Abstract: A separable loadbreak connector cuff venting tool having a handle formed of an electrical insulator material. An electrically insulating head is fixed on the handle's forward end. Two or more wedges, sized and shaped for slidable insertion within the cuff, are formed on the head. A rearwardly directed force applied along the handle's longitudinal axis gradually slides the wedges within the cuff, thereby venting partial vacua from within the cuff to the surrounding atmosphere and reducing the likelihood of flashover. Optionally, a clamp may be provided on a rearward portion of the handle for use in clamping the tool's handle to a hotstick handle. As another option, a pivot fulcrum may be provided on the rearward portion of the tool's handle for use in pivotally levering the tool's handle away from the hotstick handle. The tool's head, clamp and pivot fulcrum extend transversely away from the cuff venting tool, in the same direction.

Abstract: A separable loadbreak connector cuff venting tool having a handle formed of an electrical insulator material. An electrically insulating head is fixed on the handle's forward end. Two or more wedges, sized and shaped for slidable insertion within the cuff, are formed on the head. A rearwardly directed force applied along the handle's longitudinal axis gradually slides the wedges within the cuff, thereby venting partial vacua from within the cuff to the surrounding atmosphere and reducing the likelihood of flashover. Optionally, a clamp may be provided on a rearward portion of the handle for use in clamping the tool's handle to a hotstick handle. As another option, a pivot fulcrum may be provided on the rearward portion of the tool's handle for use in pivotally levering the tool's handle away from the hotstick handle. The tool's head, clamp and pivot fulcrum extend transversely away from the cuff venting tool, in the same direction.