Telephone network/subscriber interface device

Abstract

A modular interface device permits selective interconnection between telephone company network trunk lines and subscriber telephone lines. The device includes a housing having a removable protective cover and a first connector component having a plurality of contact elements aligned in at least two rows. The network trunk line conductors are electrically engageable with the contact elements so that each row of contact elements is associated with one tip or ring conductor, for instance. A second connector component is also provided having a plurality of second contact elements aligned in at least two rows. The subscriber telephone line conductors are electrically engageable with the second contact elements in such a manner that each row of second contact elements is associated with one of the subscriber line conductors. An array of contact members is disposed within the housing with the contact members aligned in a plurality of rows, each row of contact members being electrically engaged with and corresponding to a single row of contact elements in one of the connector components. The rows of contact members are arranged such that patchcord connector means may selectively interconnect contact members from each row associated with the network trunk lines with contact members from the rows associated with the subscriber telephone lines. Finally, integral testing means are provided for engaging selected contact members to independently test the electrical circuit of each network trunk line conductor and each subscriber telephone line conductor.