Abstract: An electrical contact assembly is provided that includes insolated blade and receptacle connector housings mateable with one another while moved from initial to final mating positions. A blade contact is provided with a support section that is securely mounted within the insulated connector housing. The blade contact further includes a contact knife projecting from the support section. A receptacle contact is provided having a base section that is securely mounted in the insulated receptacle housing. The receptacle contact includes at least one contact spring projecting from the base section. The blade and receptacle contacts are joined in a mating operation while moved from initial to final mating positions. Blade and receptacle mating zones are defined on the blade and receptacle contacts respectively. The mating zones electrically engage one another when in the final mating position to maintain a primary electrical interface between the blade and receptacle contacts.

Abstract: An electrical contact assembly is provided that includes insolated blade and receptacle connector housings mateable with one another while moved from initial to final mating positions. A blade contact is provided with a support section that is securely mounted within the insulated connector housing. The blade contact further includes a contact knife projecting from the support section. A receptacle contact is provided having a base section that is securely mounted in the insulated receptacle housing. Arcing zones are defined on the blade and receptacle contacts that are located separate and apart from mating zones. The arcing zones electrically engage one another only when the blade and receptacle contacts are located in the initial mating position to provide a temporary electrical interface for discharging arcs between the blade and receptacle contacts. After which, the arcing zones disengage one another.