Abstract: A spacing element for spacing a pipe from a protective pipe outwardly surrounding the latter, has an annular body including a plurality of segments adapted to be placed on an outer surface of the pipe and each having a plurality of projections provided with sliding surfaces and adapted to abut against the protective pipe. The spacing element further includes a plurality of electrically insulating wedge-shaped connecting portions for connecting the segments with one another. The connecting portions may be formed as trough-shaped members embracing trough-shaped flanges of the segments. The connecting portions may also be formed as wedge members insertable into bores of a projection of one of the segments engaging a recess of an adjacent segment, or fixable to an outer surface of such projection. Additional connecting members such as electrically insulating pins, straps and strings may be provided for connecting the segments with one another.