Up close picture of Mershon's tie for the M-3890. The aluminum sheet metal around the tie wire worked to protect the main conductor against rubbing, pitting from power arcs, and corona induced corrosion. The section of tie wire closest to the sheet metal is just wire wound around the main conductor to protect against pitting and arching. The last bit of wire wrapped around the conductor is part of the actual tie wire that is wrapped around the insulator to secure it to the crown. Insulator shown is New Lexington M-3890.