Dielectric cover for high voltage component with hood over hole for retaining pin

Abstract

For protecting wildlife from electrocution by high voltage components, dielectric covers are used to cover fuse cutouts, insulators, or other high voltage components. The cover includes through-holes for receiving retaining pins to secure the cover in place. The holes are the weak link in flashover prevention since the holes form an air gap, which has a breakdown voltage lower than that of the cover material. To prevent a bird's wing or a squirrel's tail from directly covering the hole in the surface of the cover, an arched or tubular hood is formed around each hole to block the bird or squirrel from directly covering the hole, reducing the risk of a flashover through the hole. The hoods extend out about 1-1.5 inches to essentially add a 1-1.5 inch air gap between the animal and the hole without enlarging the cover.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.