Abstract: A protector for use in a telecommunications system to establish an electrical connection between two lines includes a base and at least two line terminals extending from one surface of the base. A ground terminal also extends from the one surface of the base and is spaced from the two line terminals. A circuit board is mounted on another surface of the base and has electrical paths on it leading to the at least two line terminals and to the ground terminal. An overload detector is mounted on the circuit board and establishes an electrical connection between the at least two line terminals by way of the electrical paths in normal operation and establishes an electrical connection between at least one of the at least two line terminals and the ground terminal by way of the electrical paths in the event of an overload condition.

Abstract: A terminal block having a front face and a rear face is provided. An array of counterbores are formed in the terminal block which extend between the faces and define abutment surfaces therein. The counterbores are positioned so that the portion of greater diameter is adjacent the rear face. The counterbores are adapted to receive terminal contacts via the rear face so that the female end of the terminal contacts rest near the front face. Grooves are formed in the rear face which connect selected counterbores. The selected counterbores received one type of terminal contact having a male end of reduced length. A face plate having apertures formed therein is removably secured to the rear face. The apertures are aligned with only the counterbores receiving another type of terminal contact having a male end which extends beyond the rear face to allow the male ends to pass. Ground wires are passed along the grooves and contact the male end of the one type terminal contacts.