Abstract: A dielectric cover for an insulator, supporting a high voltage conductor in an electrical distribution system, has holes for receiving retaining pins. The retaining pins are used to secure the cover over the insulator and conductor. Arched fenders, which may be circular or have a bottom opening, extend out from the cover and overlie the holes and ends of the pins. The fenders prevent birds roosting on the pin, increase the dielectric surface length between the top of the cover and the electrical conductor above the pins, and protect the pins from contamination issues which would reduce the dielectric properties of the pins. Contamination issues include birds defecating on the pins, which can create a conductive path between the bird and the inside of the cover, and atmospheric moisture such as rain, snow, and ice on the pins. Thus, wildlife is protected from electrocution.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a fuse cutout cover has an integral roof portion. The roof portion covers the energized top of a fuse in a first type of cutout. An attachable roof extension covers the energized top of a fuse in a larger second type of cutout. By having the optional roof extension feature, the same cover may be used with two types of cutouts. The roof extension is connected using a cruxiform connector on the bottom surface of the roof portion that tightly fits into a hole in the roof extension. To prevent an air gap between the cruxiform connector and the hole in the roof extension, the bottom of the hole is sealed. This prevents flashovers through the air gap. As a result, electrical insulation between wildlife and the energized cutout is increased.

Abstract: A plastic retaining pin for being inserted through a retaining hole in a high voltage insulating cover has a compressible nose, with the wide part of the nose being larger than the retaining hole. The pin may be on the order of 3-12 inches long. The other end of the pin has a grasping ring for receiving the hook of a hot stick. Along the length of the body of the pin is a plurality of radial portions (e.g., six or more) extending outward from a centerline of the body. These radial portions may be skirts or ribs having a diameter less than the retaining hole in the cover. The skirts or ribs greatly increase the surface leakage distance along the body of the pin and also prevent conductive liquids flowing along the body, which may lead to a flashover.