Waterproof fusible breakaway electrical connector

Abstract

A connector assembly for electrically connecting or splicing multiple pairs of insulated conductors comprising a feeder circuit, and providing a tap connection through an integral and easily accessible fuse for each phase of the circuit. The assembly comprises a multi-piece housing typically of thermoplastic material, and includes various caps and plugs which when assembled provide a watertight seal for the entire connection. The tap connection, commonly referred to as the load side, comprises a male plug assembly consisting of two blades within a housing which in turn is seated within an elastomeric boot; this entire assembly is mated with a female receptacle on the main housing, coming into intimate contact with the female receptacle, insuring a submersible watertight seal. This tap connection can be readily disconnected and re-connected without interruption to the main feed circuit, by simply unplugging the load side plug from the line side housing. This unplugging occurs readily if undue tensile stress is applied to the load side conductors thereby serving as an emergency "breakaway" disconnect feature. The fuses are situated such that they are readily accessible for inspection or replacement without interruption to the main feed circuit, or disconnection of the tap or load side.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.