Abstract: An electrical conenctor assembly includes a pair of mating dielectric housings. A first pin contact is mounted on one of the housings and a first socket contact mateable with the first pin contact is mounted on the other of the housings. The first pin and socket contacts are connected to respective power lines. A second pin contact is mounted on the one housing and is connected directly to the power line of the first pin contact. A second socket contact is mounted on the other housing, mateable with the second pin contact, and is connected directly to the respective power line of the first socket contact. The second pin and socket contacts are configured to make mating electrical engagement with each other before the first pin and socket contacts when the housings are moved toward each other in the mating direction. With this structural combination, deterioration due to electrical arcing is restricted to the second contacts while the integrity of the first contacts is maintained.