Tapping connector for a screened electric cable

Claim 1

A tapping connector for a screened multiwire electric cable comprising an outer covering around both a plurality of conductor wires which are electrically insulated from one another and electromagnetic screening forming a sheath around said conductor wires, and optionally around a drain conductor providing electrical continuity for the screening, an annular portion of the outer covering and at least a portion of the sheath forming the screen being removed from a selected position along the cable for receiving the connector, wherein the connector comprises at least two complementary portions which are separable to allow a cable to be put into a position passing between them and to enable the cable to be held stationary relative thereto when they are reassembled, the connector including a plurality of laterally spaced, parallel grooves on one face of one of said portions, which grooves are open at both ends and to the side facing a zone where the two portions meet, at least one of said grooves containing an insulation-piercing connection piece for making electrical connection with a corresponding one of the insulated conductor wires or with a drain conductor, and at least one other of said grooves containing a conducting connection piece constituting a tab for making contact with a drain conductor or a conducting link providing screening continuity, the other portion of the connector having laterally spaced male pushers penetrating into respective ones of the grooves for causing a drain conductor or a conducting link or a conductor wire to be held stationary in each groove and for causing electrical connection to be made therewith when the connector portions are pressed against each other.