Abstract: An actuator for opening and closing a spring clamp terminal mounted within a connector housing is receivable within a cavity of the housing. The actuator comprises a tapered first camming surface for progressively biasing the spring clamp open, and a second rest surface for maintaining the spring clamp open for reception of a wire without requiring use of the tool. Once the wire has been placed in a wire receiving hole of the spring clamp, the actuator can be released by tilting thereof about a pivot line such that the spring arm of the spring clamp engages the first camming surface hence pushing the actuating means outwardly of the cavity, thereby enabling clamping of the wire.

Abstract: An electrical terminal includes an insulation displacement slot formed by two upstanding beams having a slot there between profiled to receive a wire. At an upper portion of the terminal, a wire receiving opening is formed which is profiled to receive an insulated wire, the opening being in transition with, insulation severing surfaces. To increase the reaction forces on the beams, a back-up spring is added to the spring beams, interconnected to the spring beams alongside the wire contact surfaces.