Patent ID: 7883608
Filing Date: 2011-02-08
Classification: H02G

Abstract:
1. A cathodic protection system comprising: a metal structure located underground and in soil contact; a sacrificial anode located underground and in soil contact with the sacrificial anode located in a spaced condition from the metal structure; a first electrical conductor having a first end and a second end with the first end in electrical communication with the metal structure; a second electrical conductor having a first end and a second end with the first end in electrical communication with the sacrificial anode and the second end electrically joined with said second end of said first electrical conductor to form an electrical joint; a wire connector encapsulating the electrically joined second end of said first electrical conductor and the second end of the second electrical conductor, said wire connector including a first housing having a chamber therein; a second housing mateable to the first housing to form an enclosure for supporting the electrical joint; a viscous sealant located in said housing; and a latchable wire retainer secured to one of the housings and protruding from said sealant to enable latching wires therein without the user having to contact the viscous sealant, said latchable wire retainer having a first jaw with a wire support surface and a second jaw with a wire support surface with the latchable wire retainer having an open condition and a closed condition wherein, said first jaw and said second jaw clampingly engage at least one of the electrical conductors to thereby inhibit lateral displacement of the electrical connector therein, said second jaw having a body with a first end, a second end, a first side, and a second side, said second jaw having a plurality of spaced ribs extending from the first end, the second end, the first side and the second side of the body, the ribs forming a plurality of guide channels therebetween, said second jaw including a first set of teeth located on the first end and a second set of teeth located on the second end of the second jaw.