Pin insulator




A pin insulator consists of a nonconducting material such as porcelain, glass, plastic, polymer, or wood that is formed into a shape that will isolate a wire from a physical support (or "pin") on a telegraph, utility pole or other structure, providing a means to hold the insulator to the pin and secure the conductor to the insulator. Unlike a strain insulator, the pin insulator is directly connected to the supporting pole. Pin insulators were utilized before 1830, predating the strain insulator. Production of pin insulators is continued today by manufacturers worldwide.