Does anyone know the origin of the name "fish paper?"
This is the paper-like sheet insulation used to separate
or cover windings in transformers. It's been around since
before WW II and is still in use, but why is it called
"fish paper?"

Rich

From what I remember being told many years ago, the name was because a type of "fish oil" (like tuna oil) was used to impregnate the paper. The common term for it was "fish paper" but there was a more proper technical term for it, which I can't remember.

It came it quite a variety of thicknesses though, from paper thin to cardboard like on the back of notepads.

:Does anyone know the origin of the name "fish paper?"
:This is the paper-like sheet insulation used to separate
:or cover windings in transformers. It's been around since
:before WW II and is still in use, but why is it called
:"fish paper?"
:
:Rich

I've been able to find out that "fish paper" is actually not paper,
but a primitive kind of polymer material. It is made by soaking fibers in
a chemical solution. What I can't find, is why it's called "fish paper."
So far as I can tell, there is no relationship to fish oil. I found a number
of web sites with consistent information about how the stuff is made, but
nowhere did it say why it's called "fish paper."

Thanks..... Rich

:From what I remember being told many years ago, the name was because a type of "fish oil" (like tuna oil) was used to impregnate the paper. The common term for it was "fish paper" but there was a more proper technical term for it, which I can't remember.
:
:It came it quite a variety of thicknesses though, from paper thin to cardboard like on the back of notepads.
:
:
:
:
:
:
::Does anyone know the origin of the name "fish paper?"
::This is the paper-like sheet insulation used to separate
::or cover windings in transformers. It's been around since
::before WW II and is still in use, but why is it called
::"fish paper?"
::
::Rich

Rich,
I do not know the origin of the name. However it is available at http://www.tubesandmore.com (antique electronic supply) and is described as gray insulating paper 0.010" thick, used in switches, under terminals, in transformenr etc. where mechanical strength is required. Dielectric strength 3000 volts. 9'wide roll contains 250 sq inches. PN S-M560 price $4.50
Jeff W

:Does anyone know the origin of the name "fish paper?"
:This is the paper-like sheet insulation used to separate
:or cover windings in transformers. It's been around since
:before WW II and is still in use, but why is it called
:"fish paper?"
:
:Rich

::Does anyone know the origin of the name "fish paper?"
::This is the paper-like sheet insulation used to separate
::or cover windings in transformers. It's been around since
::before WW II and is still in use, but why is it called
::"fish paper?"
::

Fish paper is made from high quality rag paper by a chemical process using zinc chloride. It has a harder surface and is stiffer than ordinary rag paper. Fish paper has excellent forming qualities and good electric
strength.

Chuck

The fish oil idea is interesting, but it seems to me that petroleum wax or heavy oil would give the same insulating properties without the risk of becoming rancid. Animal and vegetable fats which are actually fatty acids and subject to oxidation.

Other than that, I have nothing to contribute! :-(

:Does anyone know the origin of the name "fish paper?"
:This is the paper-like sheet insulation used to separate
:or cover windings in transformers. It's been around since
:before WW II and is still in use, but why is it called
:"fish paper?"
:
:Rich

Well, maybe the original spelling was "Fitch" or "Fiche" or something like that, probably designating the inventor of the process. Could be that the pronunciation was evenually slurred to the more easier to pronounce and spell "Fish".

:The fish oil idea is interesting, but it seems to me that petroleum wax or heavy oil would give the same insulating properties without the risk of becoming rancid. Animal and vegetable fats which are actually fatty acids and subject to oxidation.
:
:Other than that, I have nothing to contribute! :-(
:
::Does anyone know the origin of the name "fish paper?"
::This is the paper-like sheet insulation used to separate
::or cover windings in transformers. It's been around since
::before WW II and is still in use, but why is it called
::"fish paper?"
::
::Rich