Porcelain vs. Polykeram: Which Dielectric Material Offers Greater Reliability for Today’s Grid?
Amanda Freick Amanda Freick

Porcelain vs. Polykeram: Which Dielectric Material Offers Greater Reliability for Today’s Grid?

Is porcelain still the best choice for high-voltage components?
As the grid modernizes and infrastructure ages; utilities, and OEMs are reevaluating materials like porcelain. In this post, we compare it with Polykeram - a durable, U.S.-manufactured dielectric material—across thermal, mechanical, and electrical performance. Find out which material offers better reliability, flexibility, and long-term value.

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Bushing Refurbishment vs. Replacement: What Utilities Need to Know
Amanda Freick Amanda Freick

Bushing Refurbishment vs. Replacement: What Utilities Need to Know

Refurbish or Replace? How Utilities Can Cut Costs Without Compromising Reliability


When high-voltage bushings start to fail, replacement isn't the only option. In fact, refurbishment can offer faster turnaround, significant cost savings, and long-term performance—all while supporting sustainability goals.

In this article, we break down the key factors to consider, when refurbishment makes sense, and why more utilities are turning to PBI’s U.S.-based refurbishment services to keep critical systems online and on budget.

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How to Choose the Safest Line Post Sensor: Ensuring Rigorous Testing to Prevent Field Failures
Amanda Freick Amanda Freick

How to Choose the Safest Line Post Sensor: Ensuring Rigorous Testing to Prevent Field Failures

How to Choose the Safest Line Post Sensor

When selecting a line post sensor, safety and reliability should be at the forefront of your decision-making process. Sensors that fail in the field can lead to dangerous and costly consequences. To minimize risks, it’s essential to choose sensors tested rigorously for partial discharge, high-voltage resilience, and thermal cycling. These tests ensure sensors can withstand real-world conditions and deliver consistent performance, even in extreme environments.

Understanding your vendor's testing protocols is key to making an informed choice and safeguarding your infrastructure against potential failures.

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Revitalizing Nuclear Power in the U.S.: Opportunities and Challenges of Aging Infrastructure
Amanda Freick Amanda Freick

Revitalizing Nuclear Power in the U.S.: Opportunities and Challenges of Aging Infrastructure

The Nuclear Renaissance: Overcoming Challenges of Aging Infrastructure

As the U.S. recommissions nuclear power plants to meet growing energy demands, aging infrastructure poses a critical challenge. Many facilities rely on outdated, unsupported components, risking delays and safety concerns. Piedmont Bushings & Insulators (PBI) specializes in engineered-to-order solutions, reverse-engineering legacy components, and delivering custom dielectric products. With over 40 years of expertise, PBI ensures your nuclear projects meet modern standards and tight deadlines. Learn how we’re powering the future of clean energy with innovative solutions.

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The Future of Legacy Equipment in a Modern Energy Landscape
Amanda Freick Amanda Freick

The Future of Legacy Equipment in a Modern Energy Landscape

As energy demands grow and grids become more complex, utilities face a pressing challenge: managing aging infrastructure. Decades-old equipment, while durable, was never designed for today’s energy landscape, creating risks of inefficiency and unplanned outages. Modernizing these legacy systems is crucial, but full replacement isn’t always practical.

Refurbishing and customizing legacy components offers a cost-effective solution, extending equipment lifespan, improving reliability, and enabling integration with modern technologies. As utilities navigate this transition, addressing aging infrastructure is not just a necessity—it’s an opportunity to build a more resilient and sustainable energy future.

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