Locking connector cable safety attachment assembly and method for protecting electrical connections in hazardous environments

Abstract

The present invention provides a connector assembly for protecting an electrical connection in a hazardous environment. The connector assembly includes a first connector, a plug casting, and an elongated mesh handle. The plug casting is circumscribed and fixed to the first connector. The elongated mesh handle is coupled to the plug casting, the mesh handle including a mesh sized to surround the cable, the mesh including a first end and a second end. The diameter of the mesh is a transverse diameter of a passage defined by the mesh and configured to receive a cable therethrough, wherein the diameter of the mesh decreases when one of the first end and the second end of the mesh is pulled away from the other of the first end and the second end of the mesh.

Description

Background Art

[0001] The field of the present invention generally relates to medium voltage connector assemblies for industrial power systems, and more particularly to industrial cable security attachment assemblies and methods for locking connector assemblies for use in hazardous environments.

[0002] Conventional connector assemblies are known that include a plug coupled to a socket, wherein electrical contacts are included internally. The connector (including the plug and the socket) is then used to interconnect to a cable.

[0003] In hazardous industrial environments (such as mines, refineries, and petrochemical plants), flammable gases, vapors, or dust or other flammable substances are present in the environment surrounding the connector assembly. In such environments, additional protective measures are required, including but not necessarily limited to securing the electrical connection within the connector to prevent the risk of ignition that may be caused by disconnection of the circuit under load in the hazardous environment.

[0004] While known safety mechanisms and techniques are effective in providing the desired locked interconnection of connectors and cables for industrial applications in hazardous environments, they are susceptible to certain problems and are in need of improvement. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various figures unless otherwise specified.

[0006] Figure 1 is a side view of a known compression connector.

[0007] Figure 2 is a side view of another known compression connector.

[0008] Figure 3A is a perspective view of an exemplary female connector assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A An enlarged view of the connector assembly is shown.

[0010] Figure 4A is a perspective view of an exemplary male connector assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A An enlarged view of the connector assembly is shown.

[0012] Figure 5 It is used to show FIG. 3A to FIG. 4B A flow chart of an exemplary method of securing a cable with a connector assembly is shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] Conventional plug and socket cable connectors used for industrial purposes are deficient in certain aspects, particularly in hazardous environments. For example, while the connector and cable are still energized, the cable may become detached from the connector due to the weight of the cable or other forces pulling the cable away from the connector, wherein any arcing resulting from the disconnection may create an ignition source in the volatile atmosphere of the hazardous environment.

[0014] Electrical systems sometimes operate in hazardous environments where there is a risk of explosion due to ignition of surrounding gases or vapors, dust, fibers or flying dust. Such hazardous environments may only occur in, for example, mines, refineries, petrochemical plants, grain silos, wastewater and / or treatment facilities, and other industrial facilities where unstable conditions are created in the surrounding environment, increasing the risk of fire or explosion. The temporary or continuous presence of flammable gases, vapors or dust or other flammable substances in the air has a significant impact on the overall safe and reliable operation of such facilities. In order to transmit electricity to end-user equipment, cables may be long and heavy. If the cable is detached from the connector, both the connector and the cable are still energized, which poses a great safety hazard in such environments. Therefore, based on the assessed probability of explosion or fire risk, many standards for the use of electrical products in explosive environments have been promulgated to improve safety in hazardous locations.

[0015] To meet the special needs of hazardous environments, specialized locking connectors have been developed that include compression housing features to secure the connection of the cable to the connector and the connection of the connectors to each other. Such features include hose clamps and threaded rubber housings that prevent the tendency to inadvertently disengage when in use. For example, a known connector of this type may be rated for 600V and withstand a safety test of 300 pounds for one minute.

[0016] According to Canadian Standards Association (CSA) standards, compression connectors such as plugs and receptacles rated for voltages above 1000 V are required to meet a cable safety test exceeding 600 pounds, wherein when a test cable connected to the connector has a 600-pound weight attached, the test cable does not move more than a predetermined threshold distance after one minute. Known compression connectors fail to meet this requirement.

[0017] The connector assembly disclosed herein can be reliably used to withstand a 600 lb pull test to meet 1000V usage requirements without having to design a completely new connector system. Thus, existing systems can be used to meet higher power requirements without making significant changes to the components in the system.

[0018] Figure 1A known connector 100 is shown. The connector 100 is a female connector configured to be coupled to a male connector. The connector 100 includes a first end 102 and a second end 104 opposite to the first end 102. The first end 102 includes three female electrical contacts and a male ground contact. The first end 102 may include a socket (not shown) configured to receive a male electrical contact that carries, for example, 3-phase power of an alternating current (AC) power system operating at 1000V. Therefore, the first end 102 is configured to couple the connector 100 to a complementary connector, such as a male connector with protruding electrical contacts. The second end 104 of the connector 100 is configured to be coupled to a cable (not shown) for supplying power to a load device. In operation, the connector 100 is used to connect the cable to a power source by connecting the cable at the second end 104 and connecting to a complementary connector configured to be electrically coupled to a line-side power source at the first end 102.

[0019] The connector 100 may further include a hose clamp 106. In operation, the hose clamp 106 is clamped onto an outer surface 108 of the connector 100 and restricts the cable from being pulled out of the connector 100 by friction between the cable jacket (not shown) and the connector 100.

[0020] Figure 2 A side view of a known male connector 200 is shown. The connector 200 includes a first end 202 and a second end 204. The first end 202 includes a male electrical contact (not shown). The first end 202 may also include a slot (not shown) for receiving a ground contact. The second end 204 is configured to receive a cable (not shown) of a line-side power supply. In operation, the connector 200 is inserted into a complementary female connector 100 via the first end 202.

[0021] The connector 200 may further include a hose clamp 206. In operation, the hose clamp 206 is clamped onto the outer surface 208 of the connector 200 and restricts the cable from being pulled out of the connector 200.

[0022] The connectors 100, 200 are rated for 600VAC or 1000VAC and may be considered to be medium voltage Quik-Loc connectors of the Crouse-Hinds series from Eaton Corporation of the United States. TM Plug and Socket. While the connectors 100, 200 work well in hazardous environments, such as mining applications, further improvements are needed.

[0023] Figure 3A and Figure 3BA perspective view of an exemplary connector assembly 300 of the present invention is shown that meets the significantly higher safety requirements of using 1000V in mining operations. Figure 3B yes Figure 3A . The connector assembly 300 includes a connector 302 and an elongated web handle 304. The connector assembly 300 may further include a plug casting 330.

[0024] The connector 302 is a female connector that includes one or more slots 306 for receiving male electrical contacts configured to transmit power. The connector 302 may also include a ground contact 308 for connecting to ground.

[0025] The connector 302 includes a first end 310 and a second end 312. The electrical contacts 308 and the slot 306 are positioned at the first end 310. The connector 302 is configured to receive a cable 314 at the second end 312 for supplying power to the end-user device. The connector 302 may include a sleeve 315 disposed on the exterior of the connector 302. The connector 302 may further include a hose clamp 316, which is clamped on the outer surface 318 of the connector 302, thereby clamping the sleeve 315 to the connector 302 and the cable 314. The hose clamp 316 may be made of stainless steel or other materials that enable the connector assembly 300 to function as described herein. In an exemplary embodiment, the sleeve 315 is made of rubber, making the sleeve 315 flexible, durable and chemically resistant. Therefore, the sleeve 315 can be folded to facilitate the easy insertion of the cable 314 into the connector 302, and then unfolded to cover the cable 314. Additionally, sleeve 315 is impact and chemical resistant in harsh, demanding environments.

[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, the mesh handle 304 includes a mesh 320. The mesh 320 can be formed by wires 329. In some embodiments, the wires 329 can be interwoven to form the mesh 320. The mesh 320 is, for example, a metal wire mesh. The mesh 320 can be made of other materials (including but not limited to plastics) that enable the connector assembly 300 to function as described herein. The mesh 320 includes a first end 322 and a second end 324. The mesh 320 defines a channel 327 that is configured to receive the cable 314 through it. The diameter 326 of the mesh 320 is defined as the transverse diameter 331 of the channel 327. When one of the first end 322 and the second end 324 is pushed toward the other of the first end 322 and the second end 324, the diameter 326 of the mesh 320 increases. On the other hand, when the first end 322 and the second end 324 are pulled away from each other, the diameter 326 decreases. In other words, when the mesh 320 is pushed or pulled along the longitudinal direction of the mesh 320, the diameter 326 of the mesh 320 increases or decreases.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, the mesh handle 304 may further include one or more eye loops 321. In one example, the eye loops 321 of the mesh handle 304 are formed by bundling the wires 329 of the mesh 320 together and forming a loop.

[0028] To assemble the cable 314 to the connector 302, one of the first end 322 and the second end 324 is pushed toward the other of the first end 322 and the second end 324, so that the diameter 326 increases to be larger than the diameter 328 of the cable 314. The cable 314 is then inserted into the mesh 320 from the second end 324 and exits the mesh 320 at the first end 322. The cable 314 is then coupled to the connector 302 at the second end 312 of the connector 302.

[0029] Connector assembly 300 may further include a plug casting 330. Plug casting 330 is secured to connector 302 proximate first end 310 of connector 302. Plug casting 330 may be made of a metal, an alloy, or any other material that enables connector assembly 300 to function as described herein.

[0030] The connector assembly 300 may also include a bracket 332 and a shackle 334. In an exemplary embodiment, the bracket 332 is coupled to the plug casting 330. The bracket 332 may be formed integrally with the plug casting 330, or may be formed as a separate piece from the plug casting 330. The bracket 332 and the shackle 334 may be made of copper, an alloy, stainless steel, or any other material that enables the connector assembly 300 to function as described herein. In an exemplary embodiment, the connector assembly 300 includes two brackets 332, two shackles 334, and two eyelets 321. The connector assembly 300 may include other numbers of brackets 332, shackles 334, and eyelets 321, such as one or three.

[0031] In operation, the eyelet 321 is coupled to the shackle 334 by inserting the eyelet 321 into the shackle 334. The shackle 334 is coupled to the bracket 332, which is coupled to the plug casting 330. In some embodiments, the shackle 334 is directly coupled to the plug casting 330. When a force, such as the weight of the cable 314 or an external force, is applied to the cable 314 to pull the cable 314 away from its connection with the connector 302, the force in that direction stretches the wires 329 of the mesh 320 and reduces the diameter 326 of the mesh 320. As a result, the mesh 320 contracts and clamps tightly onto the jacket of the cable 314 to hold the cable 314 in place. In addition, the force is transferred from the connection point 336 between the cable 314 and the connector 302 and transferred to the plug casting 330 through the mesh handle 304 and the coupling between the mesh handle 304, the shackle 334, the bracket 332 and the plug casting 330.

[0032] Unlike connectors 100, 302 which fail the 600 lb pull test due to the rubber construction of sleeve 315 and reliance solely on hose clamp 316 for strain relief, connector assembly 300 meets the 600 lb pull test requirement for a 1000 volt rated connector because of the secure connection of connector assembly 300.

[0033] Figure 4A and Figure 4B A perspective view of another exemplary connector assembly 400 is shown. Figure 4B yes Figure 4A An enlarged view of the connector assembly 400 is shown in FIG. Unlike the connector assembly 300, the connector assembly 400 includes a male connector 402 that includes a protruding electrical contact 308 configured to receive electrical power and may further include a slot 306 for receiving a ground contact.

[0034] The connector assembly 400 includes a connector 402 and a mesh handle 304. The connector assembly 400 further includes a plug casting 404. The plug casting 404 is fixed to the connector 402. The connector assembly 400 may further include a hook 334. The connector assembly 400 may also include a rod 406. In an exemplary embodiment, the rod 406 is movably coupled to the plug casting 404. In some embodiments, the rod 406 is fixedly coupled to the plug casting 404, similar to the bracket 332 of the connector assembly 300. The connector assembly 400 may further include a clamping rod 408. The clamping rod 408 is used to couple the connector 402 to a complementary connector. For example, the complementary connector is a socket, and the clamping rod 408 is inserted into a slot on the socket to couple the connector 402 to the socket. In some embodiments, the complementary connector is a female connector 302, and the clamping rod 408 can be inserted into a slot 333 on the plug casting 330 fixed to the female connector 302 (see Figure 3B ). The rod 406 and the clamping rod 408 can be rotatably coupled. In operation, the rod 406 can be moved so that the clamping rod 408 is rotated to engage or disengage with the complementary connector.

[0035] Similarly, the cable 314 is secured to the connector 402, and forces are transferred from the connection point 336 between the connector 402 and the cable 314, and transferred to the plug casting 404 through the mesh handle 304 and the coupling between the mesh handle 304, the shackle 334, the rod 406, and the plug casting 404. In an exemplary embodiment, the connector assembly 400 includes two rods 406, two shackles 334, and two eyelets 321. The connector assembly 400 may include other numbers of rods 406, shackles 334, and eyelets 321, such as one or three.

[0036] Figure 5An exemplary method 500 of securing a cable is shown. The method 500 includes providing 502 a cable and a connector assembly. The connector assembly may include any of the above examples or embodiments. The method 500 also includes pushing 504 one of a first end and a second end of a mesh of the connector assembly toward the other of a first end and a second end of the mesh, such that a diameter of the mesh increases and becomes larger than a diameter of the cable. The method 500 also includes inserting 506 a cable through the mesh. In addition, the method 500 includes coupling 508 the cable to a connector of the connector assembly. The method 500 may further include pulling one of the first end and the second end of the mesh so that the mesh contacts an exterior of the cable.

[0037] Various embodiments of connector assemblies are described herein, including a webbed handle, wherein strain on the connection point between the connector and the cable is transferred from the connection point to the plug casting of the connector, thereby increasing the safety of the connector assembly and complying with CSA standards with a higher rating than the connector itself. Additionally, existing systems can be used to meet higher power demands with only minor changes to system components, thereby saving the cost of upgrading the electrical system.

[0038] Although exemplary embodiments of components, assemblies, and systems are described, variations of the components, assemblies, and systems may achieve similar advantages and effects. Specifically, the shapes and geometries of the components and assemblies and the relative positions of the components in the assemblies may differ from those described and depicted without departing from the inventive concepts described. Additionally, in certain embodiments, certain components of the assemblies may be omitted to accommodate the needs of a particular type of fuse or a particular installation while still providing the performance and functionality required of the fuse.

[0039] It is now believed that the benefits and advantages of the inventive concepts have been fully demonstrated in accordance with the disclosed exemplary embodiments.

[0040] The present invention discloses an embodiment of a connector assembly for protecting electrical connections in hazardous environments. The connector assembly includes a first connector, a plug casting, and an elongated mesh handle. The first connector includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end including a plurality of electrical contacts configured to be electrically coupled to a complementary connector, wherein the first connector is configured to receive a cable at the second end. The plug casting is externally connected to and fixed to the first connector. The elongated mesh handle is coupled to the plug casting, and the mesh handle includes a mesh sized to surround the cable, the mesh including a first end and a second end. The diameter of the mesh is a transverse diameter of a channel defined by the mesh and configured to receive the cable through it, wherein the diameter of the mesh decreases when one of the first end and the second end of the mesh is pulled away from the other of the first end and the second end of the mesh.

[0041] Optionally, the first connector is a female connector, and the connector assembly further includes: one or more brackets extending from the plug casting; and one or more shackles, the one or more shackles coupled to the mesh handle and the bracket. Alternatively, the first connector is a male connector, and the connector assembly further includes: one or more rods, the one or more rods coupled to the plug casting; and one or more shackles, the one or more shackles coupled to the rods and the mesh handle. The connector assembly further includes a clamping rod rotatably coupled to one of the rods and configured to couple to a complementary connector. The mesh handle is a wire mesh handle. The wire mesh handle includes a plurality of wires interwoven and forming a mesh. The connector assembly further includes one or more shackles, the one or more shackles are coupled to the plug casting, the mesh handle forms one or more eye loops, and the one or more eye loops are inserted into the one or more shackles.

[0042] The present invention discloses an embodiment of a method for fixing a cable. The method includes providing a cable and a connector assembly, wherein the connector assembly includes a first connector, a plug casting fixed to the first connector, and an elongated mesh handle including a mesh sized to surround the cable. The first connector includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end of the first connector including a plurality of electrical contacts configured to be electrically coupled to a complementary connector. The first connector is configured to receive a cable at the second end. The diameter of the mesh is a transverse diameter of a channel defined by the mesh and configured to receive the cable through it, wherein the diameter of the mesh decreases when the mesh is pulled along the longitudinal direction of the mesh, and the mesh has a first end and a second end. The method further includes pushing one of the first end and the second end of the mesh toward the other of the first end and the second end of the mesh so that the diameter of the mesh is greater than the diameter of the cable. The method also includes inserting the cable through the mesh. In addition, the method includes coupling the cable to the first connector. In addition, the method includes pulling one of the first end and the second end of the mesh away from the other of the first end and the second end of the mesh until the mesh contacts the outside of the cable.

[0043] Optionally, in the method, the first connector is a female connector, and the connector assembly further includes: one or more brackets extending from the plug casting; and one or more shackles, the one or more shackles coupled to the mesh handle and the bracket. Alternatively, the first connector is a male connector, and the connector assembly further includes: one or more rods, the one or more rods coupled to the plug casting; and one or more shackles, the one or more shackles coupled to the rods and the mesh handle. The connector assembly further includes a clamping rod rotatably coupled to one of the rods and configured to couple to a complementary connector. The mesh handle is a wire mesh handle. The wire mesh handle includes a plurality of wires interwoven and forming a mesh. The connector assembly further includes one or more shackles, the one or more shackles are coupled to the plug casting, the mesh handle forms one or more eye loops, and the one or more eye loops are inserted into the one or more shackles.

[0044] The present invention discloses another embodiment of a connector assembly for protecting an electrical connection in a hazardous environment. The connector assembly includes a female connector, a male connector, a plug casting, and an elongated mesh handle. The female connector includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end including a plurality of electrical contacts, wherein the female connector is configured to receive a first cable at the second end. The male connector includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end including a plurality of electrical contacts and coupled to the female connector at the first end of the female connector, wherein the male connector is configured to receive a second cable at the second end of the male connector. The plug casting is externally connected and fixed to one of the female connector and the male connector. The elongated mesh handle is coupled to the plug casting, and the mesh handle includes a mesh sized to surround one of the first cable and the second cable. The mesh includes a first end and a second end, and the diameter of the mesh is a transverse diameter of a passage defined by the mesh and configured to receive one of the first cable and the second cable through it. When one of the first end and the second end of the mesh is pulled away from the other of the first end and the second end of the mesh, the diameter of the mesh decreases.

[0045] Optionally, the plug casting is a first plug casting that is externally attached and fixed to the female connector, and the elongated mesh handle is a first elongated mesh handle that is coupled to the first plug casting and includes a first mesh sized to surround the first cable. The connector assembly further includes a second plug casting and a second elongated mesh handle. The second plug casting is externally attached and fixed to the male connector. The second elongated mesh handle is coupled to the second plug casting and includes a second mesh sized to surround the second cable. Alternatively, the plug casting is externally attached and fixed to the female connector, the mesh is sized to surround the first cable, and the connector assembly further includes: one or more brackets extending from the plug casting; and one or more shackles, the one or more shackles coupled to the mesh handle and the brackets. Alternatively, the plug casting is externally attached and fixed to the male connector, the mesh is sized to surround the second cable, and the connector assembly further includes: one or more rods, the one or more rods coupled to the plug casting; and one or more shackles, the one or more shackles coupled to the rod and the mesh handle. The connector assembly further includes a clamping rod rotatably coupled to one of the rods and configured to couple to the female connector. The connector assembly further includes one or more shackles coupled to the plug casting, wherein the web handle forms one or more eye loops, and the one or more eye loops are inserted into the one or more shackles.

[0046] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that are not substantially different from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A connector assembly for protecting an electrical connection in a hazardous environment, the connector assembly comprising: a first connector comprising a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end comprising a plurality of electrical contacts configured to electrically couple to a complementary connector, wherein the first connector is configured to receive a cable at the second end; a plug casting, the plug casting being externally connected to and fixed to the first connector; as well as an elongated mesh handle coupled to the plug casting, the mesh handle comprising a mesh sized to surround the cable, the mesh comprising a first end and a second end, the mesh having a diameter that is a transverse diameter of a passage defined by the mesh and configured to receive the cable therethrough, wherein the diameter of the mesh decreases when one of the first end and the second end of the mesh is pulled away from the other of the first end and the second end of the mesh; wherein the connector assembly is configured to prevent a risk of ignition that may be caused by disconnection of a 1000V circuit under load when subjected to a tensile force of approximately 600 pounds in a hazardous environment; and The connector assembly comprises: one or more brackets extending from the plug casting; and one or more shackles coupled to the web handle and the bracket; or one or more rods coupled to the plug casting; and One or more carabiners are coupled to the rod and the web handle. 2 . The connector assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a clamping lever rotatably coupled to one of the levers and configured to couple to the complementary connector. The connector assembly of claim 1 , wherein the mesh handle is a wire mesh handle. The connector assembly of claim 3 , wherein the wire mesh handle comprises a plurality of wires interwoven and forming the mesh.

5. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more shackles are coupled to the plug casting, wherein the web handle forms one or more eye loops, and the one or more eye loops are inserted into the one or more shackles.

6. A method for fixing a cable, the method comprising: A cable and connector assembly is provided, wherein the connector assembly includes a first connector, a plug casting secured to the first connector, and an elongated mesh handle, the elongated mesh handle including a mesh sized to surround the cable, the first connector including a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end of the first connector including a plurality of electrical contacts configured to electrically couple to a complementary connector, wherein the first connector is configured to receive the cable at the second end, a diameter of the mesh being a transverse diameter of a passage defined by the mesh and configured to receive the cable therethrough, wherein the diameter of the mesh decreases when the mesh is pulled in a longitudinal direction of the mesh, the mesh having a first end and a second end; pushing one of the first end and the second end of the mesh toward the other of the first end and the second end of the mesh so that a diameter of the mesh is larger than a diameter of the cable; inserting the cable through the mesh; coupling the cable to the first connector; as well as pulling one of the first end and the second end of the mesh away from the other of the first end and the second end of the mesh until the mesh contacts the exterior of the cable, wherein the connector assembly is configured to prevent a risk of ignition that may be caused by disconnection of a 1000V circuit under load when subjected to a tensile force of approximately 600 pounds in a hazardous environment; and Wherein, the connector assembly comprises: one or more brackets extending from the plug casting; and one or more shackles coupled to the web handle and the bracket; or The connector assembly comprises: one or more rods coupled to the plug casting; and One or more carabiners are coupled to the rod and the web handle.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the connector assembly further comprises a clamping lever rotatably coupled to one of the levers and configured to couple to the complementary connector. The method of claim 6 , wherein the mesh handle is a wire mesh handle.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the wire mesh handle comprises a plurality of wires interwoven and forming the mesh.

10. The method according to claim 6, wherein: The one or more shackles are coupled to the plug casting, the web handle forms one or more eye loops, and the one or more eye loops are inserted into the one or more shackles.

11. A connector assembly for protecting an electrical connection in a hazardous environment, the connector assembly comprising: a female connector comprising a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end comprising a plurality of electrical contacts, wherein the female connector is configured to receive a first electrical cable at the second end; a male connector including a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end including a plurality of electrical contacts and coupled to the female connector at the first end of the female connector, wherein the male connector is configured to receive a second cable at the second end of the male connector; a plug casting circumscribing and secured to one of the female connector and the male connector; as well as an elongated mesh handle coupled to the plug casting, the mesh handle comprising a mesh sized to surround one of the first and second cables, the mesh comprising a first end and a second end, the mesh having a diameter that is a transverse diameter of a passage defined by the mesh and configured to receive one of the first and second cables therethrough, wherein the diameter of the mesh decreases when one of the first and second ends of the mesh is pulled away from the other of the first and second ends of the mesh; wherein the plug casting is externally connected to and fixed to the female connector, the mesh is sized to surround the first cable, and the connector assembly further includes: one or more brackets, the one or more brackets extending from the plug casting; and one or more shackles, the one or more shackles coupled to the mesh handle and the brackets; or, wherein the plug casting is externally connected to and fixed to the male connector, the mesh is sized to surround the second cable, and the connector assembly further includes: one or more rods, the one or more rods coupled to the plug casting; and one or more shackles, the one or more shackles coupled to the rods and the mesh handle; such that the connector assembly is configured to prevent the risk of ignition that may be caused by the disconnection of a 1000V circuit under load when subjected to a tensile force of approximately 600 pounds in a hazardous environment.

12. The connector assembly of claim 11, wherein the plug casting is a first plug casting externally attached to and secured to the female connector, the elongated mesh handle is a first elongated mesh handle coupled to the first plug casting and comprising a first mesh sized to surround the first cable, the connector assembly further comprising: a second plug casting, the second plug casting being externally connected to and fixed to the male connector; as well as A second elongated mesh handle is coupled to the second plug casting and includes a second mesh sized to surround the second cable.

13. The connector assembly of claim 11, wherein the plug casting is externally connected to and fixed to a male connector, the connector assembly further comprising a clamping rod rotatably coupled to one of the rods and configured to couple to the female connector.

14. The connector assembly of claim 11, wherein the web handle forms one or more eyelets, and the one or more eyelets are inserted into the one or more shackles.

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