Abstract: An electrical connector is disclosed which includes first and second connector housings for holding first and second terminals, respectively, a short-circuiting element accommodated in the first housing in electrical contact with two first terminals, a sliding element arranged on the second housing, and an urging element for urging the sliding element in a direction forward from the second housing. The first housing includes a pair of resiliently-deformable engaging arms each having an engaging protrusion. The second housing, releasably fitted to the first housing, includes a pair of first guide grooves for receiving the engaging arms. Each first guide groove has an engaging portion with which the engaging protrusion is held in engagement and a stepped wall portion formed adjacent to the front end of the second housing. The sliding element has a front tongue engageable with the short-circuiting element to disengage the same from the two first terminals.