A conductor wont do it (8)
I believe the answer is:
insulate
I'm afraid I can't even guess how this answer relates to the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for insulate that I've seen before include "Cover something to prevent loss of heat" , "Cover or protect with a utensil (8)" , "Protect (from, eg, heat)" , "Cover with material to prevent loss of heat" , "Lean suit (anag.)" .)