Abstract: A socket for electronic unit includes a base plate having two rows of openings to receive lead wires of the unit and a connector plate having two rows of contacts each engageable with the lead wire. The base plate is movable vertically between a lead wiere engagement position and a release position. Each contact moves laterally to contact with the lead wire by downward urging force of the base plate. Lock members having finger operating release portions engage with retainers of the connector plate and can be disengaged by longitudinally inward urging force of fingers. Thus, engagement and disengagement of the electronic unit can be performed by one operation.

Abstract: A socket for an IC package includes a base plate normally accommodating two rows of contacts and a movable plate supporting at least one IC package with the lead wires of the IC package passing through rows of through openings. The movable plate is movable between a lead wire release position and a contact engaging position in a horizontal lateral direction which is perpendicular to the direction of the length of the rows of contacts. All the contacts are opened in the lateral direction. Guides on the plates limit the movement of the movable plate to only the lateral direction. Further, the movable plate urges a side surface of the package body so that the throughopenings can be wide enough to accommodate production variables of the package.