Downhole connection assemblies include a connector to receive a conductor and pin at opposite ends. The connector includes a first electrical collet, a separate second electrical collet and a sleeve. The first collet includes a first recess in a first end to receive the conductor and a second recess in a second end to receive the pin. The second collet is positioned around the pin and separated from the first collet. The sleeve is positioned around the pin, first collet and the second collet. Downhole cables include a center electrical conductor, a first insulator positioned around the center conductor, a second insulator positioned around the first insulator, and a pressure tube surrounding the second insulator. The cable further includes one or more slots extending axially along a length of the second insulator, or one or more slots extending axially along an inner diameter of the pressure tube.