Within view (top crossarm on the right) is an early porcelain cutout. These had wire-type fuses inside them to protect transformers and other circuits. They also provided a means of disconnecting such apparatus and lines for servicing.

These were made for years. Generally they were brown porcelain. White ones are known and probably are the earliest commencing in the 1890s. A male porcelain plug inserted into the base with a piece of "fuse wire" looped onto the (internal) end of it. Once inserted, the transformer, line or whatever else that was connected to the load side of it was instantly energized. These cutouts were long known by electric utility linemen as "widow-makers". Upon insertion if there was a transformer short-circuit or other electrical fault there was a promised blast of at *least* 1,100 volts off the primary it connected to that surely would take permanently care of your hand if it was unprotected ... if you survived. Stuff you really wouldn't want to fool with on a Friday the 13th or if you had a hard night before.

Improved, *somewhat* safer disconnecting switches made of porcelain were introduced in the 1930s. These were of the "box" type as well as an open design. The latter are similar to those used today...made of porcelain with the fuseholder on a hinge. A long fiberglass "switch stick" by the lineworker safely operates both types of cutouts.