MX9602610A - Protector cartridge for modular connector blocks. - Google Patents

Abstract

A surge protection cartridge adapted for use with a double-sided modular connector block system. The protector cartridge advantegeously mounts in the front or rear of a connector module of the connector block in variety of orientations in order to protect an entire rov of terminations on the block. Two L-shaped brackets adapted to couple to a mounting bracket of the connector block form an internal ground bus within the protector cartridge. The brackets include a series of cantilever connecting clips which couple directly to the surge protection devices. Spring contacts having similar cantilever clips couple the remaining leads of the surge protection devices and the terminals of the connecting block which are to be protected. Each individual spring contacts is seated within an individual insulated well of the cartridge housing. The feature maintains a substantial insulation resistance between adjacent terminals of the housing and advantegeously prevents shorting between adjacent terminal leads caused by the collection of moisture. A set of protrusions within the cartridge housing corresponding to the wells engage the spring contacts to force correct seating position. An exclusion feature attached to the cartridge housing ensures that only protection cartridges having a sufficient number of protection devices may be inserted within certain sized connector includes.