Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02733112 2012-11-09
ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR WITH SACRIFICIAL APPENDAGE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to electrical cable connectors, such as
splicing
connectors for joining two or more electrical cables, loadbreak connectors,
and deadbreak
connectors. More particularly, aspects described herein relate to an
electrical cable connector
that includes a feature for enabling personnel to ensure that the connector is
de-energized.
[0002] High and medium voltage electrical connectors and components typically
operate in
the 15 to 35 kilovolt (kV) range. Because such voltages are potentially very
dangerous, it is
typically necessary for personnel to confirm that the power is disconnected
before
commencing work or repair. Known methods of visual or physical de-energizing
confirmation include "spiking the cable," in which a grounded spike is driven
thru the cable
and into the conductor or a grounded hydraulic cable cutter is used to
physically cut the cable
in half.
[0003] Unfortunately, after a cable is "spiked," the utility is required to
replace the cable or
increase its length by adding a splice and additional cable in order to
reconnect to the system.
This is costly and time consuming.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is
provided an
electrical connector assembly, comprising a yoke, comprising an outer housing,
and a central
conductor provided within the outer housing, wherein the central conductor
comprises at least
three outwardly extending portions, wherein a first outwardly extending
portion and a second
outwardly extending portion are operatively coupled to first and second power
cables,
respectively, and wherein a third outwardly extending portion comprises a
sacrificial
appendage configured to be cut through to confirm that the electrical
connector is de-
energized.
[0004.1] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a
method, comprising providing an electrical connector having a sacrificial
appendage
conductively connected to a yoke of the electrical connector, cutting through
the sacrificial
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appendage to confirm that the yoke is de-energized, performing service on
equipment
conductively coupled to the electrical connector, removing the sacrificial
appendage from the
yoke, and installing a replacement sacrificial appendage on the yoke.
[0004.2] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a
medium or high voltage electrical connector assembly, comprising a yoke,
comprising an
outer housing, and a central conductor provided within the outer housing,
wherein the central
conductor comprises at least three outwardly extending portions, wherein a
first outwardly
extending portion and a second outwardly extending portion are operatively
coupled to first
and second power cables, respectively, and a sacrificial receptacle
conductively coupled to a
third outwardly extending portion, wherein the sacrificial receptacle
comprises a receptacle
housing, a sacrificial conductor retained in the receptacle housing, wherein
the sacrificial
conductor is configured to be releasably connected to the third outwardly
extending portion,
and wherein the sacrificial receptacle is configured to be cut through in a
portion overlying the
sacrificial conductor to confirm that the electrical splicing connector is de-
energized.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] Figure lA is a schematic cross-sectional diagram illustrating a power
cable splicing
connector consistent with implementations described herein;
[0006] Figure 1B is a schematic partial cross-sectional diagram illustrating a
power cable
splicing connector configured in a manner consistent with another
implementation described
herein;
[0007] Figure 1C is a cross-sectional diagram of the sacrificial cap of Fig.
1B;
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[0008] Figure 2A is a schematic partial cross-sectional diagram illustrating a
power cable
splicing connector configured in a manner consistent with another
implementation described
herein;
[0009] Figure 2B illustrates the power cable splicing connector of Fig. 2A in
an exploded
(e.g., unassembled) view;
[0010] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the sacrificial adapter of Figs.
2A and 2B;
[0011] Figure 4A is a schematic partial cross-sectional diagram illustrating a
power cable
splicing connector configured in a manner consistent with yet another
implementation
described herein;
[0012] Figure 4B illustrates the power cable splicing connector of Fig. 4A in
an exploded
(e.g., unassembled) view;
[0013] Figure 5A is a cross-sectional view of an alternative sacrificial
appendage for use
with the splicing connector of Figs. 4A and 4B; and
[0014] Figure 5B is side view of the alternative sacrificial appendage of Fig.
5A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0015] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings.
The same
reference numbers in different drawings may identify the same or similar
elements.
[0016] Fig. 1A is a schematic cross-sectional diagram illustrating a power
cable splicing
connector 100 configured in a manner consistent with implementations described
herein. As
shown in Fig. 1, power cable splicing connector 100 may include a four-way
yoke 102 for
enabling connection of power cables 104-1, 104-2, 104-3, and 104-4
(collectively "power
cables 104," and individually "power cable 104-x"). For example, power cable
104-1 may be
a supply cable and cables 104-2 to 104-4 may be load cables. Other types of
power cable
splicing connectors may be configured in accordance with implementations
described herein,
such as three-way yoke connectors, two-way connectors, etc.
[0017] In one implementation, yoke 102 of power cable splicing connector 100
may include
a central conductor 106 and number of splice openings 108-Ito 108-4
(collectively "splice
openings 108," and individually "splice opening 108-x"). Central conductor 106
may be
formed of a suitably conductive material, such as copper, aluminum, or other
conductive
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alloy. Further, as shown in Fig. 1, central conductor 106 may include
outwardly extending
portions 110-Ito 110-4 (collectively "outwardly extending portion 110," and
individually
"outwardly extending portion 110-x") that project from respective splice
openings 108-x. As
described in additional detail below, central conductor 106 may connect each
of power cables
104-x to each other power cable 104-x, such that voltage applied to one cable
is transferred to
each other cable.
[0018] Outwardly extending portions 110 may be configured to receive connector
portions
of power cables 104. For example, each extending portion 110-x may include a
spade portion
111 having a threaded bore 112 therein for receiving a connector bolt 114. In
one
configuration, as illustrated in Fig. 1, outwardly extending portion 110-1
extends oppositely
from outwardly extending portion 110-2 and outwardly extending portion 110-3
extends
oppositely from outwardly extending portion 110-4. Furthermore, outwardly
extending
portions 110-1 and 110-2 may be oriented parallel to outwardly extending
portions 110-3 and
110-4, respectively. Such a configuration may provide for compact splicing or
splitting of a
power supply cable (e.g., cable 104-1) to multiple load cables (e.g., cables
104-2 to 104-4).
[0019] As shown in Fig. 1A, each splice opening 108-x includes a cable
receptacle interface
that includes a substantially cylindrical flange or cuff portion configured to
frictionally engage
a cable receptacle 116-x (individually, cable receptacle 116-x, or
collectively, cable
receptacles 116). For example, an inside diameter of a forward end of cable
receptacle 116-x
may be sized to frictionally engage the cuff portion of splice opening 108-x.
Each cable
receptacle 116 be substantially cylindrical and may be configured to surround
and protect an
interface between power cables 104 and extending portions 110.
[0020] Yoke 102 may include an outer shield 120 formed from, for example, a
peroxide-
cured synthetic rubber, commonly referred to as EPDM (ethylene-propylene-
dienemonomer).
Within shield 120, yoke 102 may include an insulative inner housing 122,
typically molded
from an insulative rubber or epoxy material. Central conductor 106 may be
enclosed within
insulative inner housing 122.
[0021] Regarding cable receptacles 116, each cable receptacle 116-x may
include an EPDM
outer shield 124 and an insulative inner housing 126, typically molded from an
insulative
rubber or epoxy material. Cable receptacle 116-x further includes a conductive
or semi-
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conductive insert 128 having a bore therethrough. Upon assembly, cable
receptacle 116
surrounds the interface between power cable 104-x and extending portion 110-x.
In one
implementation, a forward end of insert 128 may be configured to frictionally
engage
outwardly extending portion 110-x of central conductor 106 upon assembly of
splicing
connector 100, thereby ensuring the electrical integrity of splicing connector
100.
[0022] Referring to power cables 104, a forward end of each power cable 104-x
may be
prepared by connecting power cable 104 to a crimp connector 130. Crimp
connector 130 may
include a substantially cylindrical assembly configured to receive a cable
conductor 132 of
power cable 104-x therein. During preparing of power cable 104-x, a portion of
crimp
connector 130 may be physically deformed (e.g., crimped) to fasten crimp
connector 130 to
cable conductor 132. Crimp connector portion 130 may include a forward spade
portion 134
configured to be securely fastened to a spade portion 111 of outwardly
extending portion 110-
x of central conductor 106. For example, forward spade portion 134 may include
a bore (not
shown) configured to align with bore 112 in spade portion 111. Connector bolt
114 may be
inserted through the bore and into threaded bore 112 during assembly of splice
connector 100.
100231 As shown in Fig. 1A, each of the prepared power cables 104 may further
include an
adapter 138 disposed rearwardly relative to crimp connector 130. Adapter 138
may be affixed
to power cable 104-x and may provide a frictional engagement with a rearward
portion of
cable receptacle 116-x. In one implementation, adapter 138 may be formed of an
insulative
material, such as rubber or epoxy.
100241 In one exemplary implementation, power cable splicing connector 100 may
include
a voltage detection test point assembly 140 for sensing a voltage in splicing
connector 100.
Voltage detection test point assembly 140 may be configured to allow an
external voltage
detection device, to detect and/or measure a voltage associated with splicing
connector 100.
100251 For example, as illustrated in Fig. 1A, voltage detection test point
assembly 140 may
include a test point terminal 142 embedded in a portion of yoke inner housing
122 and
extending through an opening within yoke outer shield 120. In one exemplary
embodiment,
test point terminal 142 may be formed of a conductive metal or other
conductive material. In
this manner, test point terminal 142 may be capacitively coupled to the
electrical conductor
elements (e.g., central conductor 106) within splicing connector 100.
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[0026] Consistent with implementations described herein, a test point cap 144
may
sealingly engage portion test point terminal 142 and outer shield 120. In one
implementation,
test point cap 144 may be formed of a semi-conductive material, such as EPDM
compounded
with conductive additives. When test point terminal 142 is not being accessed,
test point cap
144 may be mounted on test point assembly 140. Because test point cap 144 is
formed of a
conductive or semi-conductive material, test point cap 144 may ground the test
point when in
position. Test point cap 144 may include an aperture 146 for facilitating
removal of test point
cap 144, e.g., using a hooked lineman's tool.
[0027] Consistent with implementations described herein, yoke 102 may include
a
sacrificial appendage 148 projecting therefrom. As shown in Fig. 1A,
sacrificial appendage
148 may include a sacrificial conductor extension 150 projecting from central
conductor 106.
Portions of insulative inner housing 122 and outer housing 120 may be formed
around
sacrificial conductor extension 150. In one implementation, sacrificial
appendage 148 may
project substantially perpendicularly from outwardly extending portions 110,
so as to be
relatively free of encumbrances.
[0028] When it is necessary for work to be performed on any of power cables
104 (or
devices connected to power cables 104), a worker may cut through sacrificial
appendage 148
(e.g., with a hydraulic cable cutter, or similar tool) to ensure that the
electrical system that
splicing connector 100 is connected to has been properly de-energized and is,
therefore, safe
to work on. When it is time to re-energize splicing connector 100, yoke 102
may be replaced
with a new yoke 102, having an intact sacrificial appendage 148.
100291 Fig. 1B is a schematic partial cross-sectional diagram illustrating
power cable
splicing connector 100 configured in a manner similar to that described above
with respect to
Fig. 1A. Fig. 1C is a partial cross-sectional diagram illustrating the
sacrificial cap of Fig. 1B.
Where appropriate, Figs. 1B and 1C use the same reference numbers to identify
the same or
similar elements.
[0030] As shown in Figs. 1B and 1C, yoke 102 and the portions of cable
splicing connector
100 associated with power cables 104-2 to 104-4 remain substantially similar
to the
embodiment describe above with respect to Fig. 1A. However, unlike the
embodiment of Fig.
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1A, sacrificial appendage 148 (referred to as element 148-2 in Figs. 1B and
1C) may include a
modular configuration configured for removable attachment and/or replacement
on yoke 102.
[0031] As shown in Fig. 1B, yoke 102 may include a sacrificial appendage
connection
portion 152 projecting outwardly therefrom. In one implementation, sacrificial
appendage
connection portion 152 may be integrally formed with inner housing 122 and may
include a
contact 154 provided therein. Contact 154 may extend into a corresponding
portion of central
conductor 106, such as via a threaded bore provided in central conductor 106.
Contact 154
may include a female thread 155 at an outer end thereof for receiving a
sacrificial cap 156.
[0032] As shown in Figs. 1B and 1C, sacrificial cap 156 may include an EPDM
outer shield
158 and an insulative inner housing 160, typically molded from an insulative
rubber or epoxy
material. Sacrificial cap 156 may further include a sacrificial conductor 162
received within a
rearward portion of inner housing 160. Furthermore, a forward portion of
sacrificial cap 156
may include a cavity 164 therein (shown in Fig. 1C) for engaging a projecting
portion of
sacrificial appendage connection portion 152.
[0033] A forward portion of outer shield 158 and inner housing 160 may be
configured to
surround and protect an interface between sacrificial appendage connection
portion 152 and
sacrificial conductor 162. In one implementation, a forward end of outer
shield 158 and inner
housing 160 may be configured to frictionally engage a stepped or notched
outer configuration
of sacrificial appendage connection portion 152 upon assembly of splicing
connector 100,
thereby ensuring the electrical integrity of splicing connector 100.
[0034] Consistent with implementations described herein, sacrificial conductor
162 may
include a conductive threaded male protrusion 166 extending axially therefrom.
As described
above, the projecting portion of contact 154 may include threaded female
cavity 155. Male
protrusion 166 may correspond to threaded female portion 155 in contact 154 to
couple
contact 154 to sacrificial conductor 162, thereby conductively connecting
sacrificial conductor
162 to central conductor 106 of yoke 102. In other implementations, the
male/female
relationship may be reversed.
[0035] In one implementation, a cut-through region 168 may be provided in an
outer
portion of sacrificial cap 156 in a region overlying at least a portion of
sacrificial conductor
162. In some implementations, indicia relating to cut-through region 168 may
be provided on
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a surface of outer housing 158 for indicating that a user is to cut through
sacrificial cap 156 at
cut-through region 168.
[0036] When it is necessary for work to be performed on any of power cables
104 (or
devices connected to power cables 104), a worker may cut through sacrificial
cap 156 at cut-
through region 168 (e.g., with a grounded hydraulic cable cutter, or similar
tool) to ensure that
electrical the system that splicing connector 100 is connected to has been
properly de-
energized and is, therefore, safe to work on. When it is time to reenergize
splicing connector
100, the cut-through sacrificial cap 156 may be removed and a new or
replacement sacrificial
cap 156 may be installed.
[0037] Fig. 2A is a schematic partial cross-sectional diagram illustrating a
power cable
splicing connector 200 configured in a manner consistent with another
implementation
described herein. Fig. 2B illustrates power cable splicing connector 200 in an
exploded (e.g.,
unassembled) view. Where appropriate, Figs. 2A and 2B use the same reference
numbers to
identify the same or similar elements.
[0038] As shown in Figs. 2A and 2B, yoke 102 and the portions of cable
splicing connector
200 associated with power cables 104-2 to 104-4 remain substantially similar
to the
embodiment describe above with respect to Fig. 1A. However, unlike the
embodiment of Fig.
1A, yoke 102 does not include a sacrificial appendage (e.g., appendage 148)
extending
therefrom. Rather, as described below, one of splice openings 108-1 to 108-4
(e.g., splice
opening 108-1) and the corresponding outwardly extending portion 110 (e.g.,
extending
portion 110-1) may be used to provide a sacrificial appendage or portion to
splicing connector
200.
[0039] As shown in Figs. 2A and 2B, a sacrificial adapter spade connector 205
may be
connected to spade portion 111 of outwardly extending portion 110-1 via
connector bolt 114.
Sacrificial adapter spade connector 205 may be configured to provide a
releasable attachment
mechanism for connecting sacrificial adapter 210 to yoke 102. For example,
sacrificial
adapter spade connector 205 may include a conductive threaded male protrusion
215
extending axially therefrom in a rearward direction. As described below,
sacrificial adapter
210 may include a correspondingly threaded female cavity for conductively
securing
sacrificial adapter 210 to male protrusion 215. In other implementations, the
male/female
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relationship may be reversed. For example, sacrificial adapter spade connector
205 may
include a female threaded cavity for receiving threaded male protrusion 215
extending from
sacrificial adapter 210.
[0040] As shown in Figs. 2A and 2B, cable receptacle 116-1 may surround spade
extending
portion 110-1, spade portion 111, and sacrificial adapter spade connector 205
in a manner
similar to that described above with respect to Fig. 1A. For example, cable
receptacle 116-1
be substantially cylindrical and may be configured to surround and protect an
interface
between power sacrificial cable adapter connector 205 and extending portion
110-1. Further,
forward end of insert 128 in receptacle 116-1 may be configured to
frictionally engage
outwardly extending portion 110-1 upon assembly of splicing connector 200,
thereby ensuring
the electrical integrity of splicing connector 200.
[0041] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of sacrificial adapter 210. As shown,
sacrificial
adapter 210 may have a substantially cylindrical configuration that includes
an insulative
adapter housing 300, a connector portion 305, a sacrificial bar 310, and a
semi-conductive
jacket 315. Insulative adapter housing 300 may be formed of, for example, EPDM
and may
be sized to frictionally engage rearward openings in outer shield 124 and
inner insert 128 of
cable receptacle 116-1.
[0042] Insulative adapter housing 300 may axially surround sacrificial bar 310
and a
rearward portion of connector portion 305 so that, upon assembly, sacrificial
bar 310 is
electrically connected to central conductor 106 of yoke 102 (e.g., via
sacrificial adapter spade
connector 205). As described briefly above, connector portion 305 may include
a threaded
cavity therein for receiving threaded male protrusion 215 extending from
sacrificial adapter
spade connector 205.
[0043] Semi-conductive jacket 315 may be formed about a rearward portion of
insulative
adapter housing 300, such that a portion of sacrificial adapter 210 extending
from cable
receptacle 116-1 is encased in semi-conductive jacket 315, thereby ensuring
electrical
continuity on an outer surface of splicing connector 200. As shown in Figs. 2A-
3, semi-
conductive jacket 315 may include forward and rearward annular shoulder
portions 320 and
325, and a central cut-through portion 330.
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[0044] In one implementation, forward and rearward annular shoulder portions
320/325
may radially project from a central axis of sacrificial adapter 210 and may
provide a means
with which to insert sacrificial adapter 210 into cable receptacle 116-1. In
addition, as shown
in Fig. 2A, forward annular shoulder portion 320 may provide a stop against
receptacle 116-1,
cut-through portion 330 may be provided in a region between forward annular
shoulder
portion 320 and rearward annular shoulder portion 325 and may be provided in a
region
overlying at least a portion of sacrificial bar 310. In some implementations,
cut-through
portion 330 may be provided with indicia 335 for indicating that a user is to
cut through
sacrificial adapter 210 at cut-through portion 330.
[0045] When it is necessary for work to be performed on any of power cables
104 (or
devices connected to power cables 104), a worker may cut through sacrificial
adapter 210 at
cut-through portion 330 (e.g., with a grounded hydraulic cable cutter, or
similar tool) to ensure
that the electrical system that splicing connector 200 is connected to has
been properly de-
energized and is, therefore, safe to work on. When it is time to re-energize
splicing connector
200, the cut-through sacrificial adapter 210 may be removed and a new or
replacement
sacrificial adapter 210 may be installed.
[0046] Fig. 4A is a schematic partial cross-sectional diagram illustrating a
power cable
splicing connector 400 configured in a manner consistent with yet another
implementation
described herein. Fig. 4B illustrates power cable splicing connector 400 in an
exploded (e.g.,
unassembled) view. Where appropriate, Figs. 4A and 4B use the same reference
numbers to
identify the same or similar elements.
[0047] As shown in Figs. 4A and 4B, yoke 102 and the portions of cable
splicing connector
400 associated with power cables 104-2 to 104-4 remain substantially similar
to the
embodiment described above with respect to Fig. 1A. However, unlike the
embodiment of
Fig. 1A, yoke 102 does not include a sacrificial appendage extending
therefrom. Rather, as
described below, one of splice openings 108-1 to 108-4 (e.g., splice opening
108-1) and the
corresponding outwardly extending portion 110 (e.g., extending portion 110-1)
may be used to
provide a sacrificial portion for splicing connector 200.
[0048] As shown in Figs. 4A and 4B, outwardly extending portion 110-1 may
include a
sacrificial interface 402 connected thereto. Sacrificial interface 402 may
include a conductor
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portion 404 and an insulative portion 406. In one implementation, conductor
portion 404 may
be conductively coupled to extending portion 110-1, such as via a threaded
engagement
between conductor portion 404 and outwardly extending portion 110-1 of central
conductor
106. For example, extending portion 110-1 may be provided with a female
threaded cavity
408 and a forward portion of conductor portion 404 of sacrificial interface
402 may be
provided with a corresponding male threaded portion 409. In other
implementations, the
male/female relationship may be reversed.
[0049] Insulative portion 406 of sacrificial interface 402 may radially
surround conductor
portion 404. As shown, in one implementation, insulative portion 406 may
include a stepped
outer configuration for sealingly receiving a sacrificial receptacle 410
secured thereon. In one
implementation, insulative portion 406 of sacrificial interface 402 may
include an outer shield
412 formed from, for example, EPDM.
[0050] As shown in Figs. 4A and 4B, sacrificial receptacle 410 may be
configured for
releasable and replaceable attachment to yoke 102 following a sacrificial use,
as described
below. In one implementation, sacrificial receptacle 410 may be based on a non-
sacrificial
receptacle re-purposed from other products (e.g., 200 Amp deadbreak equipment,
etc.). In this
manner, a cost savings in manufacturing sacrificial receptacle 410 may be
realized.
[0051] Sacrificial receptacle 410 may include an EPDM outer shield 414 and an
insulative
inner housing 416, typically molded from an insulative rubber or epoxy
material. Sacrificial
receptacle 410 may further include a conductive or semi-conductive insert 418
having a bore
formed therethrough. As shown, semi-conductive insert 418 may be configured to
receive and
surround a sacrificial conductor 420 therein. Furthermore, a forward portion
of sacrificial
receptacle 410 may include a cavity 422 therein for engaging a rearward
portion of sacrificial
interface 402.
[0052] A forward portion of outer shield 414 and inner housing 416 may be
configured to
surround and protect an interface between sacrificial interface 402 and
sacrificial conductor
420. In one implementation, a forward end of outer shield 414 and inner
housing 416 may be
configured to frictionally engage the stepped outer configuration of
sacrificial interface 402
upon assembly of splicing connector 400, thereby ensuring the electrical
integrity of splicing
connector 400.
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[0053] Consistent with implementations described herein, sacrificial conductor
420 may
include a conductive threaded male protrusion 424 extending axially therefrom
in a forward
direction. A rearward portion of sacrificial interface 402 may include a
correspondingly
threaded female cavity 426 for conductively securing sacrificial interface 402
to sacrificial
conductor 420, thereby connecting sacrificial conductor 420 to central
conductor 106 of yoke
102. In other implementations, the male/female relationship may be reversed.
[0054] A rearward portion of sacrificial receptacle 410 (e.g., the rearward
end of the bore
semi-conductive insert 418) may be configured to receive an insulative plug
428 therein. As
described above, in some implementations, sacrificial receptacle 410 may be re-
purposed from
an existing receptacle in which the rearward end of the bore is configured for
receiving a
power cable or other element therein. Because sacrificial receptacle 410 does
not connect to a
power cable, insulative plug 428 may be provided to effectively seal the
opening within the
rearward end of sacrificial receptacle 410.
[0055] In one implementation, a cut-through region 430 may be provided in an
outer
surface of sacrificial receptacle 410 in a region overlying at least a portion
of sacrificial
conductor 420. In some implementations, cut-through region 430 may be provided
with
indicia for indicating that a user is to cut through sacrificial receptacle
410 at cut-through
region 430.
[0056] When it is necessary for work to be performed on any of power cables
104 (or
devices connected to power cables 104), a worker may cut through sacrificial
receptacle 410
at cut-through region 430 (e.g., with a grounded hydraulic cable cutter, or
similar tool) to
ensure that the electrical system that splicing connector 400 is connected to
has been properly
de-energized and is, therefore, safe to work on. When it is time to re-
energize splicing
connector 400, the cut-through sacrificial receptacle 410 may be removed and a
new or
replacement sacrificial receptacle 410 may be installed.
[0057] Figs. 5A and 5B are cross-section and side views, respectively, of an
alternative
sacrificial appendage 500 used as an alternative to sacrificial receptacle 410
of Figs. 4A and
4B. Unlike the embodiment of Figs. 4A and 4B, sacrificial appendage 500 is not
a re-
purposed cable receptacle or interface element.
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[0058] As in the embodiment of Figs. 4A and 4B, insulative portion 406 of
sacrificial
interface 402 may include a stepped outer configuration for sealingly
receiving sacrificial
appendage 500 secured thereon. Sacrificial appendage 500 may be configured for
releasable
and replaceable attachment to yoke 102 following a sacrificial use, as
described below.
[0059] Sacrificial appendage 500 may include an EPDM outer shield 505 and an
insulative
inner housing 510, typically molded from an insulative rubber or epoxy
material. Sacrificial
appendage 500 may further include a sacrificial conductor 515 received within
a rearward
portion of inner housing 510. Furthermore, a forward portion of sacrificial
appendage 500
may include a cavity 520 therein for engaging a rearward portion of
sacrificial interface 402.
[0060] A forward portion of outer shield 505 and inner housing 510 may be
configured to
surround and protect an interface between sacrificial interface 402 and
sacrificial conductor
515. In one implementation, a forward end of outer shield 505 and inner
housing 510 may be
configured to frictionally engage the stepped outer configuration of
sacrificial interface 402
upon assembly of splicing connector 400, thereby ensuring the electrical
integrity of splicing
connector 400.
[0061] Consistent with implementations described herein, sacrificial conductor
515 may
include a conductive threaded male protrusion 525 extending axially therefrom
in a forward
direction relative to a remainder of sacrificial conductor 515. As described
above, rearward
portion of sacrificial interface 402 may include threaded female cavity 426
for conductively
securing sacrificial interface 402 to male protrusion 525 of sacrificial
conductor 515, thereby
connecting sacrificial conductor 515 to central conductor 106 of yoke 102. In
other
implementations, the male/female relationship may be reversed.
[0062] In one implementation, a cut-through region 530 may be provided in a
rearward
portion of sacrificial appendage 500 in a region overlying at least a portion
of sacrificial
conductor 515. In some implementations, indicia relating to cut-through region
530 may be
provided on a surface of outer housing 515 for indicating that a user is to
cut through
sacrificial appendage 500 at cut-through region 530.
[0063] When it is necessary for work to be performed on any of power cables
104 (or
devices connected to power cables 104), a worker may cut through sacrificial
appendage 500
at cut-through region 530 (e.g., with a grounded hydraulic cable cutter, or
similar tool) to
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CA 02733112 2012-11-09
ensure that electrical the system that splicing connector 400 is connected to
has been properly
de-energized and is, therefore, safe to work on. When it is time to reenergize
splicing
connector 400, the cut-through sacrificial appendage 500 may be removed and a
new or
replacement sacrificial appendage 500 may be installed.
[0064] By providing an effective and safe mechanism for establishing
demonstrative
evidence of a de-energized system/circuit in an electrical connector, various
personnel may be
more easily able to safely identify and confirm a de-energized condition in a
switchgear
assembly. More specifically, consistent with aspects described herein,
personnel may be able
to create and view a physical disconnect of a connected portion of the
electrical system
without damaging (and necessarily replacing) connected power cables or other
components.
[0065] The foregoing description of exemplary implementations provides
illustration and
description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments
described herein
to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in
light of the above
teachings or may be acquired from practice of the embodiments. For example,
implementations described herein may also be used in conjunction with other
devices, such as
high voltage switchgear equipment, including 15 kV, 25 kV, or 35 kV equipment.
[0066] For example, various features have been mainly described above with
respect to
electrical splicing connectors. In other implementations, other medium/high
voltage power
components may be configured to include the sacrificial appendage/adapter
configurations
described above.
[0067] Although the invention has been described in detail above, it is
expressly understood
that it will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art that the
invention may be
modified. Various changes of form, design, or arrangement may be made to the
invention.
The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set
forth in the
examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the
description as a
whole.
[0068] No element, act, or instruction used in the description of the present
application
should be construed as critical or essential to the invention unless
explicitly described as such.
Also, as used herein, the article "a" is intended to include one or more
items. Further, the
phrase "based on" is intended to mean "based, at least in part, on" unless
explicitly stated
otherwise.
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