H1: XMP-160 Suspension Insulator (U160BL) Aerodynamic Type — 160kN, 385mm Creepage, 110kV Lightning Impulse, Brown/Gray Glaze, IEC 60383
The XMP-160 Suspension Insulator (U160BL) Aerodynamic Type is an ultra-high-strength cap-and-pin porcelain insulator engineered for high‑voltage AC overhead transmission lines requiring maximum mechanical capacity and enhanced pollution performance.
Its distinctive aerodynamic profile reduces wind loading while the 160kN rating delivers the highest strength in the XMP series for the most extreme applications.
Manufactured in compliance with IEC 60383 international standards, this suspension insulator features a robust porcelain body with a standard cap-and-pin design.
The unit is available in either brown (standard) or gray (optional) glaze, both offering identical mechanical and electrical performance.
With a combined mechanical and electrical (M&E) failing load of 160kN and an extended creepage distance of 385mm, the XMP-160 delivers dependable performance on 66–110 kV lines in standard and mildly polluted environments — offering a significant 90kN strength advantage over standard 70kN class insulators and 40kN over 120kN class insulators.
The aerodynamic design incorporates optimized shed geometry that minimizes wind resistance and promotes rainwater runoff. This reduces maintenance requirements while ensuring stable insulation performance.
Whether you are designing lines for extreme icing zones, long-span crossings, or heavily loaded strain towers at higher voltages, the XMP-160 suspension insulator offers a durable, ultra-high-strength choice for your infrastructure, with the flexibility to select your preferred glaze color.
H2: XMP-160 Suspension Insulator — Technical Specifications (Brown & Gray Glaze)
The XMP-160 suspension insulator is rated with a combined mechanical and electrical (M&E) failing load of 160kN, making it suitable for tangent suspension, light‑tension, strain, and dead‑end applications on 66–110 kV overhead lines where maximum mechanical strength is required.
Its extended creepage distance of 385mm provides enhanced pollution flashover performance in moderately contaminated environments. The dry lightning impulse withstand voltage reaches 110kV (positive polarity), and the power frequency wet withstand voltage is 45kV.
The nominal diameter is 425mm — larger than lower-rated XMP models — with a spacing (height) of 146mm. The aerodynamic profile reduces wind loading by approximately 15–20% compared to standard disc designs, improving self‑cleaning and reducing tower loads.
The coupling hardware is the standard 20 ball‑and‑socket type, ensuring full interchangeability with existing fittings per IEC dimensional requirements. This larger coupling size accommodates the higher mechanical loads associated with the 160kN rating.
The glaze is available in both brown (standard) and gray (optional). All other technical parameters — mechanical, electrical, and dimensional — are identical between the two color options.
Every unit undergoes a routine proof test load of 80kN and an impact strength test of 10Nm to verify mechanical integrity prior to dispatch. Power frequency puncture voltage reaches 130kV, and radio interference voltage (RIV) is exceptionally low at just 50μV at 1000 kHz.
H2: XMP-160 Suspension Insulator — Complete Technical Data (Brown vs. Gray Glaze)
The following table lists all technical parameters for both glaze color options. All values are identical except for the glaze color.
| Parameter | XMP-160 (Brown Glaze) | XMP-160 (Gray Glaze) |
| Glaze Color | Brown | Gray |
| Type Designation | XMP-160 (U160BL) | XMP-160 (U160BL) |
| Figure / Profile | Aerodynamic Type | Aerodynamic Type |
| Diameter D (mm) | 425 | 425 |
| Spacing H (mm) | 146 | 146 |
| Creepage Distance (mm) | 385 | 385 |
| Coupling Size | 20 | 20 |
| Combined M&E Strength (kN) | 160 | 160 |
| Routine Proof Test Load (kN) | 80 | 80 |
| Impact Strength (Nm) | 10 | 10 |
| Power Frequency Dry Withstand Voltage (kV) | 75 | 75 |
| Power Frequency Wet Withstand Voltage (kV) | 45 | 45 |
| Dry Lightning Impulse Withstand Voltage (kV) | 110 | 110 |
| Power Frequency Puncture Voltage (kV) | 130 | 130 |
| Test Voltage RMS to Ground (kV) | 10 | 10 |
| Maximum RIV at 1000 kHz (μV) | 50 | 50 |
| Net Weight, Approximate (kg) | 11.3 | 11.3 |
| Applied Standard | IEC 60383 | IEC 60383 |
Note: The aerodynamic profile of the XMP-160 suspension insulator reduces wind loading by approximately 15–20% compared to standard disc designs. The 160kN rating delivers ultra-high mechanical strength — 90kN higher than standard 70kN class insulators — making it ideal for extreme long spans, heavy icing zones, strain/dead-end towers, and 66–110 kV applications. The larger 425mm diameter and 385mm creepage distance provide enhanced pollution performance. Both brown and gray glazes offer the same outstanding performance.
H2: XMP-160 Suspension Insulator — Material and Construction
Each XMP-160 suspension insulator unit is produced from high‑grade porcelain, fired at over 1,300 °C using the wet process, achieving maximum density and near‑zero porosity.
The cap-and-pin design features a porcelain body with a standard metal cap and pin. The metal components are manufactured from malleable cast iron and hot‑dip galvanised steel, providing excellent corrosion resistance in diverse atmospheric conditions.
The larger 425mm diameter and extended 385mm creepage distance are achieved through optimized shed geometry that enhances both mechanical strength and pollution performance.
The cement bonding between the porcelain body and metal parts uses high‑quality Portland cement, guaranteeing mechanical stability across extreme thermal cycling.
The aerodynamic shed profile is carefully engineered to reduce wind resistance and facilitate self‑cleaning through rainwater runoff. The hard, glossy glaze — available in brown or gray — further enhances self‑cleaning and maintains surface integrity over decades of service.
Both glaze colors are applied using the same high‑quality process, ensuring identical durability, hardness, and electrical performance. The choice between brown and gray is purely aesthetic or based on regional preference.
H2: XMP-160 Suspension Insulator — Applications and Installation
The XMP-160 suspension insulator is widely deployed on 66 kV to 110 kV AC overhead transmission lines, as well as substation entry towers and switching stations where mechanical demands are at their highest.
The 160kN mechanical rating — the highest in the XMP series — makes it particularly suitable for:
- Extreme long-span lines – Such as river crossings, valley spans, and mountainous terrain where conductor weight and tension are maximized.
- Heavy icing zones – Where ice accretion adds significant weight and mechanical stress, often exceeding the capacity of standard 70kN or 100kN insulators.
- High wind load areas – Where combined wind and ice loading demand maximum mechanical strength.
- Strain, angle, and dead‑end towers – Where mechanical capacity requirements far exceed standard suspension applications.
- 66–110 kV transmission lines – Where higher system voltages require larger insulators with extended creepage distances.
The larger 425mm diameter and extended 385mm creepage distance provide enhanced pollution flashover performance, making the XMP-160 suitable for moderately contaminated environments as well.
Its aerodynamic profile offers additional advantages in:
- Coastal regions – Where high winds and salt spray are common; the reduced wind loading minimizes swing and mechanical stress on towers.
- High-wind corridors – Open plains, mountain passes, and offshore-influenced areas where standard discs may experience excessive wind-induced movement.
Typical application scenarios include:
- 66 kV lines – Double suspension strings or strain applications in extreme environments.
- 110 kV lines – Strain, dead‑end, and heavy-angle towers where maximum mechanical strength is non‑negotiable.
- Substation entries – Reliable insulation for heavy-duty strain and dead‑end towers in the most demanding locations.
The standard 20 ball‑and‑socket coupling ensures compatibility with existing socket hardware, clevis pins, and yokes designed for higher mechanical loads. The compact design facilitates easy hot‑stick handling for live‑line maintenance, minimizing system downtime during replacements.
For higher voltage requirements, multiple units of the XMP-160 suspension insulator can be assembled in strings. Explore our full range of suspension insulators and transmission hardware for more options.
H2: XMP-160 Suspension Insulator — Quality and Performance Advantages
The XMP-160 suspension insulator represents the pinnacle of mechanical strength in our aerodynamic suspension insulator series. Its 160kN rating delivers a 90kN (129%) advantage over standard 70kN insulators, a 80kN (100%) advantage over 80kN class insulators, a 60kN (60%) advantage over 100kN class insulators, and a 40kN (33%) advantage over 120kN class insulators.
Beyond its exceptional mechanical strength, the XMP-160 offers several key performance advantages:
- Extended creepage distance of 385mm – Enhanced pollution flashover performance compared to the 300mm creepage of lower-rated XMP models, making it suitable for 66–110 kV applications in moderately contaminated environments.
- Larger diameter of 425mm – Provides increased surface area for improved electrical performance and self‑cleaning.
- Higher coupling size (20) – Accommodates the increased mechanical loads and ensures compatibility with heavy-duty hardware.
- Higher electrical ratings – 75kV dry withstand, 45kV wet withstand, 110kV lightning impulse, and 130kV puncture voltage exceed those of lower-rated models.
The aerodynamic shed design further enhances performance by reducing wind loading by approximately 15–20%, minimizing insulator swing and reducing mechanical stress on tower structures — a critical benefit when operating at the highest mechanical ratings.
At just 11.3kg, the XMP-160 offers an excellent strength-to-weight ratio for a 160kN class insulator. The solid porcelain body ensures robust dielectric strength throughout its service life.
With an expected service life exceeding 50 years under normal operating conditions, the XMP-160 requires minimal routine maintenance. Every unit undergoes 100% routine testing before dispatch, including:
- Visual and dimensional inspections.
- Routine proof test load verification (80 kN).
- Impact strength testing (10 Nm).
- Power‑frequency wet and dry withstand voltage tests.
- Porosity and temperature‑cycle prototype testing per IEC 60383.
Each insulator is individually foam‑cushioned and securely packed in durable wooden crates or corrugated cartons. This prevents damage during transit. We offer flexible shipping arrangements (FOB, CIF, EXW) with lead times of 15–30 days, depending on order quantity.
For detailed product datasheets, CAD drawings, or competitive pricing on the XMP-160 suspension insulator (brown or gray), please contact our sales team via the inquiry form below.
We also provide OEM services and complimentary technical consultation for string assembly design. For installation guidance, refer to our insulator string assembly guide.
H2: XMP-160 Suspension Insulator — Why Choose Our Product?
Selecting the right suspension insulator for your transmission infrastructure is critical to long‑term grid reliability — especially in extreme long-span, heavy icing, or high-voltage applications. Our XMP-160 suspension insulator is manufactured under stringent quality control protocols at every production stage.
From raw material sourcing (high‑grade porcelain clay) to final high‑voltage electrical testing, every step aligns with IEC 60383. We understand that river crossings, mountain spans, dead‑end towers, and 110 kV lines can push lower-rated insulators beyond their safe operating limits.
That is why the XMP-160 suspension insulator is specifically engineered with a 160kN mechanical rating — the highest in our aerodynamic series — combined with an extended 385mm creepage distance, larger 425mm diameter, and 20 coupling size to handle the most extreme mechanical and electrical demands. Additionally, we offer both brown and gray glaze options to match regional preferences or project specifications.
With over a decade of experience in porcelain insulator production, we offer competitive factory pricing, prompt delivery, and dedicated after‑sales technical support.
Whether you require a small sample batch for project validation or a full container shipment, the XMP-160 suspension insulator (brown or gray) is available with short lead times. Contact us today to discover how the XMP-160 suspension insulator can strengthen your grid reliability in the most extreme environments.


