Abstract: An electrical insulator comprising a cylindrical core (2) of an insulating refractory material, such as porcelain, onto a portion of the curved surface of which a sleeve (8) of insulating polymeric material is fitted. Metal end-caps (4), for electrically connecting the insulator, are fitted to the ends of the porcelain core such that there is an exposed portion (10) of the curved surface of the core between the sleeve and each end-cap. Thus, any damaging electrical activity which takes place at the metal end-caps is directed primarily onto the surface of the porcelain core (2), and not onto the surface of the electrically vulnerable polymeric sleeve (8), which serves to protect mechanically the relatively brittle porcelain core. Optionally, the polymeric sleeve (8) may have a convoluted or a shedded outer surface (12) to increase the leakage path length of the insulator, or to prevent the formation of a continuous moisture path, or both.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrical insulator comprising a cylindrical core (2) of an insulating refractory material, such as porcelain, onto a portion of the curved surface of which a sleeve (8) of insulating polymeric material is fitted. Metal end-caps (4), for electrically connecting the insulator, are fitted to the ends of the porcelain core such that there is an exposed portion (10) of the curved surface of the core between the sleeve and each end-cap. Thus, any damaging electrical activity which takes place at the metal end-caps is directed primarily onto the surface of the porcelain core (2), and not onto the surface of the electrically vulnerable polymeric sleeve (8), which serves to protect mechanically the relatively brittle porcelain core. Optionally, the polymeric sleeve (8) may have a convoluted or a shedded outer surface (12) to increase the leakage path length of the insulator, or to prevent the formation of a continuous moisture path, or both.

Abstract: A high voltage insulator that has a helical configuration in which successive turns are axially spaced apart, and an exposed surface of insulating and substantially non-tracking material. The helical configuration provides a long creepage path length and an ability to shed water. The insulator is sufficiently rigid for it to provide a support, for example, for a high voltage cable or for a fibre optic cable.

Abstract: A tubular article has an outer component of insulating material having a convoluted outer surface, and an inner component of stress grading material. In another embodiment, a tubular article has an outer component of insulating material having an outer surface that is convoluted along part of its length and shedded along another part of its length. The articles may be of heat-shrinkable polymeric material. The articles are particularly useful for terminating high voltage electric cables, and in the manufacture of electrical insulators.