Wooden Unity insulator

WOODEN INSULATOR.

A novelty consisting of a combined insulator and pin of one piece of wood has be brought out by the Minerallac Electric Company, of Chicago, and is illustrated herewith. The wood is thoroughly impregnated with an insulating compound which gives it, according to the claim of the manufacturer, rather remarkable dielectric properties, at the same time acting as a wood preservative. Several varieties of wood are used, maple being employed in some instances. The impregnation makes the insulator perfectly black in color and gives the surface a somewhat oil feeling. The combined insulator and pin is turned out of a solid piece of wood, and it is asserted that the insulating properties secured after impregnation are better than glass of corresponding size and shape. The new insulator is known as the "Unity" type, and it is declared that insulators made in this manner have been in service on 4000-volt, 9000-volt and 12,000 volt high-tension lines without arcing. Further, it is asserted that some of the earliest installations have been in actual service as long as eight years and show no deterioration in insulating qualities nor any tendency to crack or to split.

Wooden Insulator.

Several practical advantages inhere in this type of insulator and pin. The device is practically non-breakable, and the packing and shipping can be done simply and cheaply. Further, no irreparable damage will be done if the small boy uses it as a target in throwing stones or if a hunter in outlying regions takes a "crack" at it with his shotgun. If the lineman drops the insulator to the ground while at work no harm is done. The mechanical strength is said to be sufficient for ordinary conditions. This insulator was exhibited publicly for the first time at the recent Chicago telephone convention, but it is said to be adapted for other classes of overhead construction work as well as telephone lines.