Abstract: A load insulator 2, for interposition into a loaded line, comprises a plurality of mechanical links 4 connected together to form a chain, and an electrical insulator 8 arranged between a pair of adjacent interlocked links 10,12 in the form of an insert of insulative material to electrically isolate the links 10,12 of the pair from each other. A load sensing device may be provided for sensing the strain on the mechanical link. A measuring device 24 for measuring the resistance of the insulator 8 is provided to check the electrical condition of the load insulator, whilst a recording and indicating device allows for recording of electrical strikes and provide a lifetime expiry indicator.

Abstract: A load measuring device has a plurality of links 2 arranged in a chain to which a load to be measured is applied, respective sensing elements G disposed on two or more links for detecting the strain on the links 2 and giving output signals dependent on the strains, and electronic processing circuitry including a microcomputer system 12 to process the signals and to compute a value for the applied load.