GB1480856A - Electrical connectors - Google Patents

Abstract

1480856 Electrical connectors ASSOCIATED ELECTRICAL INDUSTRIES Ltd 4 June 1976 [17 June 1975] 25792/75 Heading H2E Individual insulated conductors 2 of a multicore cable 3 are connected to associated branch conductors by an electrical connector comprising a plurality of identical electrically insulating members 1, for example of glass reinforced alkyd resin, each provided with electrically conductive connector means affording electrical connection to a branch conductor and with further electrically conductive means electrically connected therewith, for example a set screw 14 having a transverse slot, for penetrating the insulation of one of the cable conductors, the further means being adjustable in position relative to the insulating member. A plurality of identical means, for example steel straps 21, are provided for linking the insulating members 1 together around the multi-core cable, the linking means being adjustable so that each insulating penetrating means may be located relative to a respective cable conductor. The steel straps 21 each terminate in pierced portions 23, 24 each co-operating with a respective cylindrical bar 27 so as to form a hinge, a screw 29 extending through bores in two adjacent bars 27 to provide the adjustment for locating the set screws 14. A plurality of insulated spacers 30 are inserted one between each pair of adjacent conductors. Each spacer 30 comprises a substantially rectangular plate having a series of serrations on each side and a series of platforms extending part way across the plate to reduce the effective height of the serrations in this part. The platform part of the plate is inserted between the conductors when they are covered by a paper insulation 17 and the other part is inserted when plastics or rubber insulation is employed. The screws 29, set screws 14 and screws (7) (Fig. 5, not shown) are each provided with a hexagonal recess for receiving an Allan key. Screws (7) are employed to clamp the branch connectors which enter insulating members 1 at bores 6, access to the screws (7) being through apertures 10. In a modification (Fig. 7, not shown) four core cable is connected to branch connectors by a connector employing four insulating members and straps. The electrical connector and adjacent portions of the multi-core cable may be enclosed in a housing (not shown) of electrically insulating material.