What issue can defective insulators cause in electrical lines?

Defective insulators on electrical lines can indeed cause visible corona and interference voltage propagation. Insulators are designed to prevent electrical current from leaking out of conductors and to keep the electrical system safe. When insulators are defective, they may not provide the necessary barrier to the electrical flow, leading to a phenomenon known as corona discharge. This discharge occurs because the electrical field around the conductor becomes strong enough to ionize the air surrounding it, resulting in a visible glow and the release of energy in the form of heat and light.

Additionally, defective insulators can lead to interference voltage propagation, which can impact nearby electronic devices and communication systems. This interference can manifest as noise in electrical signals or disruptions in signal clarity. As such, having intact and functioning insulators is critical for maintaining the operational integrity of electrical systems and ensuring safety and reliability in power distribution.

Other issues related to defective insulators might include loss of power or short circuits; however, the specific phenomenon of visible corona discharge and interference is directly attributable to the failure of the insulators to properly isolate conductive elements.