Final answer:
Insulators are materials that prevent the transfer of heat and electricity, which enhances energy efficiency and safety in electrical systems. They are crucial in maintaining desired temperatures and protecting against electrical hazards.
Step-by-step explanation:
An insulator is a material that is poor at transferring heat due to electrical energy traveling through a wire. This property is crucial because it helps in preventing the loss of heat and contributes to energy efficiency.
Insulating materials are primarily used to limit the conduction of heat from the inside to the outside during winters and vice versa during summers, as described in the reference figures. Insulators are also necessary for safety and functionality in electrical systems, as they prevent the flow of electrical charge except under extreme conditions which would likely destroy the insulator.
Materials such as plastics, glass, ceramics, and wood are common insulators, because their atoms hold on to electrons tightly, making it difficult for electricity to flow through them. In contrast, metals like copper are excellent conductors because they have outer electrons that are loosely bound and can move freely, thereby conducting electricity with low electrical resistance.
Due to these properties, insulators are crucial components in various safety devices such as circuit breakers, fuses, GFIs, and in enhancing the effectiveness of electrical wiring by preventing unwanted heat loss.