Trolley Insulator, circa 1885

THF177973 / Trolley Insulator, circa 1885
01

Artifact Overview

Most electric streetcars took their power from an overhead wire. A trolley wheel, at the end of a spring-loaded pole, contacted the wire and collected electric current. Insulators made from non-conductive materials -- like glass, porcelain, rubber, or wood -- isolated the electrified contact wire from its supports.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Insulator

Date Made

circa 1885

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

29.380.28

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of General Electric Co.

Material

Metal
Cement (Construction material)
Cloth
Rubber (Material)

Color

Black (Color)

Dimensions

Length: 16.75 in
Diameter: 2 in