Answer: Power line insulators are critical components that physically support the conductors and provide an electrical barrier between the high-voltage lines and the grounded support structures (towers or poles). They are typically made of materials like porcelain, toughened glass, or polymer composites that have extremely high resistance to electricity.

The design of an insulator, which often includes a series of corrugated sheds or discs, is crucial. These shapes increase the "creepage distance" or the path that a leakage current would have to travel along the surface of the insulator. This extended path prevents a "flashover," where electricity arcs directly from the conductor to the grounded support. In adverse weather conditions, such as rain or fog, this design is vital to ensure the surface remains dry in some areas, maintaining its insulating properties and preventing the current from finding a path to the tower and causing a short circuit.