Insulators
In the past when the usage of electricity just started to grow glass insulators were used to protect wires with electricity from rain.
In the 1840s Samuel Morse invented a telegraph. The electrical telegraph transmitted electrical signals over wires from one point to another that translated into a message.
Later on was invented a telephone. Scientists discovered how to transmit a voice with a help of electrical wires.
These two inventions were based on electricity. It worked well in dry weather. But the main problem was to provide connection when it was raining. Electricity and water are two things that cannot interact. And in the late 1840s it was discovered that simple glass nub can help in solving the problem. Through additional research it was found that different shapes of glass nubs worked better in rainy weather. The need for electric wiring brought increased usage of insulators. Glass insulators were the most popular and came in many colors, shapes and sizes.
• Lightning rod insulators
• Battery rest insulators
• Threadless insulators
• Threaded insulators
Lightning rod insulators
Their role was to insulate lightning rods and cables from structure. They were used until 1840s.
Battery rest insulators
When in the 1840s the telegraph was invented battery rest insulators were discovered and used.
Threadless insulators
Unfortunately all insulators did not last forever. Some of them failed in the wet season or became damaged because of big temperature swings. Eventually one general design was invented. Such insulators were of a “pin-type” because the line wire was placed on a wood “pin”. And because of such a shape insulators were named “threadless”.
Threaded insulators
In 1865 Cauvet had an idea of threading the pin and the pin-hole, thus securing the insulator. Such invention would prevent insulators from working loose and shrinking during the winter. This was the last correction which finally improved insulators. Such insulators were called “threaded insulators”.
In the 1970s the production of insulators ended. They were no longer needed. Technology went forward and invented new ways of insulation.
But there are a lot of people who found collecting old glass insulators as a very interesting hobby. Old glass insulators can range in value from $2 up to $400. Some collectors ready to pay big money if they see an antique insulator for sale.