concrete, or other heavy materials, which often require machinery. Personnel can do this safely and promptly if the covers need to be replaced or removed for any reason.

Please don't hesitate to contact us for more information about the benefits of FRP or our FRP systems.