Line-past insulator support system, method of assembly thereof, and clamp for use therein

DETAILED DESCRIPTION In FIGS.
1A and 1B, a tower or pole 10 carries an electrical conductor 12 at the other end of a horizontal line-post insulator 14 for the transmission of electric power at high voltages.
A support to be referred to as a basket 16 is affixed by conventional means to the outer end of the insulator 14 and encircles the conductor 12 to securely support the conductor 12 at the outer end of the insulator 14.
A clamp 18 connects the conductor 12 to the basket 16, the clamp 18 being tightly fitted around the conductor 12 and being secured to the basket 16 by shear pins 20.
In the event of longitudinal forces in the conductor 12 exceeding the strength of the shear pins, the shear pins 20 fracture in response to the excessive tensile forces in the conductor 12.
The conductor 12 and the clamp 18 can then slide through the loop of the basket 16 and thereby protect the insulator 14 and its mounting to the tower 10 from damage due to the excessive tensile forces.
Thereby, the known foregoing arrangement protects the insulator 14 from hazards due to forces exerted in a generally longitudinal direction, along the length of the conductor.
In accordance with the invention, protection is provided for forces exerted in a generally vertical direction, such forces being due to the weight of the conductor 12 as well as to vertical movement associated with the dynamic forces of the conductor 12 due to release of the conductor at support points.
The invention provides for a tension member 22 which is affixed by conventional means at its upper end to the tower or pole 10, and which terminates at its lower end in a clamp 24 adapted for mating with the outer terminus of the insulator 14.
The clamp 24 is specifically configured to be fitted into the space between the basket 16 and the insulator 14 without any disruption of the position of the conductor 12 and without any disruption of the conduction of electrical power by the conductor 12.
The unique features of the clamp 24 which permit connection of the member 22 to the terminus of the insulator 14 during the transmission of electric power will now be described