Abstract: An electrical connector apparatus having a plug and a receptacle is disclosed. The body of each of the plug and receptacle are chiefly made of an low conductivity material, such as composite. Despite the low conductive characteristics of the connector material, the apparatus is provided with capability for safely handling short duration relatively high current electrical surges such as those produced by lightning strikes and EMP. This capability is provided by elongated conductive elements associated respectively with each of the plug and receptacle. The elements each define a respective contact region, which regions mate when the plug is inserted in the receptacle in a predetermined alignment. The opposite ends of the conductive elements are coupled to the outer conductive jackets of adjacent sections of jacketed cable to which each of the plug and receptacle are electrically coupled.

Abstract: A one-piece socket contact (20) for removable emplacement within a cavity (56) of a receptacle connector (10) comprises a pair of tuning-fork shaped tapered tines (34), an upstanding support (40) and a common connection there amongst to form therefrom a generally parallel cantilevered tripartite tine-support structure. A hood (48) is provided with a bevelled, oval-shaped opening (50) which overlies the tines to compensate for mismatch between an engaging pin contact with the socket contact. Compensation is afforded either by the elongated major axis of the oval-shaped opening or by the ability of the hood to deflect along the opening's minor axis. The contact is retained by engagement between a retention tab (54) and an opening (70). An anti-flotation engagement occurs between spurs (30) and a cavity wall.

Abstract: Seals (66) are coupled in fluid and pressure tight engagement between respective contacts (18) and their bores (26) and are positioned between the front end (42) and perforations (48, 50) of a wire-receiving end (40) to prevent leakage of fluid (16) within a jacket (12) into the bores adjacent to the front ends of the contacts.