Abstract: A distribution terminal for connecting incoming telephone cable wires to drop lines has a plurality of bases. Each of the bases has a platform and two lateral sides on opposite edges of the platform. Mating releasable connectors are on each of the lateral sides of the bases for securing a number of the bases together, side-by-side. Each of the bases has three electrically conductive penetrators extending through the platform. Two of the penetrators have terminal ends for connection to a twisted-pair of wires of the incoming telephone cable. The third penetrator is connected to a ground. A module may be releasably secured to each of the bases over the platform. Each module has a pair of IDC clips. Each clip engages one of the penetrators when the module is secured to the base. Each of the modules has a pair of holes adjacent to the clips for receiving ends of drop wires. An actuator for each of the modules pushes the drop wires into engagement with the clips.

Abstract: An insulation displacement connector is provided that has two housings. The first housing encloses surge protection. Terminals extend from the first housing. The second housing has insulation displacement terminals with first ends for connection with insulated wires and with second ends for connection to the terminals extending from the first housing. The two housings are to be joined together to complete an electrical line from one insulation displacement terminal to the other via the surge protection. Thus, surge protection is in one sub assembly protected from the environment, and the insulation displacement terminals are in another subassembly protected from the environment. The housings have a detent assembled condition enabling relative positional adjustment before joining of the housings. Electrical testing for the line circuit and for the surge protection may be performed upon the closed assembly.

Abstract: An insulation displacement connector with a dielectric body having terminal members extending through the body, the terminal members having insulation displacement terminals at one end and outwardly projecting terminal pins at the other end. In preferred structures, the terminal pins are displaced from the terminal members so that they lie in two rows which are spaced-apart laterally of a plane of the body. The body may be a single molded structure with location positions for the terminal members inserted into one side of the body.