Electrical Connectors and Methods for Using Same

A method for forming a mechanical and electrical coupling with an electrical conductor, the method comprising:

• providing an electrical connector including:
• a tubular housing having a connector axis, the housing defining a conductor receiving opening and an interior cavity each configured to receive the conductor along the connector axis;
• at least one jaw member configured to clamp the conductor within the interior cavity;
• a sealant containment membrane disposed in the interior cavity and defining a sealant chamber;
• and
• a sealant contained in the sealant chamber in the interior cavity to environmentally protect an electrical contact engagement between the conductor and the electrical connector;
• inserting the conductor into the interior cavity through the conductor receiving opening;
• clamping the conductor within the interior cavity using the at least one jaw member;
• and
• environmentally protecting an electrical contact engagement between the conductor and the electrical connector with the sealant when the conductor is clamped in the interior cavity by the at least one jaw member.

An electrical connector for forming a mechanical and electrical in-line splice connection between a first electrical conductor and a second electrical conductor, the electrical connector comprising:

• a tubular housing having a connector axis, the housing defining:
• a first conductor receiving opening and a first interior cavity each configured to receive the first conductor along the connector axis;
• and
• a second conductor receiving opening opposite the first conductor receiving opening and a second interior cavity opposite the first interior cavity, each configured to receive the second conductor along the connector axis;
• and
• a conductor connecting system including:
• a first jaw extending into the first interior cavity;
• and
• a second jaw extending into the second interior cavity;
• wherein the electrical connector is configured to clamp and electrically contact the first conductor in the first interior cavity using the first jaw and to clamp and electrically contact the second conductor in the second interior cavity using the second jaw to form an in-line splice connection;
• and
• wherein the in-line splice connection is compliant with ANSI C119.4-2004 when no tension is applied to the first and second conductors.