SEPARABLE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR COMPONENT FOR SENDING AND RECEIVING COMMUNICATION SIGNALS THROUGH UNDERGROUND POWER DISTRIBUTION LINES

摘要

An electrical connector component for sending and receiving communication signals through a power distribution line generally includes an internal conductor, an insulative housing surrounding the conductor and a signal filtering device having a medium- voltage end in electrical contact with the internal conductor and an opposite low-voltage terminal. The signal filtering device is adapted to substantially block passage of power signals yet substantially permit passage of communication signals between the medium-voltage end and t he low-voltage terminal. In a method for sending and receiving communication signals throug h a power distribution line, an access point on a power distribution line is provided without de-energizing the power distribution line, passage of power signals through the access poi nt is blocked and passage of communication signals through the access point are permitted.