scott wrote:
>> I was thinking more of when everything has been covered in a 
>> continuous layer of water...
> 
> Are you sure that every part between the pylon structure and the cable 
> can get wet to form a continuous path?  It seems to me like part of the 
> design of the insulator is to keep other parts dry:
> 
> http://en.wikivisual.com/images/3/33/Pylon.detail.arp.750pix.jpg

How do you figure that?

> Even if it does *all* get wet, it's going to be a really thin layer of 
> water, and even non-pure water is not a particularly good conductor, if 
> you do the math the resistance probably comes out pretty huge.

You're aware that those cables are carrying several *million* volts?

Still, perhaps all that current would just vapourise the water - and 
then it wouldn't be there any more...

> BTW, that photo also shows the dampers attached on the cables either 
> side of the fixing point.

Well, this stuff clearly works - it's just a mystery to me *why* it 
works. ;-)

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