A jacket sleeve (300) with grippable tabs (306) provides protection to exposed portions of cable (26) that are connected to an electrical connection. The jacket sleeve can be made as part of the electrical connector or may be connected subsequent to its creation through the use of glues or other adhesives. The jacket sleeve (300) can be made of a material that is more pliable than the electrical connector, making it easier for a lineperson to place the sleeve over an exposed portion of cable. The jacket sleeve (300) can include holes or slots (310) either in the sleeve or in tabs that are attached to the sleeve. A lineperson can place one or more fingers into each hole or slot in order to get a better grip on the sleeve and pull the sleeve over the exposed portion of cable with less slippage and effort on the part of the lineperson.