Galvanized insulator supports

Abstract

An example of an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes an insulating material to stop a flow of current. In addition, the apparatus includes a first connector secured to a first end of the insulating material. The first connector includes a hole to receive the first end of the insulating material. The apparatus further includes a fastener hole with a threaded surface formed in the first connector to receive a fastener. The threaded surface is to mate with a complimentary thread of the fastener to secure the first connector to a base. Furthermore, the apparatus includes a second connector secured to a second end opposite the first end of the insulating material. In addition, the apparatus includes a coating deposited uniformly over a surface of the first connector to reduce corrosion and to reduce arcing. The coating has a substantially uniform thickness over the threaded surface.

Description

GALVANIZED INSULATOR SUPPORTSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONThis application claims priority to PCT Patent Application No. PCT / IB2023 / 059647, filed September 27, 2023, which is incorporated by reference in its entireties.BACKGROUND

[0001] Electricity is delivered across long distances from a power generation station to local power grids using high-voltage power lines. The high-voltage power lines are typically overhead conductors that may be bare and insulated by separation from each other using the surrounding air. In order for the conductors to be supported overhead across distances, supports are used at points along the conductor to mount the conductors to transmission and distribution towers. Insulators are used to mount the conductor to a transmission and distribution tower and to avoid current flowing to the transmission and distribution tower from the conductor.

[0002] Insulators used for high-voltage transmission and distribution applications may be made from a wide variety of materials such as glass, porcelain, or composite polymer materials. Porcelain insulators may be made from clay, quartz, or alumina and feldspar, and are covered with a smooth glaze to resist debris and water. The electrical properties of a porcelain insulator may vary depending on the type of porcelain used and may have a dielectric strength of about 4-10 kV / mm. Glass may have a higher dielectric strength than porcelain which may be advantageous. However, glass often forms condensation, which may result in shorting across the insulator. Furthermore, thick irregular shapes used for insulators are difficult to cast without internal strains.Recently, polymer composite materials for some types of insulators have been used. These insulators may be composed of a central rod made of reinforced plastic and an outer material made of a rubber material, such as silicone. Composite insulators are less costly, lighter in weight, and have excellent hydrophobic capability. This combination makes them ideal for service in polluted areas.

[0003] Dirt, pollution, salt, and particularly water on the surface of a high voltage insulator can create a conductive path across the surface, causing leakage currents and arcing conditions, such as a flashover. The flashover voltage may be reduced by more than about half when the insulator is wet. High voltage insulators for outdoor use are shaped to increase the length of a leakage path along the surface from one end to the other of the insulator to reduce leakage currents and arcing. A common design to increase the length of a leakage path is to mold the insulator into a series of corrugations or concentric disc shapes. In addition, each disc shape may be a downward facing cup-shaped surface that acts as an umbrella to provide a dry underside that may act to break the leakage path.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] Reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0005] Figure 1A is a schematic representation of an example of an apparatus to support electrical infrastructure components;

[0006] Figure 1 B is a cross section view of the apparatus shown in figure 1 A;

[0007] Figure 2 is a schematic representation of an example of a portion of an electrical pole 100 with a grounding switch;

[0008] Figure 3A is a schematic representation of an example of a connector compatible with the apparatus shown in figure 1A;

[0009] Figure 3B is a cross section view of the connector shown in figure 3A;

[0010] Figure 3C is a zoomed in view of a portion of the cross section of the connector shown in figure 3B;

[0011] Figure 4 is a schematic representation of an example of a portion of an electrical pole 100 with a conducting cables;

[0012] Figure 5 is a schematic representation of another example of an apparatus to support electrical infrastructure components;

[0013] Figure 6 is a schematic representation of another example of an apparatus to support electrical infrastructure components; and

[0014] Figure 7 is a flowchart of an example of a method of supporting electrical infrastructure components.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Conducting cables are commonly used to deliver electricity across larger distances by carrying a current at high voltages. The conducting cables are generally placed high above the reach of most things at ground level for safety purposes. In order for the conducting cables to be supported overhead the conducting cables are physically mounted to fixtures, such as transmission and distribution towers or other structures capable of supporting the weight of the conducting cables. Since the fixtures are typically made of a conducting metal, insulators are used to mount the conducting cables to the fixture, such as a transmission and distribution tower, to avoid shorting the transmission circuit or losing current flowing through the conducting cables to the transmission and distribution tower.

[0016] As the conducting cables are generally placed in an outdoor setting and exposed to weather and elements, deposits of material may form on the surfaces of the entire delivery system. This includes the conducting cables, fixtures and structures supporting the conducting cables, as well as the insulators that mount the conducting cables to the fixtures. Over time, dirt, pollution, salt, and other contaminants may collect on the surface of the insulator. Once the contaminants are exposed to water, a conductive solution may form across the surface to create a conductive path across the insulator from the conducting cable to the fixture, which may cause leakage currents and arcing, such as a flashover. In some examples, the flashover voltage may be reduced by more than about half when a contaminated insulator is wet.

[0017] In addition to surface contaminants, corrosion of metal parts may further reduce the flashover voltage. It is to be appreciated with the benefit of this descriptionthat insulators used to mount conducting cables are typically secured to the conducting cables with a metallic connector. Similarly, a connector at the other end of the insulator is used to secure the insulator to the fixture, such as a transmission and distribution tower. The connectors are disposed at opposite ends of the insulating material and may be crimped or otherwise secured to the insulating material. Accordingly, there exists a metal and insulator interface at each of these connectors. The surfaces at the interface may be exposed to moisture and other contaminants such as salt which can enhance the corrosion of the connectors, which are typically made of steel, such as a forged or cast steel or forged or cast aluminum for their physical properties. As the metallic interface surface corrodes, it may promote arcing at the interface to further reduce the flashover voltage, which increases the likelihood of a flashover event.

[0018] An apparatus and method to insulate a conducting cable from a fixture or structure is provided. In the present example, the apparatus is a station post insulator to support a conducting cable via tension or suspension with one end secured to a cross arm, pole, or other fixture and the other end connected to the conducting cable. The apparatus is not particularly limited. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that in other examples the apparatus may also be a suspension insulator, a post insulator, a line post insulator, a cut-out switch, a transformer bushing, and other similar components in a transmission and distribution system. The apparatus includes connecting ends that have been treated to resist corrosion to improve performance and enhance service life.

[0019] Referring to figures 1 A and 1 B, an apparatus to support electrical infrastructure components, such as a conducting cable, power handling equipment, or other components that are to be insulated from ground, is generally shown at 50. The apparatus 50 may include additional components, such as additional connectors, fasteners, and other features for specific applications. In addition, it is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that the design may be varied for different applications as discussed in greater detail below. In the present example, the apparatus 50 includes an insulating material 55, a first connector 60, a second connector 65, and a coating 70 disposed on the first connector 60.

[0020] The insulating material 55 is to stop current from flowing between theconducting cable and the fixture supporting the conducting cable. Accordingly the insulating material 55 includes a dielectric component that separates the conducting cable from the fixture at a distance that is sufficient to prevent arcing. In addition, the insulating material 55 is to have sufficient mechanical properties to support the weight of the conducting cable. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that the exact size and design as well as the type of material is not particularly limited and may be varied.

[0021] In the present example, the insulating material 55 is a composite material and in particular, a rubber material, such as silicone is used. In other examples, the insulating material 55 may be a plastic polymer composite, ethylene propylene diene terpolymer, ethylene propylene diene, or other similar materials. The rubber material may also be designed to include self-cleaning properties to reduce the buildup contaminants, such as dust and salt, in polluted or saline environments. In other examples, the insulating material 55 may be made from different dielectric materials, such as glass or porcelain since both materials can have mechanical and electrical properties suitable to mount and to support a conducting cable to a fixture.

[0022] Furthermore, the specific design of the insulating material 55 is not particularly limited. In the present example, the insulating material 55 has a ribbed design. The ribbed design is to increase the surface area of the insulating material 55 which in turn increases the surface path length from one end of the apparatus 50 to the opposite end. By increasing the surface path length, it is to be appreciated by a person of skill that the flashover voltage is increased to reduce the likelihood of arcing across the apparatus 50. In other examples, the design of the insulating material 55 may be modified to have different shapes or designs. For example, the ribs may include a curvature to repel moisture while keeping an underside dry when the apparatus 50 is oriented in a substantially vertical orientation. In other designs, the insulating material 55 may have a substantially elongated shape, such as a cylinder or rectangular prism.

[0023] The first connector 60 is to be secured to an end of the insulating material 55. The manner by which the first connector 60 is secured to the insulating material 55 is not particularly limited. In the present example, the first connector 60 includes a hole which is dimensioned to receive an end of the insulating material 55. In particular, thefirst connector 60 may include a circular hole into which a cylindrical end of the insulating material 55 slides. The insulating material 55 may be secured via a friction fit in the hole. In some examples, an adhesive may be used to secure the insulating material 55. In further examples, the insulating material 55 may be secured with a fastener, such as a clamp, bolt, screw, or the first connector 60 may be crimped to hold the insulating material 55. Furthermore, the insulating material 55 may also be sealed in the hole of the first connector 60 to reduce the amount of moisture and other contaminants entering the interface between the insulating material 55 and the first connector 60.

[0024] The first connector 60 is to connect to another component, such as a base, from which the electrical infrastructure component is to be electrically insulated. In particular, the base may be an electrical ground to be separated from conducting equipment to avoid an electrical short in a transmission system or distribution system. Referring to figure 2, a portion of an electrical pole 100 with a grounding switch is generally shown. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that the other component in this example is the electrical pole 100, which serves as the base to which the first connector 60 is connected. Accordingly the first connector 60 is to be fastened to the electrical pole 100 to allow the apparatus 50 to support the grounding switch 105 above the ground. The manner by which the first connector 60 connects to the electrical pole 100 is not particularly limited. In the present example, the first connector 60 includes a fastener hole 75 formed therewithin. The fastener hole 75 includes a threaded surface 80 disposed on the inner surface of the fastener hole 75. The threaded surface 80 is to mate with a complimentary thread on a fastener, such as a bolt, to secure the first connector 60 to the electrical pole 100 in the present example. In other examples, the first connector 60 may use other mechanisms to mount to the electrical pole 100 or another base, such as rivet connections or clamping mechanisms. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that the apparatus 50 may also be used or modified to be used on distribution towers, transmission towers, or ground level substations.

[0025] In the present example, the first connector 60 is made from a steel, such as a cast or forged steel alloy. The first connector 60 may be molded into a unitary body. Inother examples, the first connector 60 may be made from different materials, such as aluminum, with sufficient mechanical properties to support the grounding switch 105.

[0026] The second connector 65 is to be secured to the opposite end of the insulating material 55. The manner by which the second connector 65 is secured to the insulating material 55 is not particularly limited. Similar to the first connector, the second connector 65 may include a hole which is dimensioned to receive an end of the insulating material 55. In particular, the second connector 65 may include a circular hole into which a second and opposite cylindrical end of the insulating material 55 slides. The insulating material 55 may be secured via a friction fit in the hole of the second connector 65. In other examples, the insulating material 55 may be secured with a fastener, such as a clamp, bolt, screw, or the second connector 65 may be crimped to hold the insulating material 55. Furthermore, the insulating material 55 may also be sealed in the hole of the second connector 65 to reduce the amount of moisture and other contaminants entering the interface between the insulating material 55 and the second connector 65.

[0027] The second connector 65 is to connect the apparatus 50 to an electrical infrastructure component. The manner by which the second connector 65 connects to the electrical infrastructure component is not particularly limited. In the present example, the second connector 65 is connected to the grounding switch 105 and may have a corresponding mount to which the grounding switch 105 is to be mounted. In the present example, the second connector 65 is substantially the same as the first connector 60 or may use other mechanisms to connect to the grounding switch 105, such as a welded joint.

[0028] In the present example, the second connector 65 is made from a steel, such as a cast or forged steel alloy. The second connector 65 may be molded into a unitary body. In other examples, the second connector 65 may be made from different materials with sufficient mechanical properties to support the grounding switch. In further examples, the second connector 65 may be substantially identical to the first connector 60 such that the apparatus 50 is symmetrical. It is also to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that in some examples, the second connector 65 may be connected to a connector of another apparatus to form an insulator column.

[0029] The coating 70 deposited on the first connector 60 is to be deposited uniformly over the surface of the first connector 60, especially on the threaded surface 80. In the present example, the coating 70 is an anticorrosion coating to reduce corrosion of the first connector 60 under the coating. In particular, the coating 70 forms a layer of protection to prevent moisture, salt, and other contaminants from interacting with the first connector 60. Continuing with the present example where the first connector 60 is made from steel, the coating 70 reduces the ability for the surface to corrode by forming oxides, such as rust. In addition, the coating reduces the amount of arcing at the surface.

[0030] The coating 70 is not particularly limited and may be any protective layer that can be applied to the first connector 60. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that the material from which the coating 70 is made as well as the method of application may vary depending on the application, such as the environment in which the apparatus 50 is deployed, as well as the materials from which the first connector 60 is made. In the present example, the coating 70 is a zinc coating used to galvanize the surface of the first connector 60. In particular, the coating 70 may be applied using a thermal diffusion galvanization process. The use of a thermal diffusion galvanization process was found to improve the performance of the coating 70. During the thermal diffusion, the zinc is bonded better to the surface of the first connector 60 in comparison with other methods. In addition, the thermal diffusion process improves the uniformity of the coating, especially in intricate portions of the surface, such as the threaded surface 80. In other examples, the coating 70 may also be applied using a hot dip process. In further examples, alternative coatings other than a zinc coating may be applied to provide improved anticorrosion performance, such as various paints.

[0031] Referring to figures 3A, 3B, and 3C, the first connector 60 is shown in greater detail. In the present example, the first connector 60 includes a unitary body 61 , a threaded connecting mechanism 62, a hole 63, and a coating 70 deposited uniformly over the surface of the body 61 .

[0032] In the present example, the threaded connecting mechanism 62 is formed in the body 61 with a threaded surface 80 in a fastener hole 75. In the present example,the threaded connecting mechanism 62 is formed in the body 61 and configured to receive a fastener (not shown). In use, a fastener is connected to or threaded through a base or another component. The threaded connecting mechanism 62 receives the fastener with a complimentary thread to secure the body 61 to the base.

[0033] The hole 63 is to receive the insulating material 55 to be secured to the body 61 . The manner by which the insulating material 55 is secured to the body 61 is not particularly limited. In the present example, the hole 63 is dimensioned to receive an end of the insulating material 55. In particular, the hole 63 may be circular to receive a cylindrical end of the insulating material 55. The insulating material 55 may be secured via a friction fit in the hole 63. In some examples, an adhesive may be used to secure the insulating material 55. In further examples, the insulating material 55 may be secured with a fastener, such as a clamp, bolt, screw, or the body 61 may be crimped at the hole 63. Furthermore, the insulating material 55 may also be sealed in the hole 63 to reduce the amount of moisture and other contaminants entering the interface between the insulating material 55 and the body 61.

[0034] The coating 70 is to reduce corrosion on the surface of the body 61 . It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that the reduction of corrosion also reduces the likelihood of arcing between the conducting surfaces. For example, the coating 70 is deposited uniformly over all surfaces including over the surface of the threaded connecting mechanism 62 to reduce arcing between a fastener and the body 61 during use.

[0035] Referring to figure 4, a portion of an electrical pole 100 to carry overhead conducting cables 110 is generally shown. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that an apparatus 50a mounted to the electrical pole 100 serves as the base to which the first connector 60a is connected. Like components of the apparatus 50a bear like reference to their counterparts in the apparatus 50, except followed by the suffix “a”. Accordingly the first connector 60a is to be fastened to the electrical pole 100 to allow the apparatus 50a to support a conducting cable 110 above the ground. The manner by which the first connector 60a connects to the electrical pole 100 is not particularly limited. In the present example, the first connector 60a includes a fastener hole (not shown) formed therewithin. The fastener hole is in thecenter of the first connector 60a and includes a threaded surface disposed on the inner surface of the fastener hole. In the present example, the threaded surface is to mate with a complimentary thread on a fastener, such as a bolt, to secure the first connector 60a to the electrical pole 100. In other examples, the first connector 60a may use other mechanisms to mount to the electrical pole 100 or another base, such as rivet connections or clamping mechanisms. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that although the present example is described with an electrical pole 100 of a distribution tower, the apparatus 50a may also be used or modified to be used on transmission towers or ground level substations.

[0036] The second connector 65a is to be secured to the opposite end of the insulating material 55a. The manner by which the second connector 65a is secured to the insulating material 55a is not particularly limited. The second connector 65a is to connect the apparatus 50a to an electrical infrastructure component. The manner by which the second connector 65a connects to the electrical infrastructure component is not particularly limited. In the present example, the second connector 65a is connected to a conducting cable 110 and may include a valley through which the conducting cable 110 passes. Accordingly, the apparatus 50a functions as a support for the conducting cable 110 as it is placed in accessible public spaces. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that the conducting cable 110 may slide freely along the valley to allow for some movement and expansion of the conducting cable to reduce mechanical stress on the electricity delivery system while supporting the connecting cable above the ground. In other examples, the second connector 65a may be identical to the first connector 60a or use other mechanisms to connect to the conducting cable, such as a welded joint.

[0037] The coating 70a on the first connector 60a is to be deposited uniformly over the surface of the first connector 60a, especially on the threaded surface receiving a fastener to secure the apparatus 50a. In the present example, the coating 70a is similar to the coating 70 discussed above. In particular, the coating 70a is an anticorrosion coating to reduce corrosion of the first connector 60a under the coating. In particular, the coating 70a forms a layer of protection to prevent moisture, salt, and other contaminants from interacting with the first connector 60a. Continuing with the presentexample where the first connector 60a is made from steel, the coating 70a reduces the ability for the surface to corrode by forming oxides, such as rust. In addition, the coating 70a reduces the amount of arcing at the surface.

[0038] The coating 70a is not particularly limited and may be any protective layer that can be applied to the first connector 60a and may be similar to the coating 70 described above. In particular, the coating 70a is a zinc coating used to galvanize the surface of the first connector 60a applied with a thermal diffusion galvanization process.

[0039] The second connector 65a is to be secured to the opposite end of the insulating material 55a. The manner by which the second connector 65a is secured to the insulating material 55a is not particularly limited. In the present example, the second connector 65a may include a hole which is dimensioned to receive an end of the insulating material 55a. In particular, the second connector 65a includes a circular hole into which a second and opposite cylindrical end of the insulating material 55a slides. The insulating material 55a is secured via a friction fit in the hole of the second connector 65a. In other examples, the insulating material 55a may be secured with a fastener, such as a clamp, bolt, screw, or the second connector 65a may be crimped to hold the insulating material 55a.

[0040] The second connector 65a is to connect the apparatus 50a to a conducting cable. The manner by which the second connector 65a connects to the electrical infrastructure component is not particularly limited. In the present example, the second connector 65a supports a conducting cable 110 and includes a valley to engage the conducting cable. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that the conducting cable 110 may slide freely through the valley to allow for some movement and expansion of the conducting cable 110 to reduce mechanical stress on the electricity delivery system while supporting the connecting cable 110 above the ground.

[0041] In the present example, the second connector 65a is made from a steel, such as a cast or forged steel alloy. The second connector 65a may be molded into a unitary body. In other examples, the second connector 65a may be made from different materials with sufficient mechanical properties to support the conducting cable. It is also to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that in someexamples, the second connector 65a may be connected to a connector of another apparatus to form an insulator column. The coating 70a may also be deposited over the second connector 65a. Since the present example does not include any threaded surfaces on the second connector 65a, alternative coating methods to a thermal diffusion process may be used as there are fewer intricate portions on the second connector 65a.

[0042] Referring to figure 5, another example of an apparatus to support electrical infrastructure components is generally shown at 50b. Like components of the apparatus 50b bear like reference to their counterparts in the apparatus 50a, except followed by the suffix “b”. In the present example, the apparatus 50b is another example of a line post with a securing mechanism. The apparatus 50b includes an insulating material 55b, a first connector 60b, a second connector 65b, and a coating 70b disposed on the first connector 60b and the second connector 65b.

[0043] In the present example, the second connector 65b is to be secured to the opposite end of the insulating material 55b from the first connector 60b. The manner by which the second connector 65b is secured to the insulating material 55b is not particularly limited. The second connector 65b is to connect the apparatus 50b to a conducting cable. In the present example, the second connector 65b includes a securing mechanism to connect to the conducting cable. The securing mechanism includes a set screw 67b which directly engages the conducting cable to secure the conducting cable. Accordingly, the second connector 65b includes a threaded surface (not shown) similar to the first connector 60b. In this example, the threaded surface is to engage the set screw 67b used to secure the conducting cable. In order to achieve a uniform thickness of the coating 70b over the threaded surface such that the threads of the set screw 67b can mate with threaded surface, a thermal diffusion galvanization process is used.

[0044] Referring to figure 6, another example of an apparatus to support electrical infrastructure components is generally shown at 50c. Like components of the apparatus 50c bear like reference to their counterparts in the apparatus 50a, except followed by the suffix “c”. In the present example, the apparatus 50c is another example of a line post with a securing mechanism. The apparatus 50c includes an insulating material 55c,a first connector 60c, a second connector 65c, and a coating 70c disposed on the first connector 60c and the second connector 65c.

[0045] In the present example, the second connector 65c is to be secured to the opposite end of the insulating material 55c from the first connector 60c. The manner by which the second connector 65c is secured to the insulating material 55c is not particularly limited. The second connector 65c is to connect the apparatus 50c to a conducting cable. In the present example, the second connector 65c includes a securing mechanism to connect to the conducting cable. The securing mechanism includes a set screw 67c controlling a clip 68c. The moveable clip 68c directly engages the conducting cable to secure the conducting cable to the apparatus 50c. Accordingly, the second connector 65b includes a threaded surface (not shown) similar to the first connector 60c. In this example, the threaded surface is to engage the set screw 67c used to control the clip 68c. In order to achieve a uniform thickness of the coating 70c over the threaded surface such that the threads of the set screw 67c can mate with threaded surface, a thermal diffusion galvanization process is used.

[0046] Referring to figure 7, a flowchart of a method 200 of supporting electrical infrastructure components is generally shown. In order to assist in the explanation of method 200, it will be assumed that method 200 may be performed with the apparatus 50. Indeed, the method 200 may be one way in which apparatus 50 may be used. Furthermore, the following discussion of method 200 may lead to a further understanding of the apparatus 50 and its various components.

[0047] Block 210 involves applying a coating 70 to a surface of the body 61. In the present example, the coating 70 is an anticorrosion coating to reduce corrosion of the body 61 under the coating 70. In particular, the coating 70 forms a layer of protection to prevent moisture, salt, and other contaminants from interacting with the threaded connecting mechanism 62 formed in the body 61 . By coating the threaded connecting mechanism 62, corrosion and arcing at the interface between the fastener and the body 61 may be reduced. In the present example, the protective coating 70 is a zinc coating deposited with a substantially uniform thickness over the threaded connecting mechanism 62. In particular, the protective coating 70 may be applied using a thermal diffusion galvanization process.

[0048] Next, block 220 involves the body 61 receiving the insulating material 55 in the hole 63. The insulating material 55 is then secured in the hole 63 at block 230. The manner by which the insulating material 55 is secured in the hole 63 is not particularly limited. For example, the insulating material 55 may be secured via a friction fit in the hole 63. In other examples, an adhesive may be used to secure the insulating material 55 in the hole 63. In further examples, the insulating material 55 may be secured with a fastener, such as a clamp, bolt, screw, or the hole 63 may be crimped to hold the insulating material 55.

[0049] Various advantages will now be apparent to a person of skill in the art with the benefit of the present description. In particular, the apparatus 50 and its variations provide a way to support a conducting cable for extended periods of time while being exposed to the elements. In particular, by applying a protective coating in the hole of the body of the connect, the service life of the apparatus 50 may be increased substantially.

[0050] It should be recognized that features and aspects of the various examples provided above may be combined into further examples that also fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

What is claimed is:1 . An apparatus comprising: an insulating material to stop a flow of current; a first connector secured to a first end of the insulating material, wherein the first connector includes a hole to receive the first end of the insulating material; a fastener hole formed in the first connector, wherein the fastener hole is to receive a fastener; a threaded surface disposed in the fastener hole, wherein the threaded surface is to mate with a complimentary thread of the fastener to secure the first connector to a base; a second connector secured to a second end of the insulating material, wherein the second end is opposite the first end of the insulating material; and a coating deposited uniformly over a surface of the first connector to reduce corrosion and to reduce arcing, wherein the coating has a substantially uniform thickness over the threaded surface.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first connector is connected to an electrical ground, and wherein the second connector is connected to a conducting cable.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the coating is a zinc coating.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the zinc coating is deposited via a thermal diffusion galvanization process.

5. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the insulating material has a ribbed design.

6. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the insulating material is a composite material.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the composite material is silicone.

8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the composite material is ethylene propylene diene terpolymer.

9. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the second connector is to connect to a conducting cable for supporting the conducting cable.

10. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising another fastener hole formed in the second connector, wherein the fastener hole is formed in the second connector, and further comprising another threaded surface disposed in the fastener hole formed in the second connector.11 . An apparatus comprising: a body; a threaded connecting mechanism formed in the body to receive a fastener; a hole to receive an insulating material to be secured to the body; and a coating deposited uniformly over a surface of the body to reduce corrosion and to reduce arcing, wherein the coating has a substantially uniform thickness over the threaded connecting mechanism.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the body is formed as a unitary piece.

13. The apparatus of claim 11 or 12, wherein the body is made from a steel.

14. The apparatus of any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the coating is a zinc coating.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the zinc coating is deposited via a thermal diffusion galvanization process.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the zinc coating coats the body entirely.

17. A method comprising: applying a coating to a surface of a body, wherein the body includes a threaded connecting mechanism to receive a fastener, and wherein the coating is deposited with a substantially uniform thickness over the threaded connecting mechanism; receiving, in a hole, an insulating material; and securing the insulating material to the hole.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein applying the coating comprises applying a zinc coating.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein applying the zinc coating comprises using a thermal diffusion galvanization process.

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