On Thu, 22 Aug 2013 11:39:39 +0100, Tim Streater
wrote:


I sometimes observe that on switch gear and pylons insulators etc there
are odd pointy bits of wire etc - I even see that on rural lines where
there seem to be some sort of breakers. Assuming these are not merely
artistic whimsy on the part of the designer, what are they for?

They are arcing horns and are fitted so any arcing from overvoltage that occurs
takes place across them and not across the porcelain insulators.

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