Wire termination block

Abstract

A wire connecting system which includes a pair of mating connectors for effecting electrical cross connections between a first set of of conductors and a second set of conductors is presented. The two mating connectors are known by the terms 'wiring block' and 'connecting block' wherein the wiring block provides evenly spaced receptacles for the first wire conductors that hold them in alignment for engagement with a plurality of insulation penetrating slotted beam contacts carried by the connecting block. The plurality of insulation penetrating slotted beam contacts housed by the connecting block are double ended such that, once the first set of wire conudctors are terminated, a second set of wire conductors are then indexed and retained by the connecting block for subsequent termination to the opposing ends of the insulation penetrating contacts by a tool or end cap designed for such a purpose. The connecting block employs a novel one piece structure which both forms the connector block housing as well as provides retention means for positioning and retaining the slotted beam contacts. These retention means comprise retention posts which are flash molded onto the side of the connecting block during the molding operation. Upon insertion and positioning of a plurality of beam contacts within the connecting block housing, pressure is exerted against the retention posts thereby breaking the flash molding and forcing the posts through positioning holes in the contacts. Thereafter, the post tips are peened in place providing permenant but free floating connection between the contacts and the connecting block housing. Still another important feature of the present invention is the novel use of a 'zero gap' insulation displacement connector in the slotted beam contact.