Evening star., 1922-12-10
BY COMMANDER STANFORD
HOOPER,, U. s. n.
Copyright, 1927

Copyright. 1927
Although static disturbances have
now virtually ceased for the time be-
ing. mysteriously disturbing inter-
ferences somewhat similar to atmos-
pherics occasionally manifest them
selves in radio receivers during the
winter months.
This form of interference is fire.
quently caused, not by static, but by
"leaky" insulators on nearby electric
power lines.
NO assurance can be given by any
one that static will not suddenly
manifest itself at any time and within
any area, but as constant and uni
versal nuisance it has now virtually
disappeared. and as such it will not
again return until April.
Radio fans Of the past and previous
summers are familiar with the char
acter1stic disturbances produced by
this annual but unwelcome visitor, as
are also radio operators. They are
quick to detect the differing charac-
teristic noises Of other disturbances,
such as those produced by ether
waves radiated into space as a re-
suit Of insulators on nearby high
tension power lines having become
defective.
They will not realize what is caus-
Will they know what action should
De taken to remedy the difficulty
AS matter of fact. nothing what
ever can be done by the radio fan or
the radio operator with respect to his
receiving outfit. The interfering
etner waves will continue to be given
on as long as current flows in an
electric power circuit with which
there Is associated a defective insu-
iator, and these waves will be SO
oroad as to register themselves in
nearDy receiving outfits which may
pe tuned to as low as 300 pleters or as
h'sn as 5000 meters or higher
Replace Leaky Insulators.
me only remedy that can be en-
pIoyed Is to have the leaky insulatnr
oE lnsulators replaced by new ones
" auequdte dlelertric strength to
Withstand the high voltages imposed
upon them.
rms action should be taken. of
course. only by qualified linemen of
nc power companies who are IA
miIiar with these circuits and who
reatize the grave danger to life in
,,ta;s, u IN working in the immediate
cults or apparatus
Cur existing power lines are now
wen insulated as a rule. The advent
nu oeveiopment of radio has greatly
oenented the power companies in th his
.sspecI because insulators of very
be developed for use at the Nary.s 20
nlgn power radio stations, and this
mas led to the development of preat-
lines. ior power
All insulators deteroriate electric
aiS win age when exposed to the
elements. however. and conseouent
~ 1t Is not surprising that leaky in
sulators develop here and there
from time to time in the great net
work of power lines which stretch
from one end to the country to the
other. ~ 'He
Electric power concerns will, with
out doubt. welcome any Information
given them by radio fans or others
concerning the prevalence Of disturb
ances which may be attributable to
oeIective insulators on their lines.
II they are forewarned. they can
take action to locate and replace the
leaky unit or units before they fail
completely and thereby, totally in
terrupt the service over any particu-
lar line: with the consequent COM
plants from patrons and the result
ing avoidable financial loss.
An insulator which becomes only
slightly defective will continue to
gradually deteroriate electrically
from the leakage of current through
1t to the earth. If the trouble is not
discovered in time it will eventually
fail completely as an insulator and
become a conductor with disastrous
consequences to the service, if not
to the circuit itself.
Insulators constitute the most i'm
portant and critical feature Of the
entire electric power distribution
systems.
Barring casualties to whole sec
tions of the lines from storms or
other causes, it may be said that the
continuity and reliability of service
over these systems depend almost
wholly on the quality of the insula-
tors employed.
Suspension Of Wires.
From the insulators are suspended
the many hundreds of miles of wires
" hich constitute the channels through
which silently flows the supply of
powerful electrical energy which
actuate the mechanical appliances
in many of our factories and Work.
shops; which drives powerful cleo
trio locomotives at great speed on
some of our railroads: which operate
our city and suburban transporta
ton systems; which light entire
cities; and which even assists the
housewife in her more arduous tasks
in thousands of our homes.
To prevent interruptions to the
various services, the power companies