An electrical insulator is a material whose internal electric charges do not flow freely. The successful operation of an overhead line depends to a considerable extent upon the proper selection of insulation. The five types of insulators are:
- Suspension insulators
- Pin insulators
- Strain Insulators
- Stay Insulators
- Shackle Insulators
Among these insulators, strain, suspension and pin insulators are used in medium to high voltage systems, while stay and shackle are mainly used in low voltage applications.