The Fiske-Mott High Resistance Insulator

The Fiske-Mott High Resistance Insulator.

This insulator, an illustration of which is presented on this page, has just been brought out by the Chicago Insulating Co., who own the Fiske-Mott patent. It is attracting much attention. We have ourselves examined it, and can only express our surprise that a device so simple, yet so adequate to the end sought, has not been hit upon before. The principle studied out is, that leakage occurs largely at the insulators to which a wire is attached, and that the contact between the wire and the insulator must therefore be reduced as far as possible. Here we have an insulator presenting the minimum of surface to the wire, the sum of the surfaces being, it is claimed, about one-tenth that in insulators of prevailing type. The wire lies in the groove resting against a series of edges, or ribs. This in itself is a recommendation of the insulator to electricians. But it is requisite, moreover, that dirt and moisture should not accumulate around a wire, forming a conducting layer over the surface of the insulator. A glance at the cut will show that besides the groove for the wire itself, there are supplementary incisions or gutters, by means of which wind and rain are enabled to perform the cleansing process, should any deposits be made, a contingency that is not likely to arise, as no place is offered for their lodgement.

A further primary requirement in an insulator is that it shall be made of material that is a poor conductor, and that is strong. The Chicago Insulating Co. make their articles either of glass or of a special patent composition of their own, said to possess insulating qualities of a high order. The insulators are solidly constructed, and the ribs are secure from injury in transportation and handling. We have heard telegraph engineers speak highly of the article, and understand that the company have made arrangements for its manufacture on a large scale.