Insulator Top Tie
Insulator Top Ties, also known as top ties or ties top, are specialized components designed to secure conductors to the top groove of interchangeable head-style insulators in power distribution systems. These ties are typically manufactured from aluminum-clad steel wire, aluminum alloy, or Semi-conductive Plastic, featuring a main tie component and protective padding. Top ties come in various designs to accommodate different insulator neck sizes and conductor diameters, including single top ties, and Double Support top Ties.
When installing insulator top ties, they are wrapped around both the conductor and the top of the insulator, providing mechanical support while maintaining proper electrical isolation. Top ties work effectively with various conductor types including ACSR, All Aluminum, and plastic jacketed conductors, accommodating line angles up to 10° on horizontally-mounted installations. Insulator top ties are designed to offer superior performance compared to hand ties, providing better stability and protection against conductor movement and abrasion.
Key Features of Insulator Top Ties:
• Superior mechanical strength exceeding National Electric Safety Code requirements
• Rebound resilience to help conductors return to the insulator curve under light forces
• Preformed helical shape for easier and more uniform installation
• Improved Radio Interference Voltage (RIV) characteristics compared to hand ties
• Corrosion-resistant construction for extended service life
• Compatible with C-neck, F-neck, and J-neck interchangeable insulators
Aluminum Top Tie Drawing
| Model | Outer diameter
(mm) |
Color
code |
Approximate length
(mm) |
|||||
| C Neck (Φ57mm) | F Neck (Φ73mm) | J neck
(Φ89mm) |
Min | Max | C Neck | F Neck | J neck | |
| DDB-57-5460 | DDB-73-5460 | DDB-89-5460 | 4.83 | 5.46 | Blue | 330 | 330 | 355 |
| DDB-57-6200 | DDB-73-6200 | DDB-89-6200 | 5.49 | 6.20 | Brown | 330 | 330 | 355 |
| DDB-57-7040 | DDB-73-7040 | DDB-89-7040 | 6.22 | 7.04 | Orange | 330 | 330 | 355 |
| DDB-57-8000 | DDB-73-8000 | DDB-89-8000 | 7.06 | 8.00 | Purple | 330 | 330 | 355 |
| DDB-57-9070 | DDB-73-9070 | DDB-89-9070 | 7.06 | 9.07 | Red | 355 | 355 | 380 |
| DDB-57-1029 | DDB-73-1029 | DDB-89-9070 | 9.09 | 10.29 | Yellow | 355 | 355 | 380 |
| DDB-57-1166 | DDB-73-1166 | DDB-89-1166 | 10.31 | 11.66 | Blue | 380 | 380 | 405 |
| DDB-57-1321 | DDB-73-1321 | DDB-89-1321 | 11.68 | 11.68 | Orange | 405 | 405 | 405 |
| DDB-57-1494 | DDB-73-1494 | DDB-73-1494 | 13.23 | 14.94 | Red | 430 | 430 | 455 |
| DDB-57-1689 | DDB-73-1689 | DDB-89-1689 | 14.96 | 16.89 | Purple | 430 | 430 | 430 |
| DDB-57-1918 | DDB-73-1918 | DDB-89-1918 | 16.92 | 19.18 | Brown | 455 | 455 | 485 |
| DDB-57-2172 | DDB-73-2172 | DDB-89-2172 | 19.20 | 21.72 | Red | 510 | 510 | 535 |
| DDB-57-2459 | DDB-73-2459 | DDB-89-2459 | 21.74 | 24.59 | Blue | 535 | 535 | 560 |
| DDB-57-2784 | DDB-73-2784 | DDB-89-2784 | 24.61 | 27.84 | Green | 560 | 560 | 585 |
| DDB-57-3150 | DDB-73-2784 | DDB-89-3150 | 27.86 | 31.50 | Yellow | 585 | 585 | 610 |
Plastic Line Tie Drawing
| Model (Single Top Tie) | For neck(mm) | cable dia.(mm) | Length |
| STT-57-0751-1017 | Ø54-59(Ø57) | 7.51-10.17 | 660 |
| STT-57-1018-1373 | Ø54-59(Ø57) | 10.18-13.73 | 660 |
| STT-57-1374-1855 | Ø54-59(Ø57) | 13.74-18.55 | 711 |
| STT-57-1856-2338 | Ø54-59(Ø57) | 18.56-23.38 | 787 |
| STT-57-2339-2795 | Ø54-59(Ø57) | 23.39-27.95 | 860 |
| STT-57-2796-3300 | Ø54-59(Ø57) | 27.96-33.00 | 965 |
| STT-73-0751-1017 | Ø70-76(Ø73) | 7.51-10.17 | 660 |
| STT-73-1018-1373 | Ø70-76(Ø73) | 10.18-13.73 | 660 |
| STT-73-1374-1855 | Ø70-76(Ø73) | 13.74-18.55 | 711 |
| STT-73-1856-2338 | Ø70-76(Ø73) | 18.56-23.38 | 787 |
| STT-73-2339-2795 | Ø70-76(Ø73) | 23.39-27.95 | 860 |
| STT-73-2796-3300 | Ø70-76(Ø73) | 27.96-33.00 | 965 |
| Model (Double Top Tie) | For neck(mm) | cable dia.(mm) | Length |
| DTT-57-0751-1017 | Ø54-59(Ø57) | 7.51-10.17 | 380 |
| DTT-57-1018-1373 | Ø54-59(Ø57) | 10.18-13.73 | 410 |
| DTT-57-1374-1855 | Ø54-59(Ø57) | 13.74-18.55 | 430 |
| DTT-57-1856-2338 | Ø54-59(Ø57) | 18.56-23.38 | 430 |
| DTT-57-2339-2795 | Ø54-59(Ø57) | 23.39-27.95 | 450 |
| DTT-57-2796-3300 | Ø54-59(Ø57) | 27.96-33.00 | 480 |
| DTT-73-0751-1017 | Ø70-76(Ø73) | 7.51-10.17 | 380 |
| DTT-73-1018-1373 | Ø70-76(Ø73) | 10.18-13.73 | 410 |
| DTT-73-1374-1855 | Ø70-76(Ø73) | 13.74-18.55 | 430 |
| DTT-73-1856-2338 | Ø70-76(Ø73) | 18.56-23.38 | 430 |
| DTT-73-2339-2795 | Ø70-76(Ø73) | 23.39-27.95 | 450 |
| DTT-73-2796-3300 | Ø70-76(Ø73) | 27.96-33.00 | 480 |
| SST-57-0751-1017 | Ø54-59(Ø57) | 7.51-10.17 | 533 |
| SST-57-1018-1373 | Ø54-59(Ø57) | 10.18-13.73 | 533 |
| SST-57-1374-1855 | Ø54-59(Ø57) | 13.74-18.55 | 559 |
| SST-57-1856-2338 | Ø54-59(Ø57) | 18.56-23.38 | 610 |
| SST-57-2339-2795 | Ø54-59(Ø57) | 23.39-27.95 | 686 |
| SST-57-2796-3300 | Ø54-59(Ø57) | 27.96-33.00 | 762 |
| SST-73-0751-1017 | Ø70-76(Ø73) | 7.51-10.17 | 533 |
| SST-73-1018-1373 | Ø70-76(Ø73) | 10.18-13.73 | 533 |
| SST-73-1374-1855 | Ø70-76(Ø73) | 13.74-18.55 | 559 |
| SST-73-1856-2338 | Ø70-76(Ø73) | 18.56-23.38 | 610 |
| SST-73-2339-2795 | Ø70-76(Ø73) | 23.39-27.95 | 686 |
| SST-73-2796-3300 | Ø70-76(Ø73) | 27.96-33.00 |
762 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is an insulator top tie?
What is an insulator top tie?An insulator top tie is a component designed to secure conductors to the top groove of interchangeable head-style insulators in power distribution systems. It’s typically made from aluminum-clad steel wire or aluminum alloy and provides mechanical support while maintaining electrical isolation.
What are the main components of an insulator top tie?
The main components of an insulator top tie include the tie wire, protective padding, locking mechanisms, and preformed ends. Some designs also feature identification tags and color codes to indicate conductor size and insulator compatibility.
What are the key features of insulator top ties?
Key features include superior mechanical strength, rebound resilience, preformed helical shape for easier installation, improved Radio Interference Voltage (RIV) characteristics, corrosion-resistant construction, and compatibility with various insulator neck sizes (C-neck, F-neck, and J-neck).
How are insulator top ties installed?
Insulator top ties are wrapped around both the conductor and the top of the insulator. They’re typically installed with some slack to allow for movement during high winds. The preformed shape allows for easier and more uniform installation compared to hand ties.
What types of conductors can be used with insulator top ties?
Insulator top ties are compatible with various conductor types, including ACSR (Aluminum Conductor Steel Reinforced), Compacted ACSR, All Aluminum, Aluminum Alloy, and plastic jacketed conductors. They can accommodate line angles up to 10° on horizontally-mounted installations.
How do insulator top ties improve system performance?
Insulator top ties enhance mechanical strength, increase electrical safety, improve conductor stability, reduce maintenance requirements, and offer cost-effectiveness. They distribute mechanical loads, maintain electrical insulation, reduce vibrations, and provide durable performance over long periods.
What materials are used in manufacturing insulator top ties?
Insulator top ties are typically made from aluminum-clad steel wire or aluminum alloy. These materials provide high tensile strength, corrosion resistance, and the ability to withstand mechanical stresses. Some designs may incorporate PVC or semi-conductor materials for additional protection.