what is an insulator

An insulator is a material that does not allow electric current or thermal currents to flow freely. Insulators are used in electrical equipment to support and separate electrical conductors without allowing current through themselves. They are also used to hold conductors in position, separating them from one another and from surrounding structures. Insulating materials include paper, plastic, glass, porcelain, and silicone. Insulators are compared with conductors in terms of their ability to allow the flow of electrons. Conductors allow for charge transfer through the free movement of electrons, while insulators impede the free flow of electrons from atom to atom and molecule to molecule. Examples of conductors include metals, while examples of insulators include plastic, wood, rubber, and glass.