Baum patent insulator for 100,000 volts

High-Tension Insulators.—In our issue of Jan. 25 we described and illustrated the Baum high-tension insulator, which had been designed to resist high voltages and to operate in high weather without being liable to deterioration from accumulations of dust upon its surface. It now appears, from a letter of the inventor addressed to the American technical papers, that the drawing we published was made up two years ago largely for the patent application. The accompanying drawing shows the insulator as recently designed. Instead of the insulator top having projecting porcelain lugs around which go the bands securing the bushing, it is possible to use a metal ring cemented over the top of the insulator, the metal ring having projecting lugs for securing the bushing to the top of the insulator by means of the bands. When the line is first strung it may be threaded through the bushing as shown in the upper figure, but should an insulator be broken repairs may be made, as shown below, without cutting the line, if this is not desirable. Mr. Baum has worked out this design of insulator for an operating voltage of from 80,000 to 100,000 volts after an experience of several years with all kinds of insulators under all kinds of conditions. He believes that the design is logical, and one which would be arrived at by considering the subject from the mechanical as well as the electrical standpoint. , 'It is the opinion of a large number of engineers that power will be that power will be transmitted within the next five years successfully at 100,000 volts, and Mr. Baum believes the design given will operate at that voltage, except where fog conditions are extremely severe. It is hoped that the design offered will bring out other ideas on the matter.