Abstract: An annular guard (20) for mounting on a high voltage insulator extends laterally thereof for a sufficient distance so as to prevent small wildlife such as squirrels from forming a short circuit between the opposing ends of the insulator at high voltage and earth potential respectively. The guard (20) is formed in two planar parts (24, 26) that are pivoted together (28) so that they can be relatively rotated between an open condition for mounting onto a live insulator and a closed condition for being secured thereto. Overlapping regions of the two parts are secured together (30, 32, 34, 36, 38) in the closed condition.

Abstract: A generally disc-shaped polymeric insulating article (14) is in two parts to fit around the core (4) of an insulator (2). A first part (22) of the article (14) is substantially C-shaped to fit around the insulator core (4), and the second part comprises an insert (30) that slidably engages the first part (22) so as to secure the article in place. The article (14) projects a substantial distance radially from the insulator (2) to prevent animals and the like, bridging the length of, and thus electrically short circuiting, the insulator (2).