Abstract: The application describes an electrical connector of the type which has a row of contact elements with mating ends and with upstanding slotted rearward ends that receive and pierce insulated wires, the edges of the slots being concave to form a pair of corners for pressing into the core of the wire to make good electrical contact therewith.

Abstract: The application describes an electrical connector of the type which has a row of contact elements with mating ends and with upstanding slotted rearward ends that receive and pierce insulated wires, including a carrier of insulative material for installing and retaining the wires in the contact elements. The carrier is an elongated trough-shaped member with a pair of side walls that can fit respectively forward and rearward of the upstanding slotted contact portions, the side carrier walls having grooves which receive the insulated wires so that when the carrier is pressed against the connector the carrier forces the wires into the slots of the contact elements. The carrier has a resilient hook at either end which engages recesses formed in the connector frame as the carrier is pressed thereagainst.

Abstract: A tool for installing a set of wires on the rearward portion of a connector frame that has insulation-piercing contact elements for receiving the wires, including a connector-holding arm pivotally mounted on a base and a pair of wire-holding jigs mounted on the base, so that as the arm pivots the wires are severed and pressed into the connector frame. The wire-holding jigs lie on either side of the path of the arm to permit the leading portion of the arm to pass between the jigs, and the jig which holds the cut wire ends that are not installed, lies at a greater angle from the initial arm position than the other jig. The arm includes a cam for applying a large wire-installing force. The tool includes color-coded charts, each having a red or blue color for matching a red or blue cap on a connector frame, to assure that the proper chart is used.