Patent ID: 7494385

Claim:
An electrical connector assembly for power utility transmission conductors, the assembly comprising: a first conductive member having a first wedge portion and a deflectable first channel portion extending from the first wedge portion, the first channel portion having a tap conductor engagement surface adapted for interfacing with a tap conductor at a spaced location from the first wedge portion, and the first wedge portion having a main conductor engagement surface adapted for interfacing with a main conductor and a conductive member engagement surface adapted for interfacing with a second conductive member; the second conductive member having a second wedge portion and a deflectable second channel portion extending from the second wedge portion, wherein the second wedge portion is configured to nest with the first wedge portion when the first and second conductive members are joined to one another, the second channel portion having a main conductor engagement surface adapted for interfacing with the main conductor at a spaced location from the second wedge portion, and the second wedge portion having a tap conductor engagement surface adapted for interfacing with the tap conductor and a conductive member engagement surface adapted for interfacing with the conductive member engagement surface of the first conductive member; wherein the tap conductor is captured between the first channel portion and the second wedge portion, and further wherein the main conductor is captured between the second channel portion and the first wedge portion when the first and second conductive members are joined to one another; and a lubricant applied to at least one engagement surface of at least one of the first and second conductive members.