Multipart Porcelain Insulators (M)

Multipart Porcelain Insulators - M (Multipart)

M-2000-2099 - 2 Part 5-5.5 inches wide
M-2100-2199 - 2 Part 6-6.5 inches wide
M-2200-2299 - 2 Part 7 inches wide
M-2300-2399 - 2 Part 7.5 inches wide
M-2400-2499 - 2 Part 8 inches wide
M-2500-2599 - 2 Part 8.5 inches wide
M-2600-2699 - 2 Part 9 - 9.5 inches wide
M-2700-2799 - 2 Part 10 - 10.5 inches wide
M-2800-2899 - 2 Part 11 - 11.5 inches wide
M-2900-2999 - 2 Part 12 - 13 inches wide

M-3000-3099 - 3 Part 6 - 8.5 inches wide
M-3100-3199 - 3 Part 9 - 9.5 inches wide
M-3200-3299 - 3 Part 10 - 10.5 inches wide
M-3300-3399 - 3 Part 11 - 11.5 inches wide
M-3400-3499 - 3 Part 12 - 12.5 inches wide
M-3500-3599 - 3 Part 13 inches wide
M-3600-3699 - 3 Part 13.5 inches wide
M-3700-3799 - 3 Part 14 inches wide
M-3800-3899 - 3 Part 14.5 inches wide
M-3900-3999 - 3 Part 15 - 18 inches wide

M-4000-4099 - 4 Part 10 - 11.5 inches wide
M-4100-4199 - 4 Part 12 inches wide
M-4200-4299 - 4 Part 14 inches wide
M-4300-4399 - 4 Part 14 - 14.5 inches wide
M-4400-4499 - 4 Part 15 inches wide
M-4500-4599 - 4 Part 15.5 inches wide
M-4600-4699 - 4 Part 16 inches wide
M-4700-4799 - 4 Part 17- 17.5 inches wide

M-4800-4899 - 4 Part 18 inches wide

M-5000-5001 - 5 Part

M-6000-6000 - 6 Part

M-Unlisted - No M is yet assigned

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Multipart Porcelain Insulators - M (Multipart)

System overview

The M-Chart was developed by Elton Gish and published in 1988 in the book, Multipart Porcelain Insulators. The second edition of that book was published in 2000. M-numbers are based on 2, 3, and 4-part cemented styles using M-2000, M-3000, and M-4000. Each group begins with the smallest diameter and progresses up to the largest diameter. Within each diameter the height varies from smallest to largest. Most of the M-numbers were taken from manufacturer's catalogs and the rest from actual specimens.

When selecting a M-number for a specific insulator, start in the section of the M-Chart that matches the number of shells cemented together. Next check the diameter of the top shell and overall height and look in that area. For example, if your 3-part insulator has a top diameter of 13" and is 11" tall, look in the area of M-3530 to M-3538. If you can't find an M-number that matches, look in the previous group for 12.5" diameter and the latter group with 13.5" diameter. The same variation can apply to the height. You can expect measurements to vary +/- 1/2" or more.

Submit your insulators!
Photographing Multipart Insulators

Submit your insulators!

Have some Insulators in the M-Range not listed on the site?
If you have a M-Range insulator not listed on the site, or a better photo then shown, please submit your insulator photo! Remember that the M-Range is for Multiparts from US and Canada only.

IMPORTANT PLESE READ!: Before submitting your M-Range insulators, Please read the “Photographing Multipart Insulators" Located in the above tab.

About the fields in the online form:
Contact Information:
Your Name: As you want it on the photo credit, if you want to be Anonymous put Anonymous you can also put tour name and Anonymous so we can have it on file but we will not publish it.
Email: This is your email address. We WILL NOT share this with anyone. It is for if we have questions about the submission only.

Insulator Information:
Insulator Type: Select the style of insulator being submitted
M-Number: Enter the M Number if it is known.
NOTE: Multiparts are measured top skirt, second skirt and so on. Last measurement is the height. Measurements only needed if you don’t know the M-Number.
Insulator Top Width: How wide the top skirt is.
Insulator Second Skirt Width: How wide the second skirt is.
Insulator Third Skirt Width: How wide the third skirt is (For 3 and 4 parts only)
Insulator Fourth Skirt Width: How wide the fourth skirt is (For 4 parts only)
Insulator Height: How tall the insulator is.
Insulator Markings: If there are multi lines of markings we note the “next line” with a /. If there are markings on the other side of the insulator note that with a //
Insulator Manufacture: The company that made the insulator (if Known)
Country of Insulator Manufacture: This is where the manufacture is located (If Known)

Photos:
Side Photo: This is for the straight on shot of insulator.
Front Markings Photo: Photo of markings on the front of the insulator.
Back Markings Photo: Photo of markings on the back of the insulator.
Additional Photo: Any other onto if Interest

Notes:
Notes: Any oddities about the insulator or note worthy items.

Photographing Multipart Pintype Insulators

1. If posable, photograph on white or neutral color background. Also when posable use a 5000K color temperature CF bulbs with a 90+ CRI (Color rating index).

2. Make sure to not have other items near the insulator as it will pick up the colors and reflections from surrounding items. It is best to have white or neutral colored paper on site of the insulator too.

When photographing the insulator, Keep the camera level and center on the insulator. Stand back and zoom in. This will reduce distortion.

3. Below are some example and details about getting the right profile. This is important to prevent distortion.

CORRECT

Camera was centered on the insulator, It is fine for a little bit of the top skirt to show, but if a lot of it is showing toy may be to low.

INCORRECT

Camera was focused too high on the insulator and pointing down. Notice how the shape looks different from the “Correct” photo. Also note you can see more of a curve at the bottom of the insulator.

INCORRECT

Camera was pointing below the insulator and up . Note how a lot of the top skirt is showing. Also note how you can see some of the bottom of the center skirt.

Some collectors prefer that the bottom of the insulator looks as flat as posable. I believe this causes the insulator to look odd so prefer the center method.

4. You most likely will have too front light the insulator to show the color and to prevent the camera from going in to a High ISO causing a grainy image.

CORRECT

Two front lights where used to show the glaze of the color. Note how the image is clear and not grainy.

INCORRECT

Just side lighting was used. Note how the true color of the insulator is hard to see and image is grainy as the camera tried to composite for the lack of light by cranking up the ISO

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