Abstract: A load insulator having an elongated, load bearing, electrically insulating body extending between and coupled to opposite metal lugs, for coupling the load insulator in a loaded line, has an electrically insulating cover formed on the outside of the body and extending over and completely covering each of the pair of metal lugs at the opposite ends of the body. The insulating cover, which is of integral, one-piece construction, and may be made of polyurethane, is formed within a mold during construction of the load insulator by leaving a void within the mold around the opposite metal lugs and the body before introducing plastic into the mold, to form the insulating cover. Covering each of the opposite metal lugs as well as the body with the insulating cover forces high voltage-produced currents through the inside of the load insulator by preventing current creep around and flashing over the outside of the insulator body.

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.