Abstract: An electrical connector assembly includes an elongated housing having a plurality of terminal-receiving cavities extending transversely of the housing. The cavities are arranged in at least two rows lengthwise of the housing, and two rows of terminal-protective silos project forwardly of a front mating face of the housing in alignment with the cavities. Two generally parallel channels run longitudinally of the housing and intersect the two rows of cavities. A longitudinal solid wall portion of the front mating face of the housing extends lengthwise between the two rows of forwardly projecting silos. A plurality of slits are formed in the front mating face between adjacent silos in alignment with transverse walls between the cavities, the slits extending rearwardly to the channels. A plurality of terminals are adapted to be inserted into the cavities to fully inserted positions in the forwardly projecting silos.