Loadbreak connector assembly which prevents switching flashover

In combination:

• a power cable elbow connector including a conductor receiving end and a loadbreak bushing insert receiving end, the elbow connector further including a conductive member extending from the cable receiving end to the bushing insert receiving end, the bushing insert receiving end including an open end portion having an elbow cuff therearound;
• and
• a loadbreak bushing insert including an insulative outer housing having an axial bore therein and a conductive member positioned within the axial bore, wherein the outer housing includes a power cable elbow insertion end and a mid-section dimensionally radially larger than the power cable elbow insertion end of the outer housing, the outer housing having a transition shoulder portion between the mid-section and elbow insertion end for providing an interference-fit sealing relationship with the elbow cuff upon insertion of the bushing insert into the power cable elbow connector, the transition shoulder portion of the bushing insert including a vent for providing fluid communication between a cavity defined by the elbow cuff and transition shoulder portion of the insert upon disassembly therebetween and a location outside the mating elbow cuff and transition shoulder portion of the insert to prevent a pressure decrease within the cavity and flashover due to a decrease in dielectric strength of air within the cavity.

In combination:

• a power cable elbow connector including a conductor receiving end and a loadbreak bushing insert receiving end, the elbow connector further including a conductive member extending from the cable receiving end to the bushing insert receiving end, the bushing insert receiving end including an open end portion having an elbow cuff therearound;
• and
• a loadbreak bushing insert including an insulative outer housing having an axial bore therein and a conductive member positioned within the axial bore, wherein the outer housing includes a power cable elbow insertion end and a mid-section dimensionally radially larger than the power cable elbow insertion end of the outer housing, the outer housing having a transition shoulder portion between the mid-section and elbow insertion end for providing an interference-fit sealing relationship with the elbow cuff upon insertion of the bushing insert into the power cable elbow connector, wherein the bushing insert transition shoulder portion includes a vent such that upon disassembly of the insert from the elbow the vent prevents a pressure decrease within the elbow cuff and reduces the possibility of flashover.