Abstract: An electrical connector having a first and a second connector housing, each of which holds electrical contacts and which can be mated to bring the contacts of the first and of the second connector housing into contact with one another. The connector includes an actuating device in the form of a lever pivotably mounted on the first connector housing and movable between first and second positions, wherein the actuating device is held in the first position by a safety device, which allows the actuating device to be moved to the second position only after the first connector housing has been correctly positioned with the second connector housing. The first connector housing is moved relative to the second connector housing during the movement of the actuating device thus facilitating correct mating of the two connector housings, particularly when space conditions present a problem.