Patent · US Expired

Loadbreak connector assembly which prevents switching flashover

US6168447A · kind A · utility

59Cited by
45References
21Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 7, 1999
Grant dateJan 2, 2001
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 7, 2019

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S439/921
  • WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

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.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.