Final answer:
High-voltage wires connected to metal-frame towers are held by insulating connectors but are not wrapped in insulating material; air acts as the insulator. The false nature of the statement is due to practicality and the properties of high-voltage transmission.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement about high-voltage wires being wrapped in an insulating material is false. High-voltage power lines, the ones you see connected to tall metal-frame towers, are indeed held aloft by insulating connectors to prevent electrical current from traveling down the towers. However, contrary to what the question suggests, these wires are not wrapped in an insulating material.
The reason is that the air surrounding the wires acts as a sufficient insulator at the high altitudes at which these wires are hung. Additionally, the wires are spaced far enough apart to prevent arcing, and any insulation material would be impractical due to the high cost, the difficulty of maintenance, and reduced heat dissipation.
High-voltage transmission lines are designed to carry large amounts of electricity over long distances with minimal losses, which requires a certain amount of spacing and consideration for the surrounding environment to ensure safety and efficiency.