Insulation displacement contact (idc) and idc mounting system

Abstract

An insulation displacement contact (IDC) is provided for use in a connector housing having an IDC receiving passage with insertion region first side edge and insertion region second side edge defining lower stops and upper locking catches. The IDC includes a base portion with a first IDC arm extending from the base portion and a second IDC arm extending from the base portion. The arms each have a lower portion with reduced dimension, a wire cutting/clamping region with an inner surface for insulated wire cutting and clamping, and an upper portion defining a region for introducing wires for termination. The IDC arms are flexible with respect to the base portion whereby the wire cutting/clamping regions cooperate for cutting and clamping insulated wires. The IDC has a first upper locator at an exterior surface of the first IDC arm, a second upper locator at an exterior surface of the first IDC arm, a second lower locator at an exterior surface of the IDC; and a second lower locator at an exterior surface of the IDC. The first lower locator and the second lower locator contact lower stops with the first upper locator engaging a first side upper locking catch and the second upper locator engaging a second side upper locking catch upon inserting the IDC into the IDC receiving passage.