Liquid Epoxy Brush Barrier

Abstract

A barrier comprising an outer edge and a plurality of elements, such as bristles, projecting inwardly from the outer edge. An electrical accessory comprising a body having an interior cavity, a hole located within the interior cavity between a first portion and a second portion; and a barrier located within or adjacent to the hole; the barrier comprising an outer edge and a plurality of bendable elements. A method of assembling an electrical accessory comprising: providing a barrier comprising an outer edge and a plurality of bendable elements projecting inwardly; placing the barrier within the interior cavity of the electrical accessory; placing a conductor in the second portion of the interior cavity, a distal portion of the conductor extending through the barrier and into the first portion of the interior cavity; and filling the first portion of the interior cavity with a sealing compound.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to electrical accessories for protecting wiring, and more particularly to a liquid epoxy barrier element for electrical accessories. Background Art

[0002] Electrical accessories can include, for example, cable connectors, conduit fittings, sealing fittings, and cable glands. A cable gland is a protective device used to physically and electrically route cables, such as electrical cables or fiber optic cables. A cable may include a plurality of conductive elements, each of which typically includes insulated copper wires to transmit power and / or electrical signals. A fiber optic cable may include a plurality of optical fibers capable of carrying light to transmit optical signals. Cable glands, sometimes also referred to as cable connectors or cable accessories, can be made of metal or non-metallic materials, depending on the intended application. U.S. Patent No. 10,008,845, incorporated herein by reference, discloses some exemplary cable glands.

[0003] Cable glands are used on many different types of power, control, instrumentation, data and telecommunications cables. They are used as sealing and termination devices to ensure that the outer casing supporting the internal cable maintains the internal environment suitable for the cable to perform its intended function in a variety of different external environments. Some of these external environments can be very detrimental to the function and performance of the enclosed cable without the cable gland. For example, the types of hazardous environments where cable glands are used include fresh and salt water, extreme temperatures, corrosive chemicals and flammable and explosive materials.

[0004] One common application for cable glands and other electrical accessories is sealing cable and wire entries to electrical junction boxes or other electrical equipment. The electrical conductors may be embedded in a sealing compound contained in all or part of the cable gland. The compound provides a barrier to explosions within the electrical enclosure. The compound is typically applied as a liquid or putty during the assembly process and requires time to cure and harden. During the curing process, steps must be taken to prevent the compound from spreading or leaking within the cable gland. Wrapping fiber and wool materials are often wrapped in cable glands to retain the compound, but wrapping fiber or wool materials are difficult to work with and may not provide an adequate barrier.

[0005] The present invention solves these and other problems in the prior art. Summary of the invention

[0006] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a brush barrier is provided, which includes an outer edge and a plurality of bristles attached to the outer edge and extending inwardly from the outer edge. One application of the brush barrier according to the present disclosure is in the field of electrical accessories, such as cable connectors, pipe fittings, cable glands and sealing fittings, etc.

[0007] In one exemplary embodiment according to the present disclosure, an electrical accessory includes a body having an inner cavity for receiving a plurality of conductors; a hole located within the inner cavity between a first portion of the inner cavity and a second portion of the inner cavity; and a brush barrier defined in or located within or adjacent to the hole; the brush barrier including an outer edge and a plurality of bristles attached to and extending inwardly from the outer edge. The conductors can be at least partially displaced and pass through the bristles. In some embodiments, the distal ends of the bristles define a central opening in the brush barrier, and the conductors at least partially pass through the central opening.

[0008] The electrical fitting is adapted to receive a sealing compound within a first portion of the interior cavity adjacent the brush barrier, the sealing compound being at least partially prevented by the brush barrier from propagating into a second portion of the interior cavity.

[0009] In some embodiments, the conductor is disposed in a cable that extends at least partially into the inner cavity. In some embodiments, the bristles have distal ends that define a central opening in the brush barrier, and the conductor at least partially passes through the central opening.

[0010] In some embodiments, the hole includes a support, wherein the brush barrier rests on the support. The accessory may also include a stop element that engages within the inner cavity and secures the brush barrier against the support. The stop element may be threadedly engaged with the inner surface of the inner cavity. The stop element may be a locking ring or a rubber grommet. In other embodiments, the brush barrier is at least partially secured within the inner cavity by friction between the outer edge and the inner surface of the inner cavity. In some embodiments, the outer edge of the brush barrier is continuous. In other embodiments, the outer edge of the brush barrier is a discontinuous outer edge including a gap. In some embodiments, the outer edge of the brush barrier has a spiral shape. The edge of the brush barrier may be composed of at least one of brass, galvanized steel, stainless steel, or a polymer. The bristles of the brush barrier are composed of synthetic fibers, natural fibers, or metal.

[0011] In some embodiments, the electrical accessory includes an inlet component and a perfusion chamber slidably engaged within the inlet component, wherein the interior of the perfusion chamber defines at least a portion of the lumen. In some embodiments, the second portion of the lumen defined in the perfusion chamber is tapered such that its inner diameter decreases along the length of the second portion of the lumen.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment according to the present disclosure, an electrical accessory includes a body having an inner cavity for receiving a plurality of conductors; a hole located in the inner cavity between a first portion of the inner cavity and a second portion of the inner cavity; and a barrier located in or adjacent to the hole. The barrier includes an outer edge and a plurality of bendable elements extending inwardly from the outer edge. The conductors can pass through the bendable elements and at least partially bend the bendable elements. The barrier is one of: a felt fiber barrier including a plurality of thin sheets, the plurality of elements being wedge-shaped portions defined by the thin sheets; or a brush barrier including an outer edge at the outer edge, the plurality of elements being bristles attached to the outer edge and extending inwardly from the outer edge.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment according to the present disclosure, a method for assembling an electrical accessory includes the following steps: providing a barrier including an outer edge or edges and a plurality of bendable elements extending inwardly from the outer edge; placing the barrier in an inner cavity of the electrical accessory between a first portion of the inner cavity and a second portion of the inner cavity; placing a cable or at least one conductor in the second portion of the inner cavity, with a distal portion of the at least one conductor extending through the barrier and into the first portion of the inner cavity; and filling the first portion of the inner cavity with a sealing compound such that the barrier substantially prevents leakage of the sealing compound into the second portion of the inner cavity.

[0014] In some embodiments, the barrier is a felt fiber barrier including a plurality of sheets, the plurality of elements being wedge-shaped portions defined by the sheets. In other embodiments, the barrier is a brush barrier including an outer edge at an outer edge, the plurality of elements being bristles attached to the outer edge and extending inwardly from the outer edge. The plurality of bristles may have distal ends defining a central opening in the brush barrier, the conductor at least partially extending through the central opening. At least a portion of the plurality of bristles may be bent around or against the conductor.

[0015] The outer edge of the brush barrier, for example, may be composed of metal and the bristles of the brush barrier may be composed of nylon. In some embodiments, the step of placing at least one conductor in the second portion of the lumen includes placing a portion of the at least one conductor in contact with the bristles to provide a ground path.

[0016] In some embodiments, the step of placing the barrier in the lumen includes placing the barrier against a support in the lumen. In some embodiments, the barrier includes a first side and a second side, the second side being adjacent to the support, and the method further includes the step of securing a stop element in the lumen against the first side of the barrier. The stop element may be threadedly engaged with an inner surface of the lumen. The stop element may be a rubber grommet. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The present disclosure and many of the attendant advantages may be better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0018] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an electrical accessory according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Exploded views of electrical accessories shown;

[0020] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Another exploded view of an electrical accessory of the type shown;

[0021] Figure 4A-4B are a perspective view and a front view, respectively, of a brush barrier according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 5A-5B are a perspective view and a front view, respectively, of a brush barrier according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Fig. 6A is a cross-sectional view of an electrical accessory according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 6B yes Fig. 6A another cross-sectional view of the electrical accessory shown, the electrical accessory including an electrical cable extending therethrough;

[0025] Figure 6C yes Figure 6B another cross-sectional view of the electrical accessory shown, the electrical accessory including a cable and a sealing compound;

[0026] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of an electrical accessory according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of an electrical accessory according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Fig.9A is a perspective view of an electrical accessory according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Fig. 9B yes Fig.9A a cross-sectional view of the electrical accessory shown, the electrical accessory including a cable and a sealing compound;

[0030] Fig.10 is a cross-sectional view of an electrical accessory according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Fig.11A is a cross-sectional view of an electrical accessory according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Fig. 11B yes Fig.11A Front view of the cables and brush barriers used in the electrical fitting shown;

[0033] Fig.12 is a cross-sectional view of an electrical accessory according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0034] Fig.13 is a perspective view of a barrier according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The present disclosure may be more readily understood by reference to the detailed description of the present disclosure in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific apparatus, methods, conditions or parameters described and / or shown herein, and the terms used herein are only used to describe specific embodiments by way of example and are not intended to limit the disclosure claimed.

[0036] In addition, as used in the specification and included in the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural forms and when referring to a specific value, include at least that specific value unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges herein may be expressed as from "about" or "approximately" one specific value and / or to "about" or "approximately" another specific value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from a specific value and / or to another specific value. Similarly, when a value is expressed as an approximate value by using the antecedent "about", it will be understood that the specific value forms another embodiment. It should also be understood that all spatial references, such as horizontal, vertical, top, up, down, bottom, left, and right, are for illustrative purposes only and may be changed within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0037] Disclosed herein is a brush barrier and electrical accessories, such as cable connectors, pipe accessories, cable glands and sealing accessories including such brush barriers. Reference will now be made in detail to illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0038] Figure 1-2 An electrical accessory 100, in particular a cable gland, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The electrical accessory 100 includes an inlet component 102, an intermediate nut 104, a compressible back nut clamp 105, and a back nut 106. In the exemplary embodiment, the intermediate nut 104 is fixed to the inlet component 102 and the back nut 106 by threaded engagement (not shown).

[0039] The perfusion chamber 108 is slidably engaged within the inlet member 102. The perfusion chamber 108 has a proximal portion having a flange 107 that engages with the distal end of the inlet member 102. The perfusion chamber 108 has a first cylindrical cavity having a first inner surface having a first inner diameter. The first inner surface may include a threaded portion 109 and an inner seat 111 (see Fig. 6A ). The perfusion chamber 108 also has a distal portion having a second cylindrical cavity having a second inner surface having a second inner diameter. In an exemplary embodiment, the second inner diameter is smaller than the first inner diameter. A hole is defined between the first cylindrical cavity and the second cylindrical cavity.

[0040] The electrical accessory 100 can be composed of a variety of different materials, such as metal and / or plastic. In an exemplary embodiment, the electrical accessory 100 is composed primarily of aluminum.

[0041] In some embodiments, the electrical accessory 100 includes one or more O-rings and / or seals between components. For example, the inlet component 102 of the electrical accessory 100 may include a groove 103 around its outer surface (see Fig. 6A ) for positioning the O-ring between the inlet component and the intermediate nut 104. In one embodiment, the electrical accessory 100 includes an O-ring composed of nitrile and at least one seal composed of a thermoplastic elastomer. The electrical accessory 100 may also include a grounding spring 115.

[0042] The electrical fitting 100 also includes a brush disc or brush barrier 120 located in the interior cavity of the electrical fitting 100. The brush barrier 120 is used to prevent the sealing compound (e.g., liquid epoxy) from passing out of the brush barrier 120 before it cures in the electrical fitting 100. In the exemplary embodiment, the brush barrier 120 is located in the priming chamber 108, but it can be located at a different location in the interior cavity. A stop element, such as an armor stop 110, can be used to secure the brush barrier 120 in the priming chamber 108. In the example embodiment, the brush barrier 120 is located in the priming chamber 108. Figure 2 and Figures 6A-6C In the exemplary embodiment shown, the armor stop 110 is threaded on its outer surface to engage with the threads 109 on the first inner diameter of the perfusion chamber 108 and secure the brush barrier 120 against the support 111 .

[0043] like Figure 3 and Figure 7As shown, in some embodiments, the armor stop 110a is not threaded and is not used to secure the brush barrier 120 in the pouring chamber 108a. In an exemplary embodiment, the electrical accessory 100a includes a grommet 112 (e.g., located between the armor stop 110a and the brush barrier 120) for securing the brush barrier 120 in the pouring chamber 108a. The grommet 112 is preferably made of rubber (e.g., silicone rubber with a Shore hardness of about 80). The grommet 112 has a central opening and an outer groove that defines an upper lip and a lower lip that engage the inner diameter of the pouring chamber 108a.

[0044] Figure 4A-4B 1 and 2 are perspective views and front views, respectively, of a brush barrier 120 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The brush barrier 120 includes an outer ring or edge 122 and a plurality of bristles 124 fixed to the outer edge 122. The bristles 124 protrude inwardly and terminate to define an opening 130. The opening 130 can be of different sizes (e.g., about 10-25% of the outer diameter, such as about 14-20%), or in some embodiments, the bristles 124 terminate with almost no opening. In one embodiment, the bristles 124 each form a loop with the distal ends of the bristles attached to the outer edge 122.

[0045] The brush barrier 120 can be manufactured in a variety of different sizes and shapes to accommodate different applications. In an exemplary embodiment, the bristles 124 are composed of synthetic fibers, such as nylon, polyester, polypropylene, or other polymers. In other embodiments, the bristles 124 can be composed of natural fibers such as animal bristles (e.g., horse hair or other animal fibers) and plant fibers. The bristles 124 can also be composed of metal wires (e.g., wires of carbon steel, stainless steel, galvanized steel, bronze, or brass), and in some embodiments, the bristles 124 contact the cable and / or a portion of the cable to provide a grounding path. The outer edge 122 can be composed of a metal such as carbon steel, stainless steel, galvanized steel, bronze, or brass. Alternatively, the outer edge 122 can be composed of a polymer such as plastic.

[0046] The bristles 124 receive and at least partially surround the conductors while maintaining a sufficient barrier to prevent the sealing compound from passing through. The bristles 124 can be bent and separated from each other to conform to the irregular shape and position of the conductors extending therethrough and fill in the gaps between the conductors.

[0047] Figure 5A-5B 2 are perspective and front views, respectively, of an alternative brush barrier 220 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the brush barrier 220 has a discontinuous outer edge 222 that includes a slit or gap 228. This allows the brush barrier 220 to be compressed in diameter, or in some cases expanded to accommodate different opening sizes.

[0048] In some embodiments, the ends of the outer edge 222 are not adjacent to each other in the same plane, but are offset in the axial direction to form a spiral or coil arrangement. These embodiments provide additional axial length to the brush barrier, resulting in additional contact along the length of the cable and / or conductor. For example, the outer edge 222 can be a spiral coil arrangement with two or more coils (e.g., or three coils, six coils, ten coils, or more coils). The coil preferably has a constant diameter along its length, but in some embodiments, the coil can also have a decreasing diameter along its length, thereby forming a cone to accommodate different applications and accessories.

[0049] Figure 6A-6B 1 is a cross-sectional view of an electrical accessory 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, without a cable 140 and with the cable 140 extending therethrough. The cable 140 has a plurality of conductors 142, such as conductive elements for transmitting power or electrical signals and / or optical fibers for carrying light to transmit optical signals. As shown, the brush barrier 120 is secured in the priming chamber 108 by the armor stop 110 against the support 111. Other embodiments may include different securing mechanisms for securing the brush barrier 120, such as Figure 7 Alternatively, the brush barrier 120 may rest on the support 111 without a separate securing mechanism (e.g., see Figure 8 ).

[0050] The brush barrier 120 is located in the first part of the inner cavity ( Figure 6A-6B below the brush barrier 120) and the second portion of the inner cavity ( Figure 6A-6B The brush barrier 120 may be located within or adjacent to the hole defined between the first and second portions of the inner cavity. The brush barrier 120 receives and at least partially surrounds the conductor 142 of the cable 140 while maintaining a sufficient barrier to prevent the sealing compound from passing through.

[0051] Figure 6C The electrical accessory 100 is shown with a sealing compound 150 at least partially filling a potting chamber 108, which in this embodiment defines a first portion of an interior cavity of the electrical accessory 100. The sealing compound 150 may be, for example, a filling compound, an epoxy resin, and / or cement. With the cable 140 already in place, the sealing compound 150 is added to the potting chamber 108 in a liquid or ductile form, and is prevented from passing through the opening into the second portion of the interior cavity by the brush barrier 120 as the sealing compound 150 cures.

[0052] Figure 8A variation of an electrical fitting 100b is shown having a pouring chamber 108b with a tapered upper interior cavity. In an exemplary embodiment, the brush barrier 120 is pressed into the pouring chamber 108b, which tapers from a larger diameter at the top to a smaller diameter at the bottom (at the standoff 111b) to secure the brush barrier 120 in the pouring chamber 120 by friction.

[0053] Figures 9A-9B Another electrical accessory 300, and in particular a sealed accessory, is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The electrical accessory 300 includes a body 302 defining an interior cavity having an upper opening 303 and a lower opening 305. The electrical accessory 300 includes at least one side opening that can be closed with a threaded plug 304. The electrical accessory 300 includes a brush barrier 320 that abuts against a seat 311 between a first portion and a second portion of the interior cavity. In an exemplary embodiment, the brush barrier 320 is secured in place by friction between the brush barrier 320 and an inner surface of the electrical accessory 300, a clamping force provided by the plug 304, or a combination of both.

[0054] The cable 340 extends into the electrical accessory 300. The cable 340 has a plurality of conductors 342, such as conductive elements for transmitting power or electrical signals and / or optical fibers for carrying light to transmit optical signals.

[0055] like Fig. 9B As shown, electrical fitting 300 may be filled with liquid compound 350 which is blocked from entering the lower portion of the interior cavity by brush barrier 320. Brush barrier 320 receives and at least partially surrounds conductor 342 of cable 340 while maintaining a sufficient barrier to prevent the sealing compound from passing therethrough.

[0056] Fig.10 4 is a cross-sectional view of another electrical fitting 400 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the electrical fitting 400 being adapted to receive a cable and / or a plurality of conductors. The electrical fitting 400 includes an inlet component 402, an intermediate nut 404, a compressible rear nut clamp 405, a rear nut 406, a priming chamber 408, and a grounding spring 415. The brush barrier 420 is secured in the priming chamber 408 against a support by an alternative stop element. In this embodiment, an expandable locking ring 410 is used. The locking ring 410 can be compressed in diameter to allow it to be placed in the priming chamber 408, and then expanded in diameter to engage the inner diameter of the priming chamber 408.

[0057] Figures 11A to 11BAnother embodiment of an electrical accessory 500 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which is adapted to receive a cable 540. In this embodiment, the cable 540 has a conductive (e.g., metal) inner layer 544 and a non-conductive (e.g., plastic) outer layer 546. In an exemplary embodiment, the inner layer 544 is composed of steel and the outer layer 546 is composed of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The inner layer 544 extends at least partially through the brush barrier 520. The brush barrier 520 can be secured in the priming chamber 508 with a retaining element such as a grommet 510.

[0058] The brush barrier 520 prevents the sealing compound (e.g., liquid epoxy) from passing through the brush barrier 520 before curing within the electrical fitting 500. In this embodiment, the brush barrier 520 also grounds the cable 540. The brush barrier 520 has metal bristles that contact the inner layer 544 of the cable 540 and ground the cable 540 without the need for a grounding spring.

[0059] Fig.12 Another embodiment of an electrical accessory 600 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Fig.13 Another embodiment of a barrier 620 is shown. As with the previous embodiments, the electrical fitting 600 may include an inlet member 602, an intermediate nut 604, a compressible rear nut clamp 605, and a rear nut 606. A perfusion chamber 608 may be slidably engaged within the inlet member 602. The barrier 620 may be secured within the perfusion chamber 608 by a grommet 112 or other means as described herein. In this embodiment, the barrier 620 is a circular element comprising at least one layer of material through which a plurality of thin sheets 622 pass. Fig.12 As shown, the barrier 620 can be two layers of material, providing twice the number of elements that can be bent upward or downward. In a preferred embodiment, the material is a felt fiber material. In another embodiment, the material is silicone rubber. The sheet 622 is formed into a plurality of pancake or wedge-shaped sections 624 (e.g., 6-10 sections) that are bent upward or downward to form a central opening that allows the conductor to extend through the barrier 620. In some embodiments, the barrier 620 can have a semi-rigid outer ring or rim as in the previous embodiments.

[0060] The barrier 620 can be sized to fit a variety of electrical accessories. The barrier 620 is particularly suitable for smaller diameters, but is not limited thereto. For example, the barrier 620 can have an outer diameter of about 0.5-0.696 inches, a diameter of the thin film region of about 0.348-0.48 inches, and a thickness of about 0.094 inches. The brush barriers 120 / 220 / 320 / 420 discussed above can generally accommodate larger sizes, such as diameters of about 0.770 to at least about 3.889 inches and thicknesses of about 0.094 to at least about 0.156 inches.

[0061] As shown in all the drawings, similar reference numerals represent similar or corresponding parts. Although the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described and illustrated above, it should be understood that these are exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and should not be considered as limiting. Additions, deletions, substitutions and other modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be interpreted as being limited by the foregoing description.

Claims

1. An electrical accessory, comprising: a body having an interior cavity for receiving a plurality of conductors; a perfusion chamber slidably engaged in the inner cavity, the perfusion chamber comprising a first cylindrical cavity, a second cylindrical cavity and a support, wherein the first cylindrical cavity has a first inner surface with a first inner diameter, the second cylindrical cavity has a second inner surface with a second inner diameter, the second inner diameter is smaller than the first inner diameter, and the support is defined between the first cylindrical cavity and the second cylindrical cavity, a brush barrier located in the first cylindrical cavity on the support, the brush barrier comprising an outer edge and a plurality of bristles attached to the outer edge and extending inwardly from the outer edge, the bristles being displaceable through the conductor, a stop element which engages in the first cylindrical cavity and fixes the brush barrier against the support, The electrical accessory further comprises: a sealing compound located in the second cylindrical cavity of the perfusion chamber adjacent to the brush barrier, wherein the sealing compound is at least partially prevented by the brush barrier from propagating into the first cylindrical cavity of the perfusion chamber.

2. The electrical accessory of claim 1, wherein the bristles have distal ends defining a central opening in the brush barrier, the conductor at least partially extending through the central opening.

3. The electrical accessory of claim 1, wherein the retaining element is threadably engaged with an inner surface of the inner cavity.

4. The electrical accessory of claim 1, wherein the retaining element is one of a locking ring or a rubber grommet.

5. The electrical accessory of claim 1, wherein an outer edge of the brush barrier is a non-continuous edge including a gap.

6. The electrical accessory of claim 1, wherein an outer edge of the brush barrier has a spiral shape.

7. The electrical accessory of claim 1, wherein the brush barrier is at least partially secured against the inner cavity by friction between the outer edge and an inner surface of the inner cavity.

8. The electrical accessory of claim 1, wherein the second cylindrical cavity defined in the priming chamber is tapered such that an inner diameter of the second cylindrical cavity decreases along a length of a first portion of the cavity.

9. The electrical accessory of claim 1, wherein an outer edge of the brush barrier is comprised of at least one of brass, galvanized steel, stainless steel, or a polymer.

10. The electrical accessory of claim 1, wherein the bristles of the brush barrier are composed of one of synthetic fibers, natural fibers, or metal.

11. An electrical accessory, comprising: a body having an interior cavity for receiving a plurality of conductors; a perfusion chamber slidably engaged in the inner cavity, the perfusion chamber comprising a first cylindrical cavity, a second cylindrical cavity and a support, wherein the first cylindrical cavity has a first inner surface with a first inner diameter, the second cylindrical cavity has a second inner surface with a second inner diameter, the second inner diameter is smaller than the first inner diameter, and the support is defined between the first cylindrical cavity and the second cylindrical cavity, a barrier positioned in the first cylindrical cavity on the support, the barrier comprising an outer edge and a plurality of bendable elements extending inwardly from the outer edge; a stop element which engages in the first cylindrical cavity and fixes the barrier against the seat, wherein the barrier is a felt fiber barrier comprising a plurality of sheets, the plurality of bendable elements being wedge-shaped portions defined by the sheets, The electrical accessory further comprises: a sealing compound located in the second cylindrical cavity of the perfusion chamber adjacent to the barrier, wherein the sealing compound is at least partially prevented by the barrier from propagating into the first cylindrical cavity of the perfusion chamber.

12. A method of assembling an electrical accessory, comprising the steps of: providing a barrier comprising an outer edge and a plurality of bendable elements extending inwardly from the outer edge; placing the barrier on a seat slidably engaged within a potting chamber in an interior cavity of the electrical accessory, the potting chamber comprising a first cylindrical cavity and a second cylindrical cavity, wherein the first cylindrical cavity has a first inner surface having a first inner diameter, the second cylindrical cavity has a second inner surface having a second inner diameter, the second inner diameter being smaller than the first inner diameter, the seat being defined between the first cylindrical cavity and the second cylindrical cavity; engaging a stop element in the first cylindrical cavity and fixing the barrier against the support via the stop element; placing at least one conductor in the first cylindrical lumen of the perfusion chamber, with a distal portion of the at least one conductor extending through the barrier and into the second cylindrical lumen of the perfusion chamber; and The second cylindrical cavity of the perfusion chamber is filled with a sealing compound such that the barrier substantially prevents leakage of the sealing compound into the first cylindrical cavity of the perfusion chamber.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the barrier is a felt fiber barrier comprising a plurality of sheets, the plurality of bendable elements being wedge-shaped portions defined by the sheets.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the barrier is a brush barrier including a rim at an outer edge, the plurality of bendable elements being bristles attached to and extending inwardly from the rim.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the bristles of the brush barrier are comprised of metal, wherein the step of placing at least one conductor in the first cylindrical cavity of the perfusion chamber comprises placing a portion of the at least one conductor in contact with the bristles to provide a ground path.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein the barrier comprises a first side and a second side, the second side being adjacent the seat, the method further comprising the step of securing a stop element in the interior cavity against the first side of the barrier.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the retaining element is threadably engaged with an inner surface of the lumen.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the stop element is a rubber grommet.

Images