Cup-shaped underground tap connector

A connector for joining a tap conductor to a run conductor of an underground cable system without removing the insulation from the run conductor comprising:

• respective insulated and uninsulated portions of said tap conductor, a body of conductive material adapted to be connected to said uninsulated portion, a piercing member of said body for passage through the insulation of said run conductor, clamping means for coupling said piercing member to said run conductor, adjustment means of said clamping means for bringing said piercing member into tight interengagement with said run conductor and supplying sufficient force to direct said piercing member through the insulation of said run conductor and into electrical communication with the interior thereof, said piercing member having a cup-shaped configuration to permit piercing of the insulation and collection of a plug of insulation therein so as to minimize the stresses on the remainder of the insulated run conductor when the piercing member is electrically connected with the interior of the run conductor to complete an electrical connection between said run conductor and said tap conductor connected to said piercing member, said body being substantially tubular in configuration terminating in a lower flanged end, said piercing member extending from said flanged end and being of hollow cylindrical configuration whereby the rim thereof forms a cutting surface, a recess in the end of said piercing member opposite the flanged end to receive a tap wire therein, releasable lock means to hold the tap wire in electrical communication in the recess in said body, a coating of nylon material covering the exterior surface of said body and said flange, the surface of the end of the flange surrounding said piercing member forming a recess, a plyable plastic sealing pad within said recess to seal the area around the zone of penetration of said piercing member into the run conductor, the hollow interior of said piercing member forming a receptacle for the cut plug of insulation of the run conductor when the run conductor is pierced by said piercing member and an insulation boot embracing said insulated portion and engaging said coating of nylon with the boot having a passageway therethrough for introduction of the tap wire into the recess for connection to the connector.