Insulators are devices installed between conductors at different potentials or between conductors and grounding components, capable of withstanding the effects of voltage and mechanical stresses. There are many types of insulators, each with varying shapes. Although the structures and appearances of different types of insulators differ significantly, they are both composed of two main parts: the insulating component and the connecting hardware.

Insulators are specialized insulating components that play a crucial role in overhead transmission lines. In earlier years, insulators were commonly used on utility poles. Over time, many disk-shaped insulators were hung at one end of tall, high-voltage transmission line towers to increase the creepage distance. Typically made of glass or ceramic, these are referred to as insulators.