Abstract: A safe operating load reducing tap plug for testing, grounding and isolating a connector from a high voltage system by utilizing a rated bushing insert is disclosed, wherein the connector has a bushing port and a plug port connected to a high-voltage cable, and wherein the bushing port is mountable to electric equipment. The plug includes a deadbreak interface having an interface contact assembly receivable in the bushing port, the interface contact assembly being connectable to the high-voltage cable and the equipment; a loadbreak interface having an aperture extending through to the deadbreak interface; and a bushing well interface having a well for receiving the rated bushing insert, the bushing well having a bar stud extending therefrom which is electrically connectable to the interface contact assembly. The connector is tested through the rated bushing insert to initially confirm that the high voltage cable is de-energized.