Electrical conductor splicing assembly having spring with opposite end portions captured by and interconnecting conductor gripping members

Abstract

An electrical conductor splicing assembly includes a tubular shell, and a pair of tubular gripping members and a spring disposed within an interior chamber of the shell. The shell and gripping members are electrically conductive. Each gripping member defines a longitudinal passageway and a cavity within an inner portion in communication with the passageway. The shell and gripping members receive an end of an electrical conductor through each opposite end portion of the shell and within each gripping member. The spring is disposed between the gripping members and has a main portion, a pair of opposite end portions and a pair of reduced diameter portions interconnecting the main portion to the opposite end portions. The opposite end portions of the spring are captured within the cavities of the gripping members. The reduced diameter portions of the spring are disposed adjacent to and extend away from the cavities of the gripping members. The main portion of the spring urges the gripping members away from one another outwardly toward the opposite end portions of the shell which have oppositely tapered configurations. The spring causes the gripping members to abut against the opposite end portions of the shell and press radially inwardly toward and grip the conductors inserted through the gripping members and thereby provide a splice-type electrical connection between the conductors via the gripping members and shell. The reduced diameter portions of the spring block the ends of the conductors from passing farther into the shell through the main portion of the spring located between the gripping members.