Abstract: Junctions of the signal leads from equipment monitoring sensors to conventional cable lines are made by forming reference junctions of the signal leads in shielded temperature controlled oxygen-free hardened copper slugs embedded in a beryllium oxide block. Sensors may readily be changed since the junctions of the signal leads in the copper slugs are made through removable plastic taper pins forming pressure contacts of the leads in recesses formed in the copper slugs. The universal reference junctions are particularly suited for making connections to the leads of sensors which are located in intense electrical fields.