Barrier for barrier connector

1. A barrier for use in a barrier connector, the barrier comprising:

foamed phenolic resin having a transverse size and shape to close a passageway through the barrier connector.

2. A barrier according to claim 1 , wherein the barrier has a cross sectional area of up to 10% more than that of the passageway through the barrier connector.

3. A barrier according to claim 1 , wherein the thickness of the barrier ranges from 5 mm to 10 mm.

4. A barrier according to claim 1 and a barrier connector.

5. A barrier and barrier connector according to claim 4 , wherein the barrier connector defines a bore narrowing from the mouth of the barrier connector, and

wherein the barrier is configured to be pushed from the mouth of the barrier connector to a narrowest part of the bore, wherein the foamed phenolic resin is compressed and fills the narrowest part of the bore.

6. A barrier and barrier connector according to claim 4 , wherein the barrier connector comprises an internal projection of the bore configured to prevent the barrier from moving past the projection through the barrier connector.

7. A barrier according to claim 6 wherein the internal projection comprises a circumferential shoulder.

8. A barrier according to claim 5 wherein the bore is defined by a metal sleeve.

9. The barrier of claim 1 , wherein the barrier has a cross-sectional size greater than a cross-sectional size of the passageway through the barrier connector.

10. A method of sealing cables within a barrier connector comprising the steps of:

a) providing a barrier connector;

b) providing a barrier of unapertured foamed phenolic resin of a size and shape at least as big as an internal passageway of the barrier connector;

c) inserting the barrier into the internal passageway of the barrier connector such that it entirely fills the internal passageway;

d) inserting a cable through the barrier, and in consequence pushing a piece of foamed phenolic resin of substantially the same cross-sectional size as the cable out of the barrier;

e) repeating step d) until all required cables are held within the barrier;

f) positioning the barrier connector upright with the barrier at the lower end of the barrier connector;

g) pouring liquid potting material into the barrier connector; and

h) keeping the barrier connector upright until the potting material has set.

11. The method of claim 10 , wherein the potting material comprises a two-part epoxy sealant.

12. The method of claim 10 , wherein the internal passageway is tapered and the inserting the barrier into the internal passageway comprises:

pushing the barrier into the internal passageway, wherein the foamed phenolic resin is compressed and fills a narrowest part of the internal passageway.

13. A method of sealing a plurality of cables within a barrier connector comprising the steps of:

a) providing a barrier connector;

b) forming a barrier for the barrier connector by pressing the end of the barrier connector into foamed phenolic resin such that a piece of foamed phenolic resin substantially the same size as the mouth of an internal passageway of the barrier connector is cut out;

c) inserting the barrier into the internal passageway of the barrier connector such that it fills the internal passageway;

d) inserting a cable through the barrier, and in consequence pushing a piece of foamed phenolic resin of substantially the same cross-sectional size as the cable out of the barrier;

e) repeating step d) until the plurality of cables are held within the barrier;

f) positioning the barrier connector upright with the barrier at the lower end of the barrier connector;

g) pouring liquid potting material into the barrier connector; and

h) keeping the barrier connector upright until the potting material has set.

14. The method of claim 13 , wherein the liquid potting material comprises a two-part epoxy sealant.

15. The method of claim 13 , wherein the internal passageway is tapered and the inserting the barrier into the internal passageway comprises:

pushing the barrier into the internal passageway, wherein the foamed phenolic resin is compressed and fills a narrowest part of the internal passageway.