Connector-based high-voltage lockout function

An electrical connector for use in an electrical system having a high-voltage component connected to a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) via a high-voltage bus, and a battery disconnect unit (BDU) having a high-voltage switch device selectively connecting and disconnecting the RESS to and from the high-voltage bus, respectively, the high-voltage switch device being configured to close responsive to a low-voltage drive current to connect the RESS to the high-voltage bus, wherein the high-voltage component defines a service opening and has a cover that at least partially spans the service opening when the cover is in an installed position, the electrical connector comprising first, second, and third connector pieces, wherein:

• the third connector piece is configured to fixedly engage the high-voltage component through a surface of the high-voltage component;
• the first connector piece is removably connectable to the third connector piece;
• and
• the second connector piece that is removably connectable to the first and third connector pieces;
• wherein the electrical connector at least partially overlaps the cover when in the installed position, the first, second, and third connector pieces collectively form an electrical junction or switch in the low-voltage drive circuit, and a disconnection of the first, second, and third connector pieces from each other opens the electrical junction or switch to prevent the low-voltage drive circuit from reaching the high-voltage switch device and thereby cause the high-voltage switch device to open.