Patent Publication Number: US-7223133-B2

Title: Electrical conductor wedge connector splice

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to electrical connectors and, more particularly, to a splice for connecting electrical conductors. 
     2. Brief Description of Prior Developments 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,193,565 discloses a splicing connector having a connector shell with a general H shaped cross section. The splicing connector includes two wedge assemblies that are inserted into the H shaped connector shell for attaching two electrical conductors to each other. Electrical wedge connectors are also well known in the art, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,868,588 which include a tapering cross sectional C shape shell and a wedge. A powder actuated tool, such as a Wejtap™ tool sold by FCI USA, Inc., is used to propel the wedge into the shell to fixedly attach to conductors to each other. 
     In the early 1990&#39;s, an automatic splice was introduced to the electric utility market in the United States. Although initially promoted as a convenient, temporary connection to speed outage restoration, it&#39;s easy, tool-free installation quickly made it a favorite among linemen. In rather short order, automatic splices were soon being employed as permanent installations in almost every utility in the United States. However, 10 years later, automatic splices are failing at an alarming rate and most major utilities are desperately seeking a reliable, cost-efficient replacement. However, despite these failures, most utilities remain unwilling to mandate a return to the time tested (but labor-intensive) process of installing compression high-tension sleeves. As such, an incredibly large and enormously profitable, untapped market awaits the first manufacturer to produce a high-tension splice that provides reliability and ease of installation at an affordable price. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an electrical conductor splice is provided for connecting at least two electrical conductors. The splice includes a connector shell having a generally elongate open first lateral side; and two wedges adapted to be located in the shell at longitudinally spaced positions from each other inside opposite ends of the shell. Each wedge has a first side with a conductor contact surface and an opposite second side with a shell contact surface. The shell includes a conductor contact section for contacting the conductors. The conductor contact section is adapted to receive two of the conductors into the shell from opposite directions in generally coaxially aligned positions. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, an electrical conductor splice connector shell is provided comprising a first wedge receiving end section having a general wedge shaped profile; and a second wedge receiving end section having a general wedge shaped profile. The first and second end sections are located at opposite longitudinal ends of the shell and have their wedge shaped profiles orientated in general reverse directions. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, an electrical wedge connector splice wedge is provided comprising a first end section having a general wedge shaped profile with a first conductor contact surface on a first side of the wedge; and a second end section having a general wedge shaped profile with a second conductor contact surface on the first side of the wedge. The first and second end sections are located at opposite longitudinal ends of the wedge. Their wedge shaped profiles are orientated in general reverse directions. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, an electrical wedge connector splice wedge is provided comprising a first member having a first side and a second opposite side, the first side comprising a first electrical wedge connector splice shell contact surface, the second opposite side comprising a slot extending into the second opposite side, the slot having a first conductor contact surface therein; and a second member movably connected to the first member. The second member extends into the slot. The second member comprises a first side and an opposite second side. The first side of the second member comprising a second electrical wedge connector splice shell contact surface located in the slot. The second opposite side of the second member comprising a second conductor contact surface. The first and second conductor contact surfaces are located opposing each other. 
     In accordance with one method of the present invention, a method of connecting two electrical conductors s provided comprising steps of attaching a first electrical wedge connector splice wedge to a first conductor; attaching a second electrical wedge connector splice wedge to a second conductor; inserting the first and second splice wedges into an electrical wedge connector splice shell; and moving the first and second splice wedges in opposite directions, the step of moving comprising a powder actuated tool being fired to wedge the splice wedges into fixed stationary positions at respective opposite ends of the splice shell. 
     In accordance with another method of the present invention, a method of connecting the two electrical conductors is provided comprising steps of attaching an electrical wedge connector splice wedge to the two conductors, the conductors extending out of opposite respective ends of the splice wedge; connecting two electrical wedge connector shells to opposite respective ends of the splice wedge; and moving the two shells relative with the wedge to wedge the opposite respective ends of the wedge in respective ones of the shells. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, an electrical conductor splice for connecting at least two electrical conductors is provided comprising a connector shell; and two wedges adapted to be located in the shell at opposite ends of the shell. Each wedge has a first side with a conductor contact surface and an opposite second side with a shell contact surface. The shell comprises at least one conductor contact section for contacting the conductors. The at least one conductor contact section is adapted to receive two of the conductors in a generally aligned position at the respective opposite ends of the shell. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing aspects and other features of the present invention are explained in the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of a splice connector incorporating features of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of one of the wedges used in the splice connector shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross sectional view of the splice connector shown in  FIG. 1  taken along line  3 — 3 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of an alternate embodiment of a splice connector incorporating features of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the wedge used in the splice connector shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross sectional view of the splice connector shown in  FIG. 4  taken along line  6 — 6 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the splice connector; 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded perspective view of the splice connector shown in  FIG. 7  without showing the shells; 
         FIG. 9  is a cross sectional view of the splice connector shown in  FIG. 7  taken along line  9 — 9 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the splice connector; 
         FIG. 11  is an exploded perspective view of the splice connector shown in  FIG. 10  without showing the shell; 
         FIG. 12  is a cross sectional view of the splice connector shown in  FIG. 10  taken along line  12 — 12 ; 
         FIG. 13  is an end view showing an alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  is a side view of a prior art installation tool; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 16  is a side view of the splice connector shown in  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 17  is an end view of the splice connector shown in  FIGS. 15–16 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a cross sectional view of the splice connector shown in  FIG. 17  taken along line  18 — 18 ; 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 20  is an end view of the splice connector shown in  FIG. 19 ; 
         FIG. 21  is a cross sectional view of the splice connector shown in  FIG. 20  taken along line  21 — 21 ; 
         FIG. 22  is a side view of another alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 23  is an end view of the splice connector shown in  FIG. 22 ; and 
         FIG. 24  is a cross sectional view of the splice connector shown in  FIG. 23  taken along line  24 — 24 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a side view of an electrical conductor splice  10  incorporating features of the present invention; shown connecting two conductors  12 ,  14  to each other. Although the present invention will be described with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present invention can be embodied in many alternate forms of embodiments. In addition, any suitable size, shape or type of elements or materials could be used. 
     Referring also to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the spice connector  10  generally comprises a connector shell  16  and two wedges  18 ,  19 . The connector shell  16  generally comprises a one-piece member preferably comprised of metal, such as stamped sheet metal, cast metal, or extruded and formed metal. In an alternate embodiment, the shell  16  could be comprised of more than one member. The shell  16  generally comprises a first section  20 , a second section  22 , and a middle section  24 . The first and second sections  20 ,  22  form wedge receiving areas for receiving the respective wedges  18 ,  19 . The middle section  24  functions as a structural bridge between the first and second sections  20 ,  22 . In the embodiment shown, the middle section  24  comprises a window  26 . However, the window  26  might not be provided. The opposite side of the shell forms a generally elongate open lateral side. The shell could have any suitable length, such as 10 inches for example. The shell could be extruded with a general C shape, and then formed into the shape shown. 
     The first and second sections  20 ,  22  are generally mirror images of each other. However, in alternate embodiments, the first and second sections could be different from each other. The first and second sections  20 ,  22  comprise a general wedge shaped profile and a general cross sectional C shape. In this embodiment, the first and second sections  20 ,  22  taper towards the middle section  24 . The top sides of the first and second sections  20 ,  22  are substantially aligned with each other along a straight line. Each of the first and second sections  20 ,  22  comprise a conductor contact surface  28  and opposing wedge contact surfaces  30 . The conductor contact surfaces  28  are located on the interior curved sides of the top sides of the first and second sections. Thus, the conductor contact surfaces  28  are substantially aligned with each other. 
     The two wedges  18 ,  19  are substantially mirror images of each other. However, in alternate embodiments, the two wedges  18 ,  19  could be different from each other. Each wedge  18 ,  19  preferably comprises a one-piece member made of a suitable material, such as cast or extruded metal, for example. In an alternate embodiment, each wedge could be comprised of more than one member. Each wedge  18 ,  19  comprises a first side with a conductor contact surface  32  and an opposite second side with a shell contact surface  34 . Each wedge  18 ,  19  has a general wedge shaped profile between the surfaces  32 ,  34  from a front end  36  to a rear end  38 . The shell contact surface on each wedge has a general curved projection profile, and the conductor contact surface on each wedge has a general groove shape. 
     To attach the splice  10  to the conductors  12 ,  14 , the first conductor  12  is inserted into the first section  20  adjacent the conductor contact surface  28  in the first section and the first wedge  18  is inserted into the first section  20  as indicated by arrow  40 . The first wedge  18  is preferably power wedged into the first section  20  by a suitable tool, such as the tool  44  shown in  FIG. 14 . However, in alternate embodiments, any suitable tool could be used to wedge the first wedge  18  into the shell  16 . One such tool is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,722,189 which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. However, any suitable type of tool for wedging a wedge into a shell could be used. The tool  44  can use an end of the window  26  as a gripping surface for the front end of the tool. When the first wedge  18  is wedged into the shell  16  by the tool  44 , the first conductor  12  is fixedly captured between the two conductor contact surfaces  28 ,  32 . 
     The second conductor  14  is inserted into the second section  22  adjacent the conductor contact surface  28  in the second section and the second wedge  19  is inserted into the second section  22  as indicated by arrow  42 . The second wedge  19  is preferably power wedged into the second section  22  by a suitable tool, such as the tool  44  shown in  FIG. 14 . When the second wedge  19  is wedged into the shell  16  by the tool  44 , the second conductor  14  is fixedly captured between the two conductor contact surfaces  28 ,  32 . The direction  40  of insertion of the first wedge  18  is reverse to the direction  42  of insertion of the wedge  19 . In this embodiment, the two directions  40 ,  42  are towards each other. However, in an alternate embodiment, the two directions could be away from each other. The two conductors  12 ,  14  are, thus, fixedly connected by the splice  10  in a general aligned or coaxial position. The splice  10  provides both a mechanical and a electrical connection between the two conductors  12 ,  14 . If proved reliable, this design could satisfy an “ease of installation” requirement and be highly marketable if reasonably priced. 
     Referring now also to  FIGS. 4–6 , one alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment the splice connector  50  generally comprises two connector shells  52 ,  53  and a single wedge member  54 . The two conductor shells  52 ,  53  are generally mirror images of each other. However, in alternate embodiments, the two conductor shells could be different from each other. Each shell  52 ,  53  comprises a general wedge shaped profile and a general cross sectional C shape. In this embodiment, the shells  52 ,  53  are attached to the wedge member  54  such that the shells  52 ,  53  taper towards a middle of the splice connector  50 . The top sides of the shells  52 ,  53  are substantially aligned with each other along a straight line. Each of the shells  52 ,  53  comprise a conductor contact surface  56  and an opposing wedge contact surface  58 . The conductor contact surfaces  56  are located on the interior curved sides of the top sides of the shells. Thus, the conductor contact surfaces  56  are substantially aligned with each other. 
     In this embodiment the wedge member  54  is a one-piece member made of a suitable material such as metal. The wedge member  54  comprises two end sections  60 ,  62  which are connected by a middle section  64 . The two end sections  60 ,  62  are substantially mirror images of each other. However, in alternate embodiments, the two end sections  60 ,  62  could be different from each other. A first side of the wedge member  54  has a conductor contact surface  66  which extends along the length of the sections  60 ,  62 ,  64 . Each end section  60 ,  62  comprises an opposite second side with a shell contact surface  34 . Each end section  60 ,  62  has a general wedge shaped profile between the surfaces  66 ,  34  from an outer end  68  to an inner end  70 . The two end sections  60 ,  62  are tapered as they extend towards the middle section  64 . 
     To attach the splice  50  to the conductors  12 ,  14 , the first conductor  12  is located on the conductor contact surface  66  at the first end section  60  and the first shell  52  is inserted onto the first end section  60 . The wedge member  54  is preferably power wedged into the first shell  52  by a suitable tool, such as the tool  44  shown in  FIG. 14 . However, in alternate embodiments, any suitable tool could be used. The tool  44  can use the inner end of the shell as a gripping surface for the front end of the tool. When the first shell  2  is wedged with the first end section of the wedge member by the tool  44 , the first conductor  12  is fixedly captured between the two conductor contact surfaces  56 ,  66 . 
     The second conductor  14  is inserted onto the conductor contact surface  66  at the second end section  62  and the second shell  53  is inserted onto the second end section  62 . The second shell  53  is preferably power wedged onto the second end section  62  by a suitable tool, such as the tool  44  shown in  FIG. 14 . When the second shell  53  is wedged onto the second wedge section  62  by the tool  44 , the second conductor  14  is fixedly captured between the two conductor contact surfaces  66 ,  56 . The direction of mounting of the first shell  52  is reverse to the direction of mounting of the second shell  53 . In this embodiment, the two directions are away from each other. However, in an alternate embodiment, the two directions could be towards each other. The two conductors  12 ,  14  are, thus, fixedly connected by the splice  50  in a general aligned or coaxial position. The splice  50  provides both a mechanical and an electrical connection between the two conductors  12 ,  14 . 
     This design holds slightly more promise as wedge extraction would not be a problem. In addition, costs would be lessoned as only one new component (an integrated wedge) need be designed/produced. As with the integrated shell design of  FIG. 1 , performance is dependent upon the C-members being able to generate enough clamping force to mechanically hold the conductor during full-tension applications. Development costs could be reduced through utilization of available conventional C-members. Installation would not be significantly more complicated than installing two tap connections. If demonstrated to be reliable and reasonably priced, this design would prove highly marketable. 
     Referring now also to  FIGS. 7–9 , another alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment the splice connector  72  generally comprises two connector shells  74 ,  76  and a wedge member  78 . The two conductor shells  74 ,  76  are generally mirror images of each other. However, in alternate embodiments, the two conductor shells could be different from each other. Each shell  74 ,  76  comprises a general wedge shaped profile and a general cross sectional C shape. In this embodiment, the shells  74 ,  76  are attached to the wedge member  78  such that the shells  74 ,  76  taper towards a middle of the splice connector  72 . Each of the shells  74 ,  76  comprise two opposing wedge contact surfaces  80 ,  82 . The wedge contact surfaces  80 ,  82  are located on the interior curved sides of the top and bottom sides of the shells. 
     In this embodiment the wedge member  78  is a multi-piece member made of a suitable material such as metal. The wedge member  78  comprises a top member  84  and a bottom member  86 . When the top and bottom members  84 ,  86  are assembled, the wedge member  78  comprises two end sections  88 ,  90  which are connected by a middle section  92 . The top and bottom wedge members  84 ,  86  are adapted to be slidably connected to each other in a general telescoping orientation as seen best in  FIG. 9 . The top of the bottom member  86  slides into a receiving area in the bottom of the top member  84 . This captures the two conductors  12 ,  14  between opposing inner conductor contact surfaces  94 ,  96  of the two members  84 ,  86 . 
     To attach the splice  72  to the conductors  12 ,  14 , the conductors  12 ,  14  are placed between the top and bottom members  84 ,  86 . The top and bottom members  84 ,  86  are connected to each other to sandwich the conductors  12 ,  14  between the surfaces  94 ,  96 . The shells  74 ,  76  are then mounted on the wedge shaped end sections  88 ,  90  and wedged into a final clamping position by a suitable tool. The shells  74 ,  76 , thus, keep the top and bottom members  84 ,  86  clamped together to keep the conductors  12 ,  14  clamped inside the wedge shaped end sections  88 ,  90 . 
     This design addresses both the issue of wedge extraction and conductor “pull out”. Although it would require development and production of an entirely new wedge design, it could utilize existent C-member components to provide required clamping forces. What is unique about this design is that the C-members would not be in direct contact with the conductors. As such, the shell&#39;s rather smooth surface would not be relied upon to mechanically hold the conductor during full-tension applications. In this proposed “integrated split wedge” design, the conductor would be captured between two inter-locking components in a scissoring or more accurately, a “guillotine clamping” effect. In this design, the C-members provide required clamping forces while contributing minimally to electrical connectivity. Also, the length (such as 10 inches for example) and ribbed contact surfaces of the split wedge would enhance conductor gripping. Electrical contact, wedge integrity, “guillotine” clamping effect and uniformity of motion during the installation process would be achieved via the interlocking “tongue &amp; groove” design of the integrated split wedge. It is expected the proposed “integrated split wedge” would afford superior electrical performance and above-average mechanical integrity. Wedge assembly is inline with conductor run enhancing clamping forces and eliminating transverse stress concerns. A slight outer flange on the end of wedge assembly, conforming to original conductor diameter as shown in  FIG. 13 , can enhance the “guillotine clamping” action and significantly inhibits extraction of distorted or expanded conductor following installation. 
     In this design, conductor “pull-out” is the primary concern. This might be mitigated by “ribbing” all conductor contact surfaces (in-line with stranding) in the manner illustrated in  FIG. 13 . Insertion rate and resultant wiping action may be mildly diminished, but conductor “pull out” resistance should be enhanced substantially. The “ribs” can insert themselves between strands, deforming and expanding the conductor diameter. If entrance/exit holes were made to original conductor outer diameter (OD), it would seem difficult for deformed/expanded conductor ends to exit the installed connector. 
     Because C-members are “floating”, only providing required clamping forces and not directly responsible for holding/gripping the conductor, potential for wedge extraction and conductor “pull-out” should be lessoned. This design should prove capable of being utilized as a full-tension device. 
     While it seems this proposed design might diminish the wiping action typically associated with fired-on wedge installations, the conductor piercing action might actually serve to disperse oxide inhibitor, create more “A” spots, enhance electrical conductivity and reduce resistance. The “guillotine” configuration of the integrated split wedge should allow for expansion/contraction of conductor in response to amperage or ambient temperature changes. 
     Referring now also to  FIGS. 10–12 , another alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment the splice  100  comprises a single shell  102  and two wedges  104 ,  106 . The shell  102  comprises a one-piece member made of a suitable material, such as metal. The shell  102  comprises two wedge shaped end sections  108 ,  110  and a middle section  112 . The two wedge shaped sections  108 ,  110  are tapered in outward directions. The wedges  104 ,  106  each comprise two wedge members  114 ,  115  and  116 ,  117 , respectively. The wedge members in each pair  114 ,  115  and  116 ,  117  are adapted to be slidably connected to each other in a general telescoping orientation as seen best in  FIG. 12 . The bottom members  116 ,  120  slide into receiving areas in the top members  114 ,  118 . This captures the two conductors  12 ,  14  between opposing inner conductor contact surfaces  94 ,  96  of the opposing top and bottom members. The pairs of wedge members  114 ,  116  and  118 ,  120  are subsequently wedged into the wedge shaped end sections  108 ,  110  by a suitable tool in opposite directions (outward) to fixedly clamp the wedges and conductors inside the end sections. 
     The proposed splice, as exemplified by this embodiment, might function better if the wedges are pointed away from the conductor ends. One might originally think, based upon prior art fired-on connectors, that designing a fired-on connector for an in-line splice was impossible because the tool would have no room to be positioned directly behind the wide part of the wedge. New users of prior art fired-on connectors are taught that, during installation, the wedge is driven into the C-body and during “take-off” the C-body is driven off the wedge. With the present invention, this process is reversed and uses the “take-off” clips to drive a C-body onto the wedge during installation. In this way, a wedge could be installed in the proposed “integrated shell” facing away from the conductor ends. 
     A two-piece “guillotine” inter-locking wedge assembly could be provided such as shown in  FIG. 13 . In this configuration, the lateral force exerted by a full-tension application could serve to enhance the mechanical/electrical contact created by the connector. In essence, the more tension exerted, the tighter the connection made. There should be no “bird-caging” effect because the C-body is not in contact with the conductor. This design might allow one to angle or “serrate” the ribs back toward the bitter end of the conductor. In this way, any extraction forces would meet with additional resistance. 
     Assuming a C-member is created that is narrowed at each end, this design will function extremely well in a full-tension application. It is quite possible “drawing” of tension might accomplish wedge insertion (and desired connection) without use of an installation tooling. If so, this design could be described as a “fully-automatic” splice. If installed with WEJTAP™ tooling and “take-off” clips, a “skive” could be created in the rear side of the lower wedge component. This skive could serve to “lock” the components together creating a more homogeneous assembly and reliable connection. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 13 , one adaptation of the conductor contact surfaces  94 ′,  96 ′ is shown. As seen in this figure, the surfaces  94 ′,  96 ′ comprise ridges and grooves to form opposing teeth in a conductor receiving area  122 . This illustrates that the opposing surfaces of the mating pair of wedge members, such as seen in  FIGS. 9 and 12 , can have any suitably shaped surface to help grip onto the conductors  12 ,  14  captured between the surfaces. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 15–18 , another alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown. The splice connector  124  generally comprises a one-piece shell  126  and two wedges  128 ,  130 . The shell  126  comprises a one-piece member such as comprised of metal. The shell  126  has two wedge shaped end sections  132 ,  134  and a connecting middle section  136 . Similar to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the wedge shaped end sections  132 ,  134  have sides  138  which are aligned with a side of the middle section to allow the conductors  12 ,  14  to be aligned when connected with the splice connector. However, in this embodiment, the wedge shaped end sections  132 ,  134  are tapered in outward directions. 
     To attach the splice  124  to the conductors  12 ,  14 , the first conductor  12  is inserted into the first end section  132  adjacent the conductor contact surface in the first end section and the first wedge  128  is inserted into the first end section  132  as indicated by arrow  140 . The first wedge  128  is preferably power wedged into the first end section  132  by a suitable tool, such as the tool  44  shown in  FIG. 14 . When the first wedge  128  is wedged into the shell  126  by the tool  44 , the first conductor  12  is fixedly captured between the two conductor contact surfaces of the wedge and the shell. 
     The second conductor  14  is inserted into the second end section  134  adjacent the conductor contact surface in the second end section and the second wedge  130  is inserted into the second end section  134  as indicated by arrow  142 . The second wedge  130  is preferably power wedged into the second end section  134  by a suitable tool, such as the tool  44  shown in  FIG. 14 . When the second wedge  134  is wedged into the shell  126  by the tool  44 , the second conductor  14  is fixedly captured between the two opposing conductor contact surfaces on the wedge  130  and second end section  134 . The direction  140  of insertion of the first wedge  128  is reverse to the direction  142  of insertion of the second wedge  130 . In this embodiment, the two directions  140 ,  142  are away from each other. The two conductors  12 ,  14  are thus fixedly connected by the splice  124  in a general aligned or coaxial position. The splice  124  provides both a mechanical and a electrical connection between the two conductors  12 ,  14 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 19–21 , another alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment the splice connector  144  comprises a shell  146  and two wedges  148 ,  150 . The shell  146  is preferably comprised of a one-piece metal member. The shell  146  comprises a first wedge receiving section  152 , a second wedge receiving section  154 , and a connecting section  156 . The first and second wedge receiving sections  152 ,  154  each have a general J shaped cross section and are angled relative to each other. In this embodiment the angle is about 90 degrees. However, in alternate embodiments, any suitable angle could be provided. 
     The first wedge receiving section  152  comprises a wedge shaped section  158  which tapers towards a first end of the shell. The second wedge receiving section  154  comprises a wedge shaped section  160  which tapers towards a second opposite end of the shell. The connecting section  156  has an inner surface  162  which forms a curved conductor contact surface for the conductors  12 ,  14  to be clamped against. 
     The wedges  148 ,  150  are substantially the same, but merely orientated in reverse orientations and angled 90 degrees relative to each other. The wedges  148 ,  150  each comprise a wedge shaped section with a shell contacting surface  164  and an opposite conductor contacting surface  166 . Each wedge  148 ,  150  also comprises a wedge slot  168  to accommodate movement of a portion of the other wedge therein. 
     To attach the splice  144  to the conductors  12 ,  14 , the first and second conductors  12 ,  14  are inserted into the shell  146  through opposite ends of the shell and are located adjacent the conductor contact surface  162  in the connecting section  156 . The first wedge  148  is inserted into the first wedge shaped section  158 . The first wedge  148  is preferably power wedged into the first wedge shaped section  158  by a suitable tool, such as the tool  44  shown in  FIG. 14 . When the first wedge  148  is wedged into the shell  146  by the tool  44 , the first conductor  12  is fixedly captured between the two conductor contact surfaces  162 ,  166  of the first wedge and the shell. The second wedge  150  is inserted into the second wedge shaped section  160 . The second wedge  150  is preferably power wedged into the second wedge shaped section  160  by a suitable tool, such as the tool  44  shown in  FIG. 14 . When the second wedge  150  is wedged into the shell  146  by the tool  44 , the second conductor  14  is fixedly captured between the two conductor contact surfaces  162 ,  166  of the second wedge and the shell. Because the conductors  12 ,  14  are located against the same shell inner surface  162 , they are aligned relative to each other. The angled shell can allow the splice connector to be located in a uniquely shaped area and form a more compact design. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 22–24 , another alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment the splice connector  170  comprises a shell  172  and two wedges  174 ,  176 . The shell  172  is preferably comprised of a one-piece metal member, such as multiple member which are permanently connected to each other. The shell  172  comprises a first wedge receiving section  178  and a second wedge receiving section  180 . The shell  172  comprises a top side and a bottom side with curved walls forming inner wedge contacting surfaces  182 ,  184 . The shell  172  also comprises two interior projections  186 ,  188 . The projections  186 ,  188  have curved shapes and form conductor contact surfaces  190 ,  192 . The projections  186 ,  188  are respectively located opposite the wedge contacting surfaces  182 ,  184  to form the wedge receiving sections  178 ,  180 . The projections  186 ,  188  are angled relative to their respective opposing wedge contacting surfaces  182 ,  184  to form the wedge shapes of the wedge receiving sections. 
     To attach the splice  170  to the conductors  12 ,  14 , the first conductor  12  is inserted into the first end of the shell  172  adjacent the conductor contact surface  190  and the first wedge  174  is inserted into the first wedge receiving area  178 . The first wedge  174  is preferably power wedged into the first wedge receiving area  178  by a suitable tool, such as the tool  44  shown in  FIG. 14 . When the first wedge  174  is wedged into the shell  172  by the tool  44 , the first conductor  12  is fixedly captured between the two conductor contact surfaces  190 ,  194  of the first wedge and the shell. 
     The second conductor  14  is inserted into the second wedge receiving area  180  adjacent the conductor contact surface  192  in the second wedge receiving area  180  and the second wedge  176  is inserted into the second wedge receiving area. The second wedge  176  is preferably power wedged into the second wedge receiving area  180  by a suitable tool, such as the tool  44  shown in  FIG. 14 . When the second wedge  176  is wedged into the shell  172  by the tool  44 , the second conductor  14  is fixedly captured between the two opposing conductor contact surfaces  192 ,  194  on the second wedge  176  and shell. The direction of wedging insertion of the first wedge  174  is reverse to the direction of insertion of the second wedge  176 . In this embodiment, the two directions are away from each other. The wedges are at least partially offset or misaligned from each other to allow access to the rear ends of the wedges by the installation tool. The two conductors  12 ,  14  are, thus, fixedly connected by the splice  170  in a general aligned or coaxial position, but can exit the ends of the shell at an angle. The splice  170  provides both a mechanical and an electrical connection between the two conductors  12 ,  14 . 
     The present invention can utilize fired-on wedge technology to create a highly reliable full tension splice which is quick and easy to install while remaining cost-effective. In a preferred embodiment, the wider ends of the opposing wedges are positioned inward (towards the cable break) in a manner which lateral forces might actually serve to enhance wedge insertion and the resultant mechanical/electrical and integrity. 
     It is assumed the reason this product has not already been created lies in an inherent inability of conventional fired-on wedge connectors to withstand “pull-out’ forces generated in full-tension applications. Specifically, either the C-member is incapable of producing sufficient clamping forces to maintain mechanical hold of conductor under lateral stress, or the wedge is extracted as a result of the same forces. 
     The remedy, whereby the wider ends of opposing wedges are positioned inward (toward the cable break) in a manner which lateral forces might actually serve to enhance wedge insertion and resultant mechanical/electrical integrity, is rendered impossible in a conventional fired-on connector design due to the requirement to position the tool directly behind the wedge during installation. Also, introducing the wedge against the conductor stranding direction would undoubtedly create a “bird caging” problem. As such, attention was focused solely upon configurations in which the wider ends of opposing wedges were positioned outward away from the cable break. However, these problems can be overcome and the present invention can be used. 
     It should be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative of the invention. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances which fall within the scope of the appended claims.