Fluid assisted installation of electrical cable accessories

In a method of installing an electrical cable accessory having a tubular member of elastomeric material which is to be installed over a cylindrical surface to grip the cylindrical surface, when in appropriate assembled relation therewith, with a predetermined gripping force established by dilation of the tubular member, said tubular member having opposite ends and a wall portion extending between said opposite ends, the improvement comprising:

• introducing fluid under pressure through said wall portion and between the tubular member and the cylindrical surface as the tubular member is placed over the cylindrical surface;
• and
• simultaneously impeding the escape of said fluid from between the tubular member and the cylindrical surface at least at one of said opposite ends to dilate the tubular member and establish a fluid layer between the tubular member and the cylindrical surface, thereby reducing said gripping force during installation.