Connectors, instrument assemblies and methods of connecting or disconnecting electrical connections under power

摘要

A connector includes a first housing section having a plurality of electrically conductive contacts therein. The connector also includes a second housing section including a plurality of electrically conductive contacts that can form an electrical connection with the contacts of the first housing section. The first housing section and the second housing section are removably connectable and are capable of forming an explosion proof or flame proof housing when connected. The contacts of at least one of the second housing section and the first housing section are movable relative to their respective housing section to align the contacts of the second housing and the contacts of the first housing section during connection of the second housing section to the first housing section. Electrically conductive connection between the contacts of the first housing section and the contacts of the second housing section occurs during connection such that when connection between the contacts of the first housing section and the contacts of the second housing section occurs, the first housing section and the second housing section are in sufficient connection to form an explosion proof housing.