Abstract: An electrical connector assembly includes a first connector portion for supporting a plurality of insulated electrical conductors, and a second connector portion removably engageable with the first connector portion. The first connector portion includes a plurality of detent elements to secure the electrical conductors to the first connector portion, and at least one alignment recess. The second connector portion includes socket portions corresponding to the plurality of electrical conductors of the first portion, and an alignment member cooperative with the alignment recess to guide the second connector portion into engagement with the first connector portion. Socket portions include an insulation displacement crimp (IDC) connector portion configured to penetrate a corresponding external insulating layer of a corresponding one of the plurality of electrical conductors to place the IDC connector portion in electrical communication with the conductive core portion of the corresponding electrical conductor.

Abstract: An electrical terminal includes a body having a first end, a second end, and a channel having an axis. The channel extends at least through the first end toward the second end, the channel configured and disposed to receive an electrical conductor. A contact gripping element intermediate the first and second ends extends into the channel at an angle from the axis. The contact gripping element is associated with the body. The contact gripping element terminates at an end having a reduced thickness. The contact gripping element is configured to exert a contact gripping contact force on the electrical conductor.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly includes a first connector portion for supporting a plurality of insulated electrical conductors, and a second connector portion removably engageable with the first connector portion. The first connector portion includes a plurality of detent elements to secure the electrical conductors to the first connector portion, and at least one alignment recess. The second connector portion includes socket portions corresponding to the plurality of electrical conductors of the first portion, and an alignment member cooperative with the alignment recess to guide the second connector portion into engagement with the first connector portion. Socket portions include an insulation displacement crimp (IDC) connector portion configured to penetrate a corresponding external insulating layer of a corresponding one of the plurality of electrical conductors to place the IDC connector portion in electrical communication with the conductive core portion of the corresponding electrical conductor.

Abstract: A system and method of preventing an unwanted release of wires from a poke in style connector is disclosed. The system and method are designed to prevent wires that can be removed from connectors by simultaneous twisting and pulling force from being released. The system and method operate by bundling at least two wires together to prevent the wires from rotating proximate to the connector.

Abstract: An electrical terminal includes a body having a first end, a second end, and a channel having an axis. The channel extends at least through the first end toward the second end, the channel configured and disposed to receive an electrical conductor. A contact gripping element intermediate the first and second ends extends into the channel at an angle from the axis. The contact gripping element is associated with the body. The contact gripping element terminates at an end having a reduced thickness. The contact gripping element is configured to exert a contact gripping contact force on the electrical conductor.

Abstract: A wire retaining connector, connector system and method of connecting wires to connectors to reduce or eliminate unintentional wire disconnection from wire connectors, including disconnection of poke-in connectors. The connectors and connector systems include a connector body having at least one opening configured to receive a wire, the wire including a partially exposed conductor and insulation. The connector body further includes a wire retention member having at least one surface onto which a wire may be engaged. A cutting projection may also be provided on the wire connector to form a channel in the insulation during insertion of the wire into the connector. The wire retention member or the projection provides sufficient retention of the wire to resist disconnection of the wire from the connector body. A method for connecting wires to the connectors is also provided.

Abstract: An LED electrical connector is attachable to a display panel or surface. The LED connector includes a housing having a base, a backplate, and a contact arrangement. The base and backplate form a housing for the contact arrangement and a channel for a cable. The base has a collar to receive an LED, with apertures for the LED contact legs. The contact arrangement includes a first contact having points, and a first terminal in common with the points. The first terminal engages the anode or cathode leg of the LED. A second contact has points and a second terminal interconnected to the points by a resistor. The second terminal configured to frictionally engage an anode or cathode leg. The first and the second contact points pierce insulation on the electrical cord to electrically engage the respective conductors of the cable, to energize the LED.

Abstract: An LED electrical connector is attachable to a display panel or surface. The LED connector includes a housing having a base, a backplate, and a contact arrangement. The base and backplate form a housing for the contact arrangement and a channel for a cable. The base has a collar to receive an LED, with apertures for the LED contact legs. The contact arrangement includes a first contact having points, and a first terminal in common with the points. The first terminal engages the anode or cathode leg of the LED. A second contact has points and a second terminal interconnected to the points by a resistor. The second terminal configured to frictionally engage an anode or cathode leg. The first and the second contact points pierce insulation on the electrical cord to electrically engage the respective conductors of the cable, to energize the LED.

Abstract: A wire retaining connector, connector system and method of connecting wires to connectors to reduce or eliminate unintentional wire disconnection from wire connectors, including disconnection of poke-in connectors. The connectors and connector systems include a connector body having at least one opening configured to receive a wire, the wire including a partially exposed conductor and insulation. The connector body further includes a wire retention member having at least one surface onto which a wire may be engaged. The wire retention member provides sufficient retention of the wire to resist disconnection of the wire from the connector body. A method for connecting wires to the connectors is also provided.

Abstract: A wire retaining connector, connector system and method of connecting wires to connectors to reduce or eliminate unintentional wire disconnection from wire connectors, including disconnection of poke-in connectors. The connectors and connector systems include a connector body having at least one opening configured to receive a wire, the wire including a partially exposed conductor and insulation. The connector body further includes a wire retention member having at least one surface onto which a wire may be engaged. A cutting projection may also be provided on the wire connector to form a channel in the insulation during insertion of the wire into the connector. The wire retention member or the projection provides sufficient retention of the wire to resist disconnection of the wire from the connector body. A method for connecting wires to the connectors is also provided.

Abstract: An electrical terminal includes a body having a first end, a second end, and a channel having an axis. The channel extends at least through the first end toward the second end, the channel configured and disposed to receive an electrical conductor. A contact gripping element intermediate the first and second ends extends into the channel at an angle from the axis. The contact gripping element is associated with the body. The contact gripping element terminates at an end having a reduced thickness. The contact gripping element is configured to exert a contact gripping contact force on the electrical conductor.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a connector assembly for terminating a plurality of discrete wires and for selective electrical interconnection with a header assembly is provided. The connector assembly includes a front housing defining at least one channel therein; a rear housing selectively operatively connectable to the front housing, the rear housing including at least one passage formed therein and in operative association with a respective channel of the front housing, each passage terminating a respective discrete wire; and at least one contact disposed at least partially within each channel of the front housing and each corresponding passage of the rear housing. Each contact is configured and adapted to define a poke-in connection.

Abstract: A system and method of preventing an unwanted release of wires from a poke in style connector is disclosed. The system and method are designed to prevent wires that can be removed from connectors by simultaneous twisting and pulling force from being released. The system and method operate by bundling at least two wires together to prevent the wires from rotating proximate to the connector.

Abstract: A wire retaining connector, connector system and method of connecting wires to connectors to reduce or eliminate unintentional wire disconnection from wire connectors, including disconnection of poke-in connectors. The connectors and connector systems include a connector body having at least one opening configured to receive a wire, the wire including a partially exposed conductor and insulation. The connector body further includes a wire retention member having at least one surface onto which a wire may be engaged. The wire retention member provides sufficient retention of the wire to resist disconnection of the wire from the connector body. A method for connecting wires to the connectors is also provided.

Abstract: A wire retaining connector, connector system and method of connecting wires to connectors to reduce or eliminate unintentional wire disconnection from wire connectors, including disconnection of poke-in connectors. The connectors and connector systems include a connector body having at least one opening configured to receive a wire, the wire including a partially exposed conductor and insulation. The connector body further includes a wire retention member having at least one surface onto which a wire may be engaged. The surface of the wire retention member includes at least one slot or at least one channel. The wire retention member provides sufficient retention of the wire to resist disconnection of the wire from the connector body. A method for connecting wires to the connectors is also provided.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a connector assembly for terminating a plurality of discrete wires and for selective electrical interconnection with a header assembly is provided. The connector assembly includes a front housing defining at least one channel therein; a rear housing operative connected to the front housing, the rear housing including at least one passage formed therein and in operative association with a respective channel of the front housing, each passage terminating a respective discrete wire; and at least one contact disposed at least partially within each channel of the front housing and each corresponding passage of the rear housing. The connector assembly further includes a visual coding system provided on a surface of at least one of the front housing and the rear housing. The visual coding system includes unique indicia for each passage of the rear housing.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to switches and assemblies configured and adapted to enable “hot plugging” of electrical components and/or elements. According to an embodiment, slide switch assembly includes a body portion configured and adapted to support a first and a second spaced apart contact pin therein; and a plunger slidably supported within the body portion. Each contact pin is electrically connectable to an electrical conduit. The plunger has a first position in electrical contact with one of the first and second contact pins, and a second position in electrical contact with both the first and second contact pins. In use, when the plunger is in the second condition electrical current is transmitted between the first and the second contact pins.

Abstract: A terminal block assembly includes a housing having a base portion and partition walls extending from the base portion. The partition walls are spaced apart to define a cavity therebetween. The terminal block assembly further includes a terminal connector removably secured in the cavity between the partition walls. The terminal is configured to accept at least one of a bare wire and a contact attached to a wire. At least one of the partition walls includes a latch arm deflectable outward away from the cavity. The latch arm snappably retains the terminal connector within the cavity.

Abstract: A terminal block assembly includes a housing having a base portion and partition walls extending from the base portion. The partition walls are spaced apart to define a cavity therebetween. The terminal block assembly further includes a terminal connector removably secured in the cavity between the partition walls. The terminal is configured to accept at least one of a bare wire and a contact attached to a wire. At least one of the partition walls includes a latch arm deflectable outward away from the cavity. The latch arm snappably retains the terminal connector within the cavity.

Abstract: A contact system includes at least one opposed pair of contacts. Each of the contacts has a resilient rear leg, a guide section extending from the rear leg, and a contact interface extending from the guide section. The contact interface includes a furcated surface adapted to establish multiple points of contact with a mating contact interface. The furcated surface includes a first contact beam and a second contact beam separated by a slot. At least one contoured footing extends from one of the first and second contact beams to establish multiple contact points with a mating interface.