Abstract: An electric plug having a first connection region, a second connection region, and a contact carrier. The first connection region, having at least one vertical contact, is provided for connecting at least one electrical conductor, while the second connection region includes at least one horizontal contact for contacting a counter connector which is to be connected to the electric plug. The contact carrier includes an upper surface on which the vertical and horizontal contacts are provided, with the contact carrier being configured to electrically interconnect the first and second connection regions. Furthermore, the contact carrier is arranged in a housing, forming a datum plane on the lower side of the housing in the plug-in direction, with the upper surface of the contact carrier is arranged in an inclined position with respect to the datum plane.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a connector having at least one locking element configured to be movable between a first position retracted inside an elongate member of the connected and a second position protruding from the circumferential surface of said elongate member is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a distribution box connection module (1) for telecommunications and data technology, comprising a housing in which externally accessible input and output contacts (10, 20, 30, 40) are arranged for the connection of cables and cores, with the housing having a cavity in which at least one printed circuit board (50) is arranged, with the input and output contacts (10, 20, 30, 40) being arranged on the opposite end faces of the housing, and with the input contacts (10, 20) being associated with one input side and the output contacts (30, 40) being associated with one output side, with the input contacts 10, 20) being in the form of at least two mutually opposite rows of contacts, and the output contacts (30, 40) being in the form of at least one plug connector, with at least two input contacts (10) in the first row and at least two input contacts (20) in the second row being connected to the output contacts (30; 40) in the at least one plug connector, and with the input contacts (10, 20)

Abstract: A plug locking assembly comprises a housing comprising a top surface, a bottom surface and opposing sidewalls defining an open space therebetween, the open space for receiving and carrying a plug comprising a spring member. The plug locking assembly is adapted to prevent unwanted access to modular plugs engaged in associated jacks. In one embodiment, the plug locking assembly comprises a plug protection member comprising a surface spaced apart from the open space and positioned to overlie at least a portion of the spring member with the plug engaged within the housing. The plug locking assembly may further comprise a locking clip releasably securable within the housing.

Abstract: A replacement depressible tab for use on a modular connector when the original depressible tab has broken off. The replacement tab of the present invention is incorporated into a clip having a top wall, two side walls, bottom-wall flanges forming a partial bottom wall and an open back. The top wall of the clip is formed in the shape of a “T” having a middle tongue section that extends the entire length of the clip and two wing sections. The tongue is sized and configured to fit into the female modular port. The wings are sized and configured to fit over the telecommunications connector with the broken-off tab.

Abstract: Systems and arrangements to release a telecommunications cable connector plug from a telecommunications cable connector jack of a telecommunications device are disclosed. Embodiments may include an apparatus to release the plug from the jack. The apparatus may include a pivot and a main body attached to the pivot to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the pivot. The main body may include an arm and a touch point. When the main body is suitably positioned by the attaching of the apparatus to the telecommunications device, a force applied at the touch point may produce a rotation of the arm. The rotation may cause the leading surface of the arm to compress a release lever of the telecommunications cable connector plug and to disengage the telecommunications cable connector plug from the telecommunications cable connector jack. In many embodiments, the pivot may consist of a wire passing through a hole in the main body.

Abstract: A connector for a communications system concentrates crosstalk in the front of a plug housing. The plug housing has front and rear ends. An internal chamber opens on the rear end and is defined by housing walls. A plurality of slots extend through one of the housing walls adjacent the front end and into the internal chamber. A plurality of contacts are mounted in the slots for movement between retracted positions spaced from the internal chamber and inserted positions extending into the internal chamber. An insert assembly has at least one insert member disposed adjacent at least one of the plurality of contacts. The insert assembly is made of a higher dielectric material than the plug housing.

Abstract: An electrical connector with a release mechanism configured to prevent it from hooking other cables lying transverse to its path of removal from its receptacle, when it is being removed. The default or equilibrium state of the release mechanism is such that its end remains in contact with the body of the connector, whereby any transverse cable in its path of removal simply slides over the release mechanism of the connector being removed. This prevents damage to the connector and damage to other cables/equipment which would otherwise be ensnared. Embodiments of the present invention can be used with virtually all standard connectors such as, for example, RJ11, RJ14 and RJ45 (telephone registered jacks) or 8P8C, 6P6C and 6P4C (modular connectors).

Abstract: An electrical connector (100) includes an insulative housing (10) defining a receiving hole for accommodating a mating plug, a first set of and a second set of switch terminals (21, 22, 23, 24, 25), and a flexible terminal (27) positioned between the switch terminals (21, 22, 23, 24, 25). The flexible terminal (27) has a retaining portion (270), a flexible arm (271) bent from the retaining portion (270) and a contact portion (275) formed on the flexible arm (271). The switch terminals (21, 22, 23, 24, 25) abut against the plug in a left-to-right direction. The flexible terminal (27) abuts against the mating plug in an up-to-down direction to provide a great insertion force in order to reach a good inserting or pulling feeling of the mating plug.

Abstract: A plug locking assembly comprises a housing comprising a top surface, a bottom surface and opposing sidewalls defining an open space therebetween, the open space for receiving and carrying a plug comprising a spring member. The plug locking assembly is adapted to prevent unwanted access to modular plugs engaged in associated jacks. In one embodiment, the plug locking assembly comprises a plug protection member comprising a surface spaced apart from the open space and positioned to overlie at least a portion of the spring member with the plug engaged within the housing. The plug locking assembly may further comprise a locking clip releasably securable within the housing.

Abstract: A connector includes a locking mechanism that locks the connector in a socket but allows removal of the connector without a manual operation that relies on depressing the locking mechanism. The connector is released from the socket when a sufficient pulling force is applied to the connector. The connector includes a spring-loaded detent that flexes during the insertion process. The detent snaps into a locking position. The detent can be released from the socket when sufficient tension is applied on the connector such that inadvertent tension will not result in breaking the connector.

Abstract: The present disclosure is related to a modular insert and associated jack assembly used in telecommunication connector systems that reduces the adjacent lines electro magnetic interference from an adjacent transmitter for different plug assemblies. The internal contacts/lead frames feature a bi-sectional design. Internal EMI line reduction is allowed only when the bi-sectional contacts are electrically mated by a plug with corresponding contact layout. By isolating the contact sections in the interface system, the coupled signal for EMI balance is optionally utilized in a low cost and manufacturable design.

Abstract: An modular plug includes a plug main body that can be inserted into and removed from a connector; an engaging claw configured to engage the plug main body with the connector; and an operations lever configured to turn off engagement of the plug main body and the connector by the engaging claw; wherein a lock turning-off member is provided at the plug main body so that the lock turning-off member can be slid in inserting and removing directions; an inclination surface of the lock turning-off member is formed in a position facing the operations lever; and the inclination surface operates the operation lever accompanying sliding in the inserting direction of the lock-turning off member so that the engagement of the engaging claw and the connector is turned off.

Abstract: A signal connector includes a first container and a second container. The first container includes a first signal line container which can contain a plurality of cores and a first fastener which can fix the signal line. The second container includes a second signal line container which can contain the plurality of cores and a plurality of electric contacts which can be electrically connected with each of the plurality of cores. The second container can be connected with the first container.

Abstract: A plug locking assembly comprises a housing comprising a top surface, a bottom surface and opposing sidewalls defining an open space therebetween, the open space for receiving and carrying a plug comprising a spring member. The plug locking assembly is adapted to prevent unwanted access to modular plugs engaged in associated jacks. In one embodiment, the plug locking assembly comprises a plug protection member comprising a surface spaced apart from the open space and positioned to overlie at least a portion of the spring member with the plug engaged within the housing. The plug locking assembly may further comprise a locking clip releasably securable within the housing.

Abstract: A connector for a communications system provides desired levels of crosstalk by controlling the positions and lengths of the wires. A plurality of insulation displacement contacts are movable between retracted positions and inserted positions extending into an internal chamber of the connector. A first insert disposed in the internal chamber has a front end proximal the front end of the plug housing. A second insert is partially disposed in the internal chamber and has a front end proximal the first insert rear end. Four pairs of wires extend from a cable sheath. Each pair of wires pass through one of the first, second, third and fourth channels of the second insert and through the first passageway of the first insert to the insulation displacement contacts in the internal chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a technical field of high-speed network plug, and more particularly to an improved network plug. The network plug includes a short body, a one-piece holder, a core holder, a clip and a U-like metal housing. The core holder and the one-piece holder are disposed inside the short body. The lengths of the core holder and the one-piece holder are shortened to 4 mm and 3 mm respectively. The back portion of the clip is flexible and arc-like and has a rising and curved central portion. The rear end and the seat thereof are formed integrally. The front end of the clip is inserted in a slot located on a top side of the short body. The clip is fastened on the top side of the short body through a seat thereof. The network plug of the present invention is featured by simple structure, easy plug-out after plugging in a jack, low likelihood of damage to network plug and jack, good high-frequency property and support of demand for performance and speed.

Abstract: A clamshell type device which is adapted for use in strain relief. The clamshell surrounds the wire and also surrounds at least a part of the connector that attaches to the wire. The clamshell may press against the connector to hold to the connector and also may press against the wire. This provides strain relief. The outer surface of the clamshell device includes a part that still allows depression of the release mechanism from the connector.

Abstract: A device for testing connectivity is provided. The device includes a first connector including a contact pin and a spacer for biasing the contact pin away from a spring contact pin of a second connector, when the first connector is inserted into the second connector. The device also includes an indicator, coupled to the contact pin of the first connector, for indicating whether the contact pin of the first connector is in contact with the spring contact pin of the second connector.

Abstract: A thin peripheral devices for mating with electrical connectors where the thickness of the device is less than the dimensions needed for mechanical engagement with the connector, has a body including electronic circuitry and a selectively deployable plug arrangement. The plug arrangement includes a first plug portion including a plurality of electric contacts and a second plug portion. At least part of the plug arrangement is selectively displaceable relative to a remainder of the body between a non-deployed configuration wherein the entire plug arrangement lies within a thickness dimension of the body and a deployed configuration wherein the first and second plug portions together define an effective plug having thickness greater than the thickness dimension of the body for mating with the electrical connector.

Abstract: A cable connector holder including a base configured to hold a plurality of cable connectors and a press part attached to the base and extending above the plurality of cable connectors, wherein the lever is configured to uniformly press down on each of the plurality of cable connectors to render the cable connectors collectively removable from a network device. The cable connector may further include a press prevention mechanism that prevents the press part from engaging the levers of the cable connectors, thereby preventing the removal of the plurality of connectors in the connector holder from a network device.

Abstract: An electrical connector to be connected to a mating connector includes a housing; a terminal; and a locking piece arranged in parallel to the terminal for engaging the mating connector. The locking piece includes a base portion; an arm portion movable by a specific amount; a fixing portion fixed to the housing; and a regulating portion fixed to the housing. The arm portion extends from the base portion toward the mating connector via a bent portion, and has a locking portion for engaging an engaged portion of the mating connector at a distal thereof. The fixing portion extends from the base portion toward the mating connector. The regulating portion is situated on an opposite side of the fixing portion with respect to the base portion, and extends from the base portion in a moving direction of the arm portion.

Abstract: A plug locking assembly comprises a housing comprising a top surface, a bottom surface and opposing sidewalls defining an open space therebetween, the open space for receiving and carrying a plug comprising a spring member. The plug locking assembly is adapted to prevent unwanted access to modular plugs engaged in associated jacks. In one embodiment, the plug locking assembly comprises a plug protection member comprising a surface spaced apart from the open space and positioned to overlie at least a portion of the spring member with the plug engaged within the housing. The plug locking assembly may further comprise a locking clip releasably securable within the housing.

Abstract: A network connection system for connecting computer and telephone network components, including a twisted pair cable termination connector for use with twisted pair cable, the twisted pairs being arranged within an outer cable jacket such that each twisted pair substantially occupies a cross sectional quadrant of the cable. The connector includes a pair separator having four passages arranged to substantially keep the four twisted pairs in a quadrant relationship relative to one another and in which the twisted relationship of each twisted pair is maintained substantially until the conductors are electrically terminated to their respective conductive contact member; and a mating component adapted to couple with the twisted pair cable termination connector.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to modular plugs including a housing for holding a plurality of terminals that are engageable with contacts of a mating plug receptacle. The modular plug further includes a slider latch having a distal end portion integrally formed with the housing, a proximal end portion configured and adapted for operative engagement with the housing, and an intermediate portion disposed between the distal end portion and the proximal end portion. The intermediate portion defines at least one flex point. Accordingly, when the proximal end portion of the slider latch is operatively connected to the housing, the intermediate portion of the slider latch defines an anti-snag feature. The slider latch facilitates locking and unlocking of the modular plug with a plug receptacle when in a densely packed array.

Abstract: A locking device attaches to a first end of a plug-supporting housing a telecommunications plug having a cable that extends through a longitudinal bore contained in the housing. The locking device includes at least one locking plate having a first end portion connected with the housing, and a second end portion containing a projection for engaging a corresponding retaining surface, thereby to retrain the plug within a first plug-receiving chamber contained within a first end of the housing. In a first embodiment, the locking plate directly retains in the first chamber either the plug, or a hollow adapter frame that contains the plug. In a second embodiment, an adapter body containing a second plug-receiving chamber is fastened to the housing first end, and a pair of locking plates lock within the second chamber either the plug, or an adapter frame that contains the plug.

Abstract: A connector includes a body and a housing. The body includes a plurality of terminals and a first fastener. The terminals and the first fastener are disposed at different surface of the body. The housing covers at least one portion of the body and has a second fastener connected with the first fastener.

Abstract: An electrical plug is defined by a plug housing and an upper portion of a printed circuit board. The plug housing defines a region within which the upper portion of the printed circuit board is adapted to be positioned. Stepped side walls may be provided to facilitate sliding introduction and support of the upper portion of the printed circuit board. A locking structure, e.g., a deflectable locking tooth, is associated with the plug housing for engaging a locking aperture on the upper portion of the printed circuit board. A plurality of exposed contacts are provided on the upper portion of the printed circuit board that align with channels formed in the plug housing. The exposed contacts communicate with traces on the printed circuit board and are available for electrical communication with an associated jack.

Abstract: A communications jack assembly includes: a jack frame having a plug aperture; a dielectric mounting substrate attached to the jack frame; and a plurality of conductors engaged with the mounting substrate, each of the conductors including a fixed end portion mounted with the mounting substrate and a free end portion extending into the plug aperture for electrical contact with a mating plug, each of the free end portions having substantially the same profile and being substantially transversely aligned in side-by-side relationship. A first pair of conductors is sandwiched inside a second pair of conductors. The second pair of conductors includes a crossover, the positioning of crossover being selected to provide differential to common mode crosstalk compensation.

Abstract: A field wireable network plug may be provided. The field wireable network plug may include a body having a first end and a second end. The body may comprise an opening passing through the body from the first end of the body to the second end of the body. The opening may be configured to allow a connector to pass through the opening from the first end of the body to the second end of the body. The body may also include at least one recess into the body at the second end of the body. The recess may be configured to restrict the connector from moving through the opening from the second end of the body to the first end of the body.

Abstract: A locking device for securing a plug in a jack has a housing with a tang and an adjustable clamp with a lip. The housing fits over the plug with the tang blocking a latch arm of the plug from being moved to release the plug from the jack. The clamp is movable to a locked position with the lip engaging the catch surface to prevent the housing from being removed from the mounting position.

Abstract: A connector for a communications system provides desired levels of crosstalk by controlling the positions and lengths of the wires. The connector has an internal chamber opening on the rear end of the plug housing and defined by housing walls. A plurality of slots extend through one of the housing walls adjacent its front end and into the internal chamber. A plurality of insulation displacement contacts are mounted in the slots for movement between retracted positions and inserted positions extending into the internal chamber. A first insert is disposed in the internal chamber. The first insert has a front end proximal the front end of the plug housing. A first passageway extends from the front end of the first insert to the rear end of the first insert. A plurality of openings in a first insert wall adjacent the front end are aligned with the plurality of slots in the plug housing and extend into the first passageway.

Abstract: An overlay for a wall jack adapted to receive a telephony plug of a specific type. The overlay comprises a housing, as well as a telephony plug and a telephony socket on opposite faces of the housing. The telephony socket is adapted to receive a telephony plug of the specific type, and is equipped with a first physical lock mechanism for keeping the telephony plug of the specific type connected to the telephony socket. Also provided is a high-speed connector integrated to the housing, for connection to a mating connector leading to a digital apparatus, the high-speed connector being equipped with a second physical lock mechanism for keeping the mating connector connected to the high-speed connector. The second lock mechanism is designed to be more resistant to tension-induced disconnect than the first lock mechanism.

Abstract: A communications jack assembly includes: a jack frame having a plug aperture; a dielectric mounting substrate attached to the jack frame; and a plurality of conductors engaged with the mounting substrate, each of the conductors including a fixed end portion mounted with the mounting substrate and a free end portion extending into the plug aperture for electrical contact with a mating plug, each of the free end portions having substantially the same profile and being substantially transversely aligned in side-by-side relationship. A first pair of conductors is sandwiched inside a second pair of conductors. The second pair of conductors includes a crossover, the positioning of crossover being selected to provide differential to common mode crosstalk compensation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connector (2), such as a modular connector, comprising a first locking device (4) arranged at the connector body (6), which first locking device is elongated, whose one end (8) is fixedly arranged at the connector body and whose other end (10) is freely arranged at a distance from the connector body and at loading is resilient such that is can be moved (R) against the connector body and intended to be connected in engagement with a female connector intended for the connector, whereby the connector again is disconnectable by spring action of the first locking device inwards, that the connector (2) further comprises a second locking device (12), arranged to the connector body, comprising a movable locking pin (14), whereby the first locking device (4) can be firmly locked by displacement (F) of the locking pin (14) of the second locking device (12).

Abstract: A telephone including a removable DSL filter cartridge is disclosed. The telephone includes a location adapted to receive a filter cartridge. The filter cartridge is designed to fit inside the location provided on the telephone. The filter cartridge includes a first end that electrically connects the filter cartridge to the telephone and a second end that faces outwards. The second end includes a DSL port so that users can plug DSL devices directly into the port. The filter cartridge includes a DSL filter to help eliminate unwanted noise on the telephone line and the filter cartridge is designed to be easily removable.

Abstract: A communications connector includes: a dielectric mounting substrate; at least four pairs of conductors mounted on the mounting substrate, each of the conductors including a free end segment, each of the free end segments being positioned in side-by-side and generally parallel relationship; and at least four pairs of terminals mounted on the mounting substrate, wherein each of the pairs of terminals is electrically connected to a respective pair of conductors.

Abstract: A simple-structured plug for insertion slots of various specifications includes an insulating body having a plurality of terminal slots at a front end thereof for receiving a plurality of terminals; the insulating body having a buckle; at least one tenon being formed on the insulating body; wherein when the plug is inserted into a wide insertion hole, the tenon will press against the insertion hole so that the plug will not vibrate, and thus the plug is suitable for insertion holes of various specifications. The tenon is one of a protruding block, an elastic sheet and a positioning device. The insertion hole is one of an RJ 11 hole and an RJ 45 hole. At another design, a tenon assembly protrudes from the buckle and at least one tenon is formed on the tenon assembly.

Abstract: A female electrical connector is provided for receiving a standardized male electrical connector having a movable release tab. The female electrical connector includes an electrical connector body, at least one electrical contact, and at least one lock member. The electrical connector body has an axial cavity configured to receive a male connector. The at least one electrical contact is provided in the cavity. The at least one lock member is carried by the body in load deflecting relation relative to an opposed inner face of the cavity. The at least one lock member is configured to displace relative to the inner face between a loaded position and a released position responsive to a release tab of a male electrical connector applying an overload condition on the at least one tab.

Abstract: A snagless telecommunications connector assembly is quickly and easily disengageable from a complementary mating connector assembly. A connector housing has front and rear ends, and an upper surface extending between the front and rear ends adjacent and above the upper surface. A latch beam extends rearwardly from the front end of the connector housing. The latch beam is deflectable to disengage the connector assembly from a complementary mating connector assembly. First and second ears extend outwardly from the upper surface of the connector housing. Each of the first and second ears has a portion tapering toward the rear end of the housing to prevent snagging the latch beam. A rib extends outwardly from the latch beam to further prevent snagging of the latch beam.

Abstract: A boot with a flexible actuator can be used to provide improved protection and ease of use for an electrical connector plug. The plug, such as an RJ45 plug connected to a data or communications cable, can have an extended latch member adapted to releasably engage a connection mechanism of a receptacle into which the plug is placed. A receiving portion of the actuator can engage the extended end of the latch member, whereby damage to the latch member due to snagging or catching on nearby objects is prevented. The actuator also functions as an extension of the latch mechanism, providing additional area for a user to depress the latch in order to remove the plug from the receptacle. The actuator can have a substantially smooth shape that prevents the actuator from catching on surrounding objects.

Abstract: A device to retrofit an existing modular connector having a flexible projecting connector tab that renders a cable to which the modular connector is connected susceptible to snagging is provided. The device is attached onto the connector and has a hollow interior, a bottom, two lateral sides, and a top. The top has a projecting tab. The projecting tab is set at an angle to allow the device tab to preclude objects from entering an opening formed by the connector tab and the connector and thus prevents the connector from snagging.

Abstract: A flexible latch is provided for an electrical connector and includes an elongated flexible strip having front and rear ends fixed to a connector housing, with the strip being spaced from and flexible relative to the housing between the fixed ends. The flexible strip has a body portion of a given width extending forwardly from and flexibly rotatable in a given direction about the fixed rear end. A latching portion, having a total width less than the given width, extends rearwardly from and is flexibly rotatable opposite the given direction about the front end. A generally triangularly-shaped latch hook is formed on the latching portion for movement into and out of latching engagement with the mating connecting device as the latching portion and the body portion flexibly rotate in opposite directions about the fixed front and rear ends, respectively.

Abstract: A network plug includes a plug body, two locking bars pivotally mounted in the top wall of the plug body, a jacket coupled to the rear side of the plug body and movable relative to the plug body in axial direction within a limited distance, and a working plate mounted in the jacket and movable with the jacket relative to the plug body to move the locking bars between the locking position to lock the network plug to a network socket, and the unlocking position to unlock the network plug from the network socket.

Abstract: A connector system is provided in which a branch connector may be secured in a pre-wired power and data network. The branch connector is designed to interface with existing network connections to provide at least one additional interface point for added or temporary devices. The connector may be designed to interface with existing connectors in a manner similar to existing cable assemblies, and may present sockets or similar interfaces which are substantially identical to the interface to which the connector is applied. Expanded network connectivity is thus provided for additional devices or temporary devices, such as programming, logging, system configuration and troubleshooting, and similar applications.

Abstract: An audio jack connector comprises a rectangular-shaped insulating housing, and a plurality of different contacts. The insulative housing has a base, and a mating portion. A channel extends through the base and the mating portion. A front end of the channel defines a gap, and a number of receiving slits defined on the base at two sides of the channel, the base defining a depression communicating with the channel at a top wall thereof. A first and a second contacts are received in the slits. A third contact mates with the top wall and comprises a mounting portion extending beyond the bottom wall of the insulative housing. A fourth contact is installed in a front end of the insulative housing and has an engaging portion extending through the gap and inserted into the front end of the channel for electrically connecting the mating plug connector.

Abstract: A collapsible communication connector that is movable between a compact collapsed configuration and an expanded operational configuration. The collapsible communication connector has an attachment assembly, which is movably coupled to an electrical contact panel. The attachment assembly is expanded outwardly from the electrical contact panel to facilitate mechanical coupling of the collapsible communication connector with a counterpart receptacle.

Abstract: An improved structure of a communication Internet connector is disclosed. The corrector comprises a connector body, a press plate, engaging plate and a series conductive port. A pair of pivotal lugs are provided correspondingly on the surface of the connector body and at an appropriate distance from the position of the engaging plate mounted at one end at the front edge of the connector, the press plate is provided with a protruded shaft each at the bottom surface such that a pivotal moment is obtained when the pivotal shaft is pivotally mounted to the pivotal lugs. When the press plate is slightly depressed, the connector is disconnected from the connected PC or similar devices.

Abstract: An optical connector adapter comprising a housing, and a pair of latch inserts. The housing has at least one passage formed therein for receiving a pair of connectors adapted to be mated to each other inside the housing. The pair of latch inserts are located in the passage of the housing. Each latch insert is adapted for locking a corresponding connector from the pair of connectors to the housing. At least one latch insert from the pair of latch inserts has a spring loaded projection. The housing has at least one detent formed therein. The spring loader projection on the at least one latch insert is bias into the at least one detent locking the at least one latch insert to the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying signals between a communications card and a signal utilization device or network. In one form (FIGS. 1,2), structures are provided for receiving one or more RJ series plugs and for making electrical connection with at the contacts on the plug and conveying any signals on the contacts to a communications device such as a telephone, facsimile machine, modem, or a local area network adapter. A body (102) includes one or more recesses (106) which receive the plug. An expandable and stretchable membrane (114) isolates the contacts in the plug from electrical contact with an object in a surrounding environment such that passage of current from one or more of the electrical contacts to an object present in the surrounding environment is prevented. Also provided (FIGS. 7, 14) is a replaceable direct access arrangement (151, 258) which is replaceably held within the communications device (150, 250).