This invention relates generally to electrical connectors and more particularly to a molded connector having a construction which facilitates the assembly of the electrical connections for a float controlled pump such as a sump pump.
Electric sump pumps are commonly equipped with a float having a mercury switch or mechanical switch that automatically turns the pump motor on when the liquid in the sump rises to a preselected level. In the past, the electrical lead wires from the motor, the power cord and the float switch cord have all been extended into an electrical compartment on the pump housing, and the proper wires must then be connected with one another by hand in the electrical compartment; another arrangement that has been used involves the provision of a separate cord with the float switch attached and a separate plug with "piggy-back" connector for the purpose of attaching the pump power cord. As can easily be appreciated, this assembly technique requires considerable time and a reasonable amount of skill, and it is also possible for the electrical connections in the box to be faulty.
The present invention is directed to an electrical connector which is constructed in a unique manner in order to facilitate assembly of the electrical wiring, reduce the assembly time, and virtually eliminate faulty electrical connections in a float controlled electric pump. In accordance with the invention, a tee shaped electrical connector is molded in a single integral piece with the power cord molded to one leg of the connector body and the float switch cord molded to another leg. The final leg of the connector body has a plug head equipped with electrical contacts to which lead wires from the power cord and the float switch cord extend. The pump casing is provided with a socket into which electrical terminals for the motor leads project. The plug head may be inserted into the sockets so that the electrical contacts mate with the terminals, and the connector body may be fastened in place by two screws.
Due to this construction, all that is required for the electrical connections to be completed during the assembly process is to plug the connector into the socket and secure it with the screws. Because the connector body is prewired, the electrical circuit that results following assembly is properly arranged so that the float switch controls the on/off condition of the pump motor in the intended manner.