US 6,585,531 B1 · Loadbreak connector assembly which prevents switching flashover

Abstract

Loadbreak connectors which are modified to reduce the probability of flashover upon disassembly operation of a loadbreak bushing insert from a power cable elbow connector. The loadbreak bushing insert and power cable elbow connector are mated with an interference fit between an elbow cuff and a transition shoulder portion of the loadbreak bushing insert. The bushing insert is provided with vents to vent a cavity formed between the elbow cuff and the transition shoulder portion of the bushing insert with ambient air to avoid a decrease in pressure within the connection region and avoid a decrease in the dielectric strength of the air therein thus preventing flashover. Preferably, the vents are provided on an elbow seating indicator band formed of a bright contrasting color on the bushing insert which, in addition to venting the cavity, serves to indicate whether the loadbreak connector is improperly assembled.

Claims22

Dependent claims

A loadbreak bushing insert comprising:

an insulative outer housing having an axial bore therein and including an upper section and a mid-section, said mid-section being radially larger than the upper section and including an annular top surface at a transition between the upper section and the mid-section and an interface side surface adjacent the annular top surface for providing an interference fit with a mating power cable elbow;
a conductive member positioned within said axial bore of said housing;
and
a plurality of circumferentially spaced vent grooves provided in said mid-section of said outer housing, said vent grooves providing fluid communication between said annular top surface and said interface side surface for venting a chamber formed between said housing and said mating power cable elbow thereby substantially preventing a vacuum within said chamber to avoid flashover when separating the loadbreak bushing insert from said mating power cable elbow.

1 more element

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 a housing having an axial bore therein and a conductive member positioned within the axial bore, wherein the housing includes a power cable elbow insertion end and a mid-section dimensionally radially larger than the power cable elbow insertion end of the housing, a portion of the housing mid-section being in interference-fit sealing relationship with the elbow cuff upon insertion of the bushing insert into the power cable elbow connector, the housing mid-section further including at least one raised rib for forcing at least a portion of said elbow cuff to radially expand upon separation of said power cable elbow connector from said load break bushing insert, thereby providing fluid communication between a cavity defined by the bushing insert receiving end of the power cable elbow connector and the bushing insert housing mid-section with ambient air pressure surrounding the bushing insert whereby, upon disassembly therebetween, a pressure decrease within the cavity is substantially prevented to reduce the possibility of flashover.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Loadbreak connector assembly which prevents switching flashover

Life of this patent

Loadbreak connector assembly which prevents switching flashover

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims22