Abstract: A flat multiconductor cable power distribution system has a discrete wire multi-phase feeder, a main flat cable having at least four conductors, the cable being connected to the feeder to have plural phase energization. An insulation-piercing adapter overlies and is connected to the main cable and is energized with a selective one of the plural phases. In a particular arrangement, a secondary multiconductor cable is connected to the main cable by the adapter. A power outlet may be electrically connected to the secondary cable at the juncture of the main and secondary cables and the adapter.

Abstract: A receptacle for use with flat conductor cable is provided with a grounding contact that can be urged into electrically conductive contact with the cable grounding conductor and protective shield on such cable independently of the means by which other contacts in the receptacle are urged into electrically conductive contact with the respective live and neutral conductors of the cable.

Abstract: An adapter is provided for making electrical connection to a flat, multiconductor isolated ground cable. The cable, containing either four or five conductors, includes a neutral conductor, a ground conductor, an isolated ground conductor and at least one live conductor. The adapter includes three contacts having insulation displacement portions that are disposed in registry with and for connection to the neutral, isolated ground and a live conductor, respectively. The ground conductor of the cable is connected to a metallic base supporting the adapter. The contact for the isolated ground is disconnectably attached to the adapter from its undersurface and the insulation displacement portion for connection to the live conductor is selectively movable. A direct contact pedestal having insulation displacement contacts may be connected to the adapter through a cable link so that an isolated ground circuit with a suitable electrical outlet may be provided.

Abstract: An electrical connection adapter device is provided for making electrical connection between multiconductor plural-phase (4 or 5 conductor) cable and multiconductor single-phase cable (3 conductor). The adapter device includes an insulative member that has opposing sides adapted to be placed in juxtaposition with two cables to be interconnected. The insulative member supports a first set of insulation piercing contact elements in a fixed disposition at one side and a second set of insulation piercing contact elements on the other side. The first set of contact elements are adapted to be placed in registry with individual conductors of a first cable, such as the 3 conductor cable. The second set of contact elements are respectively conductively interconnected to the first set of contact elements and are movable relative to each other, such that at least one of the contact elements of the second set is selectively registrable with plural conductors of a second cable, such as a 4 or 5 conductor cable.

Abstract: A plurality of projections each including a pair of outwardly extending teeth are provided on first and second arm portions of an elongate plate member bendable about an electrical conductor. The projections on each arm portion preferably extend transversely across the plate member and are substantially parallel to each other and orthogonal to the bending line. The projections on one arm portion are formed to be transversely offset with the projections on the other arm portion such that upon bending said member so that the teeth contact the conductor, a tooth edge of each of the projections on one arm portion lies between the teeth edges of the projections on the facing associated projections. Piercing of electrical insulation and conductors of flat cable conductors for good mechanical and electrical contact and desirably thin connections is facilitated by such a connector.

Abstract: In connecting flat multiconductor cables, one cable is placed atop another to provide a matrix of zones in which connections may be made of any conductor of one cable to any conductor of the other cable. Selection is made of one zone and it is perforated. An insulation-piercing connector is inserted through the perforation and crimped to provide an electrical connection between the pair of cable conductors in registry with the selected zone. Selection of further zones for perforation and connector insertion is made progressively from those zones which do not have in registry therewith any conductor which was in registry with any previously selected zone. Apparatus for implementing preferred connection zone selection precludes use of connecting zones other than a singular zone for connection of one conductor pair and compels use of a selective few zones individually for connection of respective other conductor pairs, thereby lessening connection error likelihood.

Abstract: An electrical receptacle cover which can be movably secured to an electrical receptacle. The cover is constructed to have a deformable spring portion which will deflect and move with reference to the receptacle upon application of an external load against the cover. This deflection and movement will absorb the energy of the impact thereby reducing the load transferred to the receptacle and prevent damage thereto.

Abstract: An adapter is employed for effecting a tap or splice to a flat conductor cable main at the same location where an electrical receptacle is to be installed. The adapter includes a substantially elongate body of insulating material having two opposing surfaces. Plural contact means are spaced longitudinally on the body, the contact means having insulation piercing members extending outwardly therefrom and projecting beyond each of the opposing body surfaces.

Abstract: A receptacle for use with flat conductor cable is provided with a grounding contact that can be urged into electrically conductive contact with the cable grounding conductor and protective shield on such cable independently of the means by which other contacts in the receptacle are urged into electrically conductive contact with the respective live and neutral conductors of the cable.

Abstract: A strain relief component for applying strain relieving forces to a multi-conductor flat cable at a location remote from that at which the individual ones of the cable conductors are connected to the electrical contacts of a termination connector, the strain relieving forces being applied with resilient members carried on cover parts fixedly connected to the termination connector.

Abstract: An installation kit for wiring systems includes flat multiconductor cable having a displaceable overlying shield and a connection guide adapted for receiving first and second cables in mutually overlapped, shield-displaced relation and limiting connection of conductors to preselected connection zones.

Abstract: A tool for the selective joining of the individual conductors of a multiconductor flat cable. The tool may be set according to indicia on a selection device to punch any pattern, which can be correctly employed, on the cables guided and oriented on the tool base. After punching, connectors are manually inserted through the punched apertures and the tool is reapplied to simultaneously crimp all of the connectors to complete the joints.

Abstract: In connecting flat multiconductor cables, one cable is placed atop another to provide a matrix of zones in which connections may be made of any conductor of one cable to any conductor of the other cable. Selection is made of one zone and it is perforated. An insulating-piercing connector is inserted through the perforation and crimped to provide an electrical connection between the pair of cable conductors in registry with the selected zone. Selection of further zones for perforation and connector insertion is made progressively from those zones which do not have in registry therewith any conductor which was in registry with any previously selected zone. Apparatus for implementing preferred connection zone selection precludes use of connecting zones other than a singular zone for connection of one conductor pair and compels use of a selective few zones individually for connection of respective other conductor pairs, thereby lessening connection error likelihood.

Abstract: A bending tool for bending a bendable member. The bending tool includes first and second engaging members each having an engaging surface for engaging a portion of the bendable member. A first support member supports the first engaging member and a second support member is provided for supporting the second engaging member. Mounting means mount the second support member for relative movement with respect to the first support member between an open position in which the first and second engaging members are spaced from one another a first distance, and a closed position in which the first and second engaging members are spaced from one another a second distance less than the first distance. Pivotal mounting means are provided for pivotally mounting the second engaging member on the second support member so as to be pivotable with respect to the second support member independent of relative movement of the first and second support members.