Final answer:
The statement is false; high-voltage wires on towers are not insulated with material, they are held aloft by insulating connectors, and air serves as the insulator. Circuit breakers, GFIs, and proper grounding are crucial for safety in electrical systems.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement is false. The high-voltage wires that are connected to tall metal-frame towers are indeed held aloft by insulating connectors, but these wires are not wrapped in insulating material. Instead, they are bare wires, as the air surrounding them acts as an insulator and they are high enough above the ground to prevent accidental contact with people and objects. The use of insulating connectors is crucial to prevent the high voltage from arcing to the metal towers, which would create a short circuit or ground fault.
In residential and commercial wiring, circuit breakers and fuses are used to interrupt excessive currents to prevent thermal hazards. These safety devices, including ground fault interrupters (GFI) and isolation transformers, are integral in protecting against both thermal and shock hazards in electrical systems. Proper grounding is essential for reducing the risk of electric shock, as demonstrated in the scenario where a circuit breaker trips when the case of an appliance becomes live/hot due to worn insulation.