Fred M. Locke

New Forms of High-Voltage

Insulators.

The insulator shown in the accompanying illustration is one of the new "Locke" designs, which is made for carrying a very high voltage; in fact, up to 50,000 volts, and this particular form of insulator has stood for four hours 70,000 volts without arcing, breaking down or heating. It is of triple-petticoat form and is made in two parts, the outer porcelain and the inner cup glass, or it is made with both outer and inner of porcelain. The idea of using glass is to prevent puncture, as glass, as it is generally known, is the most perfect insulator in this respect, and the outer porcelain prevents leakage, this combination accomplishing the highest results in the matter of insulation. The type which has both porcelain for the outer and inner, it is claimed, that as each part may be thinner, permits better vitrification throughout. In combining the two portions, they are both screwed and fused together. These insulators are mounted on steel pins, with locust tips, and boiled in paraffine. Since the successful transmission of high power at Niagara Falls, there has been a new demand for these high voltage insulators, and Mr. Fred M. Locke, of Victor, N. Y., manufacturer, reports a great number of companies which are equipping with them.