Patent ID: 6188560
Filing Date: 2001-02-13
Classification: H01R

Abstract:
A protected terminal block adapted for use in connecting an exchange wire and one or more service wires, the protected terminal block comprising:a housing having an access hole for allowing a wire to be inserted into said housing;an electrical contact element configured in said housing and conductively connected to an exchange wire, said electrical contact element having a test lead;a test port in said housing for providing access to said test lead;means configured within the housing, for electrically connecting a service wire to said contact element;a ground contact coupled to said housing adjacent said test port;a receptacle coupled to the housing and configured adjacent said test port; andmeans, removably mounted in the receptacle and extending into the test port, for protecting a selected electrical conductive path, connected to said ground contact and said test lead,wherein said connections between said protecting means, and said ground contact and said test lead, are automatically achieved upon insertion of said protecting means into said receptacle.