One-way locking wire connector with hard stops

A toolless wire connector configured to connect at least two tracer wires, the wire connector comprising:

• a first portion comprising:
• a first main body having a first end and a second end and an exterior surface;
• a plurality of spaced apart through bores in the first main body extending from the first end to the second end;
• and
• opposing first gripping tabs extending from the exterior surface of the first main body, wherein the opposing first gripping tabs are located about 180°;
• and
• opposing first stops, each of the opposing first stops extending from each of the opposing first grip tabs, a portion of each of the first opposing stops extending above the first end;
• a second portion rotatably coupled to the first main body, the second portion comprising:
• a second main body having an interior space;
• a combination insulation piercing and wire connecting member comprising a plurality of apertures with arcuate slots extending from each of the plurality of apertures;
• and
• opposing second gripping tabs extending from an exterior surface of the second main body, wherein opposing second gripping tabs are located about 180° from each other;
• and
• wherein when each of the opposing second gripping tabs abut each of the opposing first stops and substantially prevent further rotation of the first and second portions relative to each other, wherein when the second gripping tabs abut each of the opposing first stops, the combination insulation piercing and wire connecting member is in a second, closed or connecting position where the slots in the connecting plate pierce the insulation and engage the conductive wire.

A method of electrically connecting a plurality of tracer wires, the method comprising:

• providing a connector comprising:
• a first portion comprising:
• a first main body having a first end and a second end and an exterior surface;
• a plurality of spaced apart through bores in the first main body extending from the first end to the second end;
• and
• opposing first stops extending from the exterior surface and having a portion of each of the first opposing stops extending above the first end, wherein the opposing first stops are located about 180° from each other;
• a second portion rotatably coupled to the first main body, the second portion comprising:
• a second main body having an interior space;
• a combination insulation piercing and wire connecting member comprising a plurality of apertures with arcuate slots extending from each of the plurality of apertures;
• and
• opposing second gripping tabs extending from an exterior surface of the second main body, wherein opposing second gripping tabs are located about 180° from each other;
• rotating the first and second portions relative to each other such that the opposing second gripping tabs abuts one of the opposing first stops such that the plurality of apertures in the combination insulation piercing and wire connecting member align with the plurality of spaced apart through bores in the first portion;
• inserting an end of a first tracer wire through one of the plurality of spaced apart through bores, one of the plurality of apertures and into the interior space of the second portion;
• and
• inserting an end of a second tracer wire through another one of the plurality of spaced apart through bores, another one of the plurality of apertures and into the interior space of the second portion.