Abstract:
A connector having enhanced protection against arcing during live or “hot” connection of a plug assembly to a receptacle assembly. The terminals of the connector, including the connection point of exposed wiring, are electrically isolated from each other with dielectric barriers built in to the connector, such as polymer partitions. Accordingly, protection against arcing is provided in a connector that is assembled fast and inexpensively, without need for a time consuming installation of wire and terminal coatings or sleeves (e.g., “shrink tube”), and with greater reliability. The connector can be used in a modular system for decorative lighting and having a controller module that is not hard wired to a light string. Use of the controller module independent of any of the light strings enables the controller to be used with any light string or with a replacement light string, in the event that the immediately connected light string fails.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/257,098 entitled “Combinatorial Light String Plug and Receptacle”, filed Nov. 18, 2015, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The disclosure relates to light strings, and in particular, to light strings comprised of LED lights wired in parallel. Specifically, the disclosure relates to light strings that can have a plurality of light arrays or a subsequent light string having arrays where each light array can operate independently of any other light array. More specifically, the disclosure relates to light strings having multi-function controllers allowing programming of color and motion, where the light strings can have plugs and receptacles whose terminals carry both power and data. Even more specifically, the disclosure relates to light string plugs having pin type terminals and light string socket receptacles configured to receive pin type light string plugs. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     A decorative light string typically includes a plug on one end, and a plug receptacle or “end connector” for receiving a plug from a second light set at another end. The plug receptacle of the first decorative light string provides power to the second decorative light string. While such power plugs and plug receptacles are well known and typically of a standardized design, for decorative light strings having controllers so that the lights are selectively powered on and off, or provide varying colors, the situation is quite different. Decorative light strings having controllers often do not include plug receptacles at the one end, and cannot be connected end-to-end with other light strings thus requiring numerous controllers and light string sets that are each individually programmed or set. Furthermore, of the few known decorative light strings with controllers that are configured to connect to other light strings, the connectors are not standard, and the plugs and receptacles are not typically configured to efficiently transmit data and power. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Various embodiments of the disclosure provide a connector having enhance protection against arcing during live or “hot” connection of a plug assembly to a receptacle assembly, without need for a time consuming installation of wire and terminal coatings or sleeves (e.g., “shrink tube”). The terminals of the connector, including the connection point of exposed wiring, are electrically isolated from each other with dielectric barriers, such as polymer partitions. Accordingly, protection against arcing is provided in a connector that is assembled fast and inexpensively, and with greater reliability. 
     Various embodiments of the disclosure also provide spline and groove arrangements for easy and secure assembly, as well as for keyed connector orientations. 
     Structurally a connector is depicted and described having a receptacle assembly, including a receptacle housing having an open end and a closed end separated by at least one side wall, the receptacle housing defining a receptacle housing cavity. A receptacle insert is disposed in the receptacle housing cavity, the receptacle insert including: a receptacle body having an outer peripheral surface that extends rearward from a forward face to a rearward face, the receptacle body including an internal bulkhead and defining a first forward cavity forward of the internal bulkhead; a first rodular projection extending forward from the internal bulkhead into the first forward cavity and being centered about a first rodular projection axis, the first rodular projection axis being perpendicular to the internal bulkhead, an outer surface of the first rodular projection cooperating with an inner surface of the first forward cavity to define a first annular gap that surrounds the first rodular projection, the first rodular projection defining a first pair of terminal bores extending through the first rodular projection and through the internal bulkhead, the first pair of terminal bores defining a first pair of terminal bore axes that are perpendicular to the internal bulkhead, the first pair of terminal bore axes being parallel and defining a plane; a first receptacle partition wall extending rearward from the receptacle body, the first receptacle partition wall extending between the bores of the first pair of terminal bores and perpendicular to the plane of the first pair of terminal bore axes; and a first pair of female electrical terminals, each disposed in a respective one of the first pair of terminal bores, the first pair of female electrical terminals extending rearward from the receptacle insert adjacent opposing sides of the first receptacle partition wall. 
     The receptacle housing may include one of a detent and a recess formed on the at least one side wall of the receptacle housing, and the receptacle insert may include the other of the detent and the recess formed on surface of the receptacle body, wherein the detent is arranged and configured to snappingly engage within the recess when the receptacle insert is inserted into the receptacle housing to secure the receptacle insert within the receptacle housing. 
     In some embodiments, one of the inner surface of the receptacle housing and the outer peripheral surface of the receptacle body includes a receptacle spline extending perpendicular to the open end of the receptacle housing, and the other of the inner surface of the receptacle housing and the outer peripheral surface of the receptacle body defines a receptacle groove extending perpendicular to the open end, the receptacle spline being disposed within the receptacle groove. The inner surface of the first forward cavity may include one of a first spline and a first groove formed thereon that extends perpendicular to the internal bulkhead. In some embodiments, a plurality of receptacle spacers project from an inner surface of the receptacle housing into the receptacle housing cavity, where in the receptacle insert is registered against the plurality of receptacle spacers to provide separation between the receptacle body and the closed end of the receptacle housing. The plurality of receptacle spacers may be dimensioned so that the forward face of the receptacle insert is substantially flush with the receptacle housing. The closed end may define a receptacle feedthrough aperture, and wherein a portion of the first receptacle partition wall is registered within the receptacle feedthrough aperture. The at least one side wall, the open end, and the closed end of the receptacle housing may define a hollow cuboid. 
     In some embodiments, the receptacle body defines a first pair of receptacle catch plate slots that extend rearward of the internal bulkhead, each of the first pair of receptacle catch plate slots being adjacent a respective one of the first pair of terminal bore axes and is accessible from the rearward face of the receptacle body. Each of the first pair of female electrical terminals may include a catch plate disposed in a respective one of the first pair of receptacle catch plate slots. 
     The receptacle housing may also include a flange having a face that is proximate the open end of the receptacle housing. The face of the flange of the receptacle housing may be flush with the open end of the receptacle housing. In some embodiments, a plurality of protrusions extend from an outer surface of the at least one of the side wall of the receptacle housing, the plurality of protrusions being proximate the closed end of the receptacle housing. 
     In some embodiments, a pair of receptacle wings that extend from an outer surface of opposed sides of the plug housing, each of the pair of wings having a connection to the at least one side wall of the plug housing proximate the closed end, each of the pair of wings extending forward of the connection. The connection of each of the pair of receptacle housing wings may be integral to the receptacle housing. 
     Various embodiments of the disclosure include a plug assembly, with a plug housing including an open end and a closed end separated by at least one side wall, the plug housing defining a plug housing cavity. A plug insert is disposed in the plug housing cavity of the plug housing, the plug insert including: a plug body having an outer peripheral surface that extends rearward from a front wall to a rearward face, the front wall defining a first pair of terminal apertures extending therethrough, the first pair of terminal apertures defining a first pair of terminal aperture axes that are perpendicular to the front wall, the first pair of terminal aperture axes being parallel and defining a plane; a first tubular projection centered about a first tubular projection axis that is perpendicular to the front wall, the first tubular projection extending forward from the front wall of the plug insert and surrounding the first pair of terminal apertures; and a first plug partition wall extending rearward from the plug body, the first plug partition wall extending between the apertures of the first pair of terminal apertures and perpendicular to the plane of the first pair of terminal aperture axes. A first pair of male electrical terminals, each disposed in a respective one of the first pair of terminal apertures, the first pair of male electrical terminals extending rearward from the plug insert adjacent opposing sides of the first plug partition wall, wherein the first tubular projection is configured for insertion into the first annular gap of the receptacle assembly, the first tubular projection is configured to receive the first rodular projection of the plug assembly, and the first pair of male electrical terminals are configured for insertion into the first pair of female electrical terminals of the receptacle assembly. 
     In some embodiments, the plug housing includes one of a detent and a recess formed on the at least one side wall of the plug housing, the plug insert includes the other of the detent and the recess formed on surface of the plug body, and the detent is arranged and configured to snappingly engage within the recess when the plug insert is inserted into the plug housing to secure the plug insert within the plug housing. In some embodiments, one of the inner surface of the plug housing and the outer peripheral surface of the plug body includes a plug spline extending perpendicular to the open end, and the other of the inner surface of the plug housing and the outer peripheral surface defines a receptacle groove extending perpendicular to the open end, the plug spline being disposed within the receptacle groove. The inner surface of the first forward cavity may include one of a first spline and a first groove formed thereon that extends perpendicular to the internal bulkhead, with an outside surface of the first tubular projection including the other of the first spline and the first groove formed thereon that extends perpendicular to the front wall. The first spline may be configured to slidingly engage the first groove when the plug assembly is inserted into the receptacle assembly. 
     In some embodiments, the connector includes a plurality of plug spacers that project from an inner surface of the plug housing into the plug housing cavity, where in the plug insert is registered against the plurality of plug spacers to provide separation between the plug body and the closed end of the plug housing. The plurality of plug spacers may be dimensioned so that the front wall of the plug insert is substantially flush with the plug housing. 
     The closed end of the plug housing may define a plug feedthrough aperture, with a portion of the first plug partition wall is registered within the plug feedthrough aperture. Also, the plug body may define a first pair of plug catch plate slots that extend rearward of the front wall, each of the first pair of plug catch plate slots being adjacent a respective one of the first pair of terminal aperture axes and is accessible from the rearward face of the plug body. Each of the first pair of male electrical terminals may include a catch plate disposed in a respective one of the first pair of plug catch plate slots. The plug housing may include a flange having a face that is proximate the open end of the plug housing. In one embodiment, the face of the flange of the plug housing is flush with the open end of the plug housing. A plurality of gripping protrusions extend from an outer surface of the at least one of the side wall of the plug housing, the plurality of protrusions being proximate the closed end of the plug housing. 
     In some embodiments, a pair of plug housing wings that extend from an outer surface of opposed sides of the plug housing, each of the pair of plug housing wings having a connection to the at least one side wall of the plug housing proximate the closed end of the plug housing, each of the pair of plug housing wings extending from the connection toward the open end of the plug housing to a free end of the plug housing wings. A pair of retractable tabs may extend through the at least one side wall, each being configured for actuation by the free end of a respective one of the plug housing wings. 
     In some embodiments, the receptacle body defines a second forward cavity forward of the internal bulkhead. A second rodular projection extends forward from the internal bulkhead into the second forward cavity and is centered about a second rodular projection axis, the second rodular projection axis being perpendicular to the internal bulkhead. An outer surface of the second rodular projection cooperates with an inner surface of the second forward cavity to define a second annular gap that surrounds the second rodular projection, the second rodular projection defining a second pair of terminal bores extending through the second rodular projection and through the internal bulkhead, the second pair of terminal bores defining a second pair of terminal bore axes that are perpendicular to the internal bulkhead. A second receptacle partition wall may extend rearward from the receptacle body and perpendicular to the first receptacle partition wall and extending between the first pair of apertures and the second pair of apertures. A female electrical terminal may be disposed in one of the second pair of terminal apertures, the female electrical terminal extending rearward from the receptacle insert adjacent the first plug partition wall and the second plug partition wall. 
     In some embodiments, the front wall of the plug body defines a second pair of terminal apertures extending therethrough, the second pair of terminal apertures defining a second pair of terminal aperture axes that are perpendicular to the front wall. A second tubular projection may be centered about a second tubular projection axis that is perpendicular to the front wall, the second tubular projection extending forward from the front wall of the plug insert and surrounding the second pair of terminal apertures. A second plug partition wall extending rearward from the plug body, the second plug partition wall extending between the apertures of the first pair of terminal apertures and between the apertures of the second pair of terminal apertures and perpendicular to the first plug partition wall. A male electrical terminal may be disposed in a respective one of the second pair of terminal apertures, the male electrical terminal extending rearward from the plug insert adjacent the second plug partition wall. Accordingly, for this embodiment, the second tubular projection is configured for insertion into the second annular gap of the receptacle assembly, the second tubular projection is configured to receive the second rodular projection of the plug assembly, and the male electrical terminal is configured for insertion into the female electrical terminal of the receptacle assembly. 
     The inner surface of the first forward cavity may include one of a first spline and a first groove formed thereon that extends perpendicular to the internal bulkhead. An outside surface of the first tubular projection includes the other of the first spline and the first groove formed thereon that extends perpendicular to the front wall. The inner surface of the second forward cavity may include one of a second spline and a second groove formed thereon that extends perpendicular to the internal bulkhead. In one embodiment, an outside surface of the second tubular projection includes the other of the second spline and the second groove formed thereon that extends perpendicular to the front wall. Accordingly, the first spline is configured to slidingly engage the first groove and the second spline is configured to slidingly engage the second groove when the plug assembly is inserted into the receptacle assembly. The first spline and the second spline may be disposed on a same side of a plane defined by the first tubular projection axis and the second tubular projection axis when the plug assembly is coupled to the receptacle assembly to provide a keyed connection. 
     In some embodiments, the female electrical terminal disposed in one of the second pair of terminal bores is one of a second pair of female electrical terminals, each disposed in a respective one of the second pair of terminal bores, the second pair of female electrical terminals extending rearward from the plug insert adjacent opposing sides of the first plug partition wall. Each female electrical terminal may include a crimping end and a female barrel separated by a catch plate, wherein a semi-spherical projection is disposed on the inside surface of the female barrel. 
     In some embodiments, the female barrel defines a slit that extends longitudinally along the female barrel. Each male electrical terminal includes a crimping end and a male barrel separated by a catch plate. A semi-spherical indentation may be disposed on the outside surface of the male barrel. In one embodiment, the semi-spherical indentation of the male electrical terminal and the semi-spherical projection of the female electrical terminal are positioned and configured to mate together when the plug assembly is connected to the receptacle assembly. A semi-spherical end cap may define a plurality of slits. In some embodiments, one of the plurality of slits of the semi-spherical end cap extends longitudinally along the male barrel. For certain embodiments, a force to separate the plug assembly from the receptacle assembly is in a range of 3 lbf to 15 lbf inclusive. 
     In various embodiments of the disclosure, the connector comprises a second plug assembly, including a second plug housing including an open end and a closed end separated by at least one side wall, the second plug housing defining a second plug housing cavity. A second plug insert is disposed in the second plug housing cavity of the second plug housing, the second plug insert including a second plug body having an outer peripheral surface that extends rearward from a second front wall to a rearward face, the second front wall defining a second pair of terminal apertures extending therethrough, the second pair of terminal apertures defining a second pair of terminal aperture axes that are perpendicular to the second front wall, the second pair of terminal aperture axes being parallel and defining a plane. A second tubular projection is centered about a second tubular projection axis that is perpendicular to the second front wall, the second tubular projection extending forward from the second front wall of the second plug insert and surrounding the second pair of terminal apertures. A second plug partition wall extends rearward from the second plug body, the second plug partition wall extending between the apertures of the second pair of terminal apertures and extending perpendicular to the plane of the second pair of terminal aperture axes. A second pair of male electrical terminals, each disposed in a respective one of the second pair of terminal apertures, the second pair of male electrical terminals extending rearward from the plug insert adjacent opposing sides of the second plug partition wall. The second tubular projection may be configured for insertion into the second annular gap of the receptacle assembly, the second tubular projection is configured to receive the second rodular projection of the second plug assembly, and the second pair of male electrical terminals are configured for insertion into the second pair of female electrical terminals of the receptacle assembly. 
     In some embodiments, the male electrical terminal disposed in one of the second pair of terminal apertures is one of a second pair of male electrical terminals, each disposed in a respective one of the first pair of terminal apertures, the second pair of male electrical terminals extending rearward from the plug insert adjacent opposing sides of the first plug partition wall. The plug body may define a first pair of plug catch plate slots that extend rearward of the front wall, each of the first pair of plug catch plate slots being adjacent a respective one of the first pair of terminal aperture axes and is accessible from the rearward face of the plug body, each of the first pair of male electrical terminals including a catch plate disposed in a respective one of the first pair of plug catch plate slots. In one embodiment, the plug body defines a second pair of plug catch plate slots that extend rearward of the front wall, each of the second pair of plug catch plate slots being adjacent a respective one of the second pair of terminal aperture axes and is accessible from the rearward face of the plug body, each of the second pair of male electrical terminals including a catch plate disposed in a respective one of the second pair of plug catch plate slots. 
     In some embodiments, a fastener aperture is defined through the at least one side wall of the receptacle housing, a retaining bridge extends from the first tubular projection to the second tubular projection, the retaining bridge defining a tap hole, and a fastener is disposed through the fastener aperture and into the tap hole to secure the receptacle assembly to the plug assembly. 
     Some embodiments of the disclosure provide a modular system, with a controller module that is not hard wired to a light strings. Use of the controller module that is independent of the integrity of any of the light strings enables the controller to be used with any light string or with a replacement light string, in the event that the immediately connected light string fails, thus reducing the expense of removing or replacing the first of a series of light strings. The modularity also enables the control module and the light strings to be manufactured by separate vendors that are preferred for these different manufacturing tasks. 
     Structurally, various embodiments of the disclosure detail a light string assembly comprising a plug having a plurality of standard terminal blades, a controller connected via conductive wires to the plug, a light array connected to the controller via the conductive wires, a receptacle assembly having a plurality of female electrical terminals fixedly connected to the light array via conductive wires, and a plug assembly having a plurality of male electrical terminals, the plug assembly being detachably engageable with the receptacle assembly. In this embodiment, the receptacle assembly and the plug assembly are disposed between the controller and the light array to provide selective electrical connection therebetween. 
     The plug assembly of the light string assembly may also include a plug housing having an open end, at least one side wall, and a semi-closed end to define a plug housing cavity. A plug insert may be disposed within the plug housing cavity, the plug insert including a plug body having a forward face. One or more tubular projections may extend from the forward face, the forward face shaped to corresponding to the open end of the plug housing and including a plurality of apertures surrounded by the one or more tubular projections, each of the plurality of apertures sized to correspond with the outer diameter of the male electrical terminals. The plurality of male electrical terminals may be fixedly attached at one end to conductive wires at attachment points that are disposed in the plug body so that portions of the male electrical terminals extend through the plurality of apertures and are shrouded by the one or more tubular projections. 
     The receptacle assembly of the light string may also include a receptacle housing having an open end, at least one side wall, and a semi-closed end to define a receptacle housing cavity. A receptacle insert may be disposed within the receptacle housing cavity, the receptacle insert including a receptacle body having an internal bulkhead and defining a forward cavity extending forward of the internal bulkhead, one or more rodular projections extending from the internal bulkhead into the forward cavity, the rodular projections being recessed within the body, the one or more rodular projections and the internal bulkhead defining a plurality of terminal bores sized to correspond with the outer diameter of the female electrical terminals. The plurality of female electrical terminals may be fixedly attached at one end to conductive wires at attachment points, the female electrical terminals and wires being disposed in the receptacle body so that the female electrical terminals line the terminal bores and are shrouded by the one or more rodular protrusions. 
     In some embodiments of the disclosure, a chain of light strings with each having its own local controller is disclosed. The controllers communicate with each other to produce a coordinated lighting effect between the light strings. Though chained together in series, the chain of light strings provides full power to each light string, without line losses associated with long runs of multiple light strings. 
     Structurally, various embodiments of the disclosure include a series of light strings, comprising a first light string that includes a plug including a pair of primary power terminals and at least one low voltage terminal. A pair of primary power wires extend from the pair of primary power terminals of the plug. At least one low voltage wire extending from the at least one low voltage terminal of the plug, with a controller in communication with the plug via the pair of primary power wires and the at least one low voltage wire. An array of lights in communication with the controller via the at least one low voltage wire. A receptacle is in communication with the array of lights via the at least one low voltage wire and in communication with the pair of primary power terminals of the plug via a pair of bypass wires that bypass the controller and the array of lights. The series of light strings may also include the at least one low voltage terminal of the first light string is retractable into the plug. 
     In some embodiments, the at least one low voltage terminal of the first light string is a pair of low voltage terminals, and the at least one low voltage wire of the first light string is a pair of low voltage wires extending from the pair of low voltage terminals to the controller, the array of lights, and the receptacle. The controller of the first light string transmits both DC power and data to the array of lights and to the receptacle over the pair of low voltage wires. 
     In other embodiments, the at least one low voltage terminal of the first light string is a trio of low voltage terminals, with the at least one low voltage wire of the first light string is a trio of low voltage wires extending from the trio of low voltage terminals to the controller, the array of lights, and the receptacle. The controller of the first light string transmits DC power a first low voltage wire and a second low voltage wire of the trio of low voltage wires, and the controller transmitting the data to the array of lights and to the receptacle over a third low voltage wire of the trio of low voltage wires. 
     The series of light strings may also include a second light string, including a plug including a pair of primary power terminals and at least one low voltage terminal. A pair of primary power wires extending from the pair of primary power terminals of the plug, and at least one low voltage wire extending from the at least one low voltage terminal of the plug. A controller in communication with the plug via the pair of primary power wires and the at least one low voltage wire, and an array of lights in communication with the controller via the at least one low voltage wire. The second light string receives primary power from the receptacle of the first light string, and the controller of the first light string communicates with the controller of the second light string via the at least one low voltage wire. The series of light strings may be adapted for mounting to an artificial tree. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  illustrates an embodiment of a two terminal light string according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 1B  illustrates an embodiment of a two terminal light string having an intermediate plug and receptacle according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 1C  illustrates an embodiment of a three terminal light string according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 1D  illustrates an embodiment of a three terminal light string having an intermediate plug and receptacle according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 1E  illustrates an embodiment of a four terminal light string according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 1F  illustrates an embodiment of a four terminal light string having an intermediate plug and receptacle according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates an embodiment of a light array of a light string, the light array having two conductor LEDs according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 2B  illustrates an embodiment of a light array of a light string, the light array having three conductor LEDs according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates an embodiment of a two conductor LED, the LED having an IC and W+RGB LEDs according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates an embodiment of a light array, the light array comprised of the LEDs of  FIG. 3A  according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 4A  depicts an embodiment of a controller as supplied with the light string, where the controller outputs a single modulated DC signal according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 4B  depicts an embodiment of a controller as supplied with the light string, where the controller outputs a dual modulated DC signal according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 5A  illustrates an embodiment of a light array, the light array comprised of two subarrays offset from each other according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 5B  illustrates an embodiment of a light array, the light array comprised of two subarrays parallel to each other according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 5C  illustrates an embodiment of a light array, the light array comprised of a plurality of subarrays offset from each other according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 5D  illustrates an embodiment of a light array, the light array comprised of two subarrays parallel to each other wherein the individual LEDs of the first subarray are alternated with the individual LEDs of the second subarray according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a male electrical terminal according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 6A  is a bottom view of the male electrical terminal of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 6B  is a side view of the male electrical terminal of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an embodiment of male electrical terminals according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view the female electrical terminal of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8A  illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a female electrical terminal according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 8B  illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a female electrical terminal according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates an embodiment of female electrical terminals according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 10A  illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a male electrical terminal inserted in a female electrical terminal according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 10B  illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a male electrical terminal inserted in a female electrical terminal according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIGS. 10C, 10D, and 10E  illustrate the progression of the insertion of a male electrical terminal into a female electrical terminal according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 10F  illustrates a detailed view of the male electrical terminal indentation matingly engaged with the female electrical terminal projection when the male electrical terminal and female electrical terminal are correctly mated according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 11A  depicts the front and top perspective view of an embodiment of a four-conductor plug assembly as provided on a light string according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 11B  depicts the bottom and rear perspective view of an embodiment of a four-conductor plug assembly as provided on a light string according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 12A  depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a plug assembly housing provided for a four-conductor plug assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 12B  depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a plug housing provided for a four-conductor plug assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 13A  depicts a perspective view of the side and front of an embodiment of a plug insert provided as part of a four-conductor plug assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 13B  depicts the rear view of an embodiment of a plug insert provided as part of a four-conductor plug assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 14  depicts the front and top perspective view of another embodiment of a four-conductor plug assembly as provided on a light string according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 15A  depicts a rear perspective view of another embodiment of a plug housing provided for a four-conductor plug assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 15B  depicts a front perspective view of another embodiment of a plug housing provided for a four-conductor plug assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 16A  depicts a perspective view of the side and rear of an embodiment of a plug insert provided as part of a four-conductor plug assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 16B  depicts the front view of an embodiment of a plug insert showing the tubular projections provided as part of a four-conductor plug assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 16C  depicts the rear view of an embodiment of a plug insert showing the terminal apertures and plug partition walls provided as part of a four-conductor plug assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 16D  depicts the side view of an embodiment of a plug insert showing the tubular projections, plug partition walls and body provided as part of a four-conductor plug assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 17  depicts the rear and top perspective view of another embodiment of a plug insert for a four-conductor plug assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 18  depicts the front and top perspective view of an embodiment of a two-conductor plug assembly as provided on a light string according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 19A  depicts a rear and top perspective view of an embodiment of a plug housing provided for a two-conductor plug assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 19B  depicts a front and side perspective view of an embodiment of a plug housing provided for a two-conductor plug assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 20A  depicts a perspective view of the top and front of an embodiment of a plug insert provided as part of a two-conductor plug assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 20B  depicts the rear and bottom view of an embodiment of a plug insert provided as part of a two-conductor plug assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 21A  depicts a perspective view of the top and front an embodiment of a four-conductor receptacle according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 21B  depicts a perspective view of the rear and side of an embodiment of a four-conductor according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 22A  depicts a perspective view of the top and front of an embodiment of a four-conductor housing according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 22B  depicts a perspective view of the side and rear of an embodiment of a four-conductor housing according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 23A  depicts a front and side perspective view of an embodiment of a four-conductor receptacle insert according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 23B  depicts a rear perspective view of an embodiment of a four-conductor receptacle insert according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 23C  is a sectional view of the four-conductor receptacle insert of  FIG. 23A  according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 24  depicts another embodiment of a four-conductor receptacle as provided on a light string according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 25A  depicts a rear perspective view of another embodiment of a four-conductor receptacle housing according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 25B  depicts a front perspective view of another embodiment of a four-conductor receptacle housing according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 26A  depicts a perspective view of the top, side and rear of another embodiment of a receptacle insert provided as part of a four-conductor receptacle according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 26B  depicts the front view of another embodiment of a receptacle insert showing tubular projections provided as part of a four-conductor receptacle according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 26C  depicts the rear view of another embodiment of a receptacle insert showing terminal bores and receptacle partition walls provided as part of a four-conductor receptacle according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 26D  depicts the side view of another embodiment of a receptacle insert showing the receptacle partition walls and body provided as part of a four-conductor receptacle according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 27  depicts the rear and top perspective view of another embodiment of a receptacle insert for a four-conductor receptacle where the female electrical terminals, with fixedly attached wiring, are disposed in the receptacle insert according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 28  depicts a perspective view of the side and front an embodiment of a two-conductor receptacle according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 29A  depicts a perspective view of the top and front of an embodiment of a two-conductor receptacle housing according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 29B  depicts a perspective view of the side and rear of an embodiment of a two-conductor receptacle housing according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 30A  depicts a front and top perspective view of an embodiment of a two-conductor receptacle insert according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 30B  depicts a rear and bottom perspective view of an embodiment of a two-conductor receptacle insert according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 31  depicts an embodiment of a plug and a receptacle when mated according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 32  depicts another embodiment of a plug and a receptacle mated together according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 33  depicts the front and top perspective view of an embodiment of a two-conductor plug assembly as provided on a light string wherein the two-conductor plug assembly is provided with a locking mechanism to lock the plug to the receptacle according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 34  depicts the rear perspective view of a two-conductor plug housing according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 35  depicts an embodiment of a plug having a locking mechanism and a receptacle when mated according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 36A  is a schematic of a light string according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 36B  is a schematic of the lights of the light string of  FIG. 36A  according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 37  is a schematic of multiple 4-wire light strings for connection to a controller module according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 38  is a schematic of multiple 2-wire light strings for connection to a controller module according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIGS. 39A, 39B, and 39C  are perspective views of a plug assembly having retractable low voltage conductors according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 40  is a perspective view of a cover plate for the housing of the plug assembly of  FIG. 39A  according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 41  is a perspective view of a fuse access door for the housing of the plug assembly of  FIG. 39A  according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 42  is a perspective view of fixed terminal blade of the plug assembly of  FIG. 39A  for coupling to a primary power source according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 43  is a perspective view of a retractable terminal blade of the plug assembly of  FIG. 39A  for coupling to a primary power source according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIGS. 44A and 44B  are perspective views of a plug housing of plug assembly of  FIG. 39A  according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIGS. 45A and 45B  are perspective views of a plug insert of plug assembly of  FIG. 39A  according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIGS. 46A and 46B  are perspective views of an activation mechanism of plug assembly of  FIG. 39A  according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 47A  is a perspective view of a terminal for use with fuses in the plug assembly of  FIG. 39A  according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 47B  is a perspective view of an alternative terminal for use in the plug assembly of  FIG. 39A  according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIGS. 48A and 48B  are perspective views of a receptacle assembly for receiving the plug assembly of  FIG. 39A  according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIGS. 49A and 49B  are perspective views of a receptacle housing of the receptacle assembly of  FIG. 48A  according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIGS. 50A and 50B  are perspective views of a receptacle insert of the receptacle assembly of  FIG. 48A  according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 51  is a perspective view of a terminal for use with the receptacle assembly of  FIG. 48A  for coupling to a primary power source according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 52  is a perspective view of a terminal for use with the receptacle assembly of  FIG. 48A  for coupling to a low voltage source according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIGS. 53A and 53B  are perspective views of the plug assembly of  FIG. 39A  connected to the receptacle assembly of  FIG. 48A  according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIGS. 53C and 53D  are plan views and elevational views, respectively, of connected plug and receptacle assemblies of  FIG. 53A  according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Described herein are decorative light strings with controllers, the light strings having plug assemblies and receptacle assemblies where the plugs and receptacles are provided with combinatorial power and data terminals. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1A, 1C, and 1E , light strings  100  are depicted according to embodiments of the disclosure. The light strings  100  may include a standard two blade plug  102 , a controller  104 , a light array  108 ,  109 , a receptacle assembly  110  where the receptacle can further comprise two- to four-female electrical conductors, and wiring  112 . Standard plug  102  can be a two blade plug  102  where the two blades are primary power terminals and connect to an AC power source  117  through a standard wall outlet  118 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1B, 1D, and 1F , light strings  101  are depicted according to embodiments of the disclosure. The light strings  101  may include two subassemblies, a controller subassembly  114  and a light string subassembly  116 . In an embodiment, the controller subassembly  114  can comprise a standard two blade plug  102 , a controller  104 , a receptacle assembly  110  where the receptacle assembly  110  can further comprise two- to four-female electrical conductors, and wiring  112 . In another embodiment, the controller subassembly can be provided with a plug assembly  106  where plug assembly  106  can further comprise two- to four-conductors, a controller  104 , a receptacle assembly  110  where the receptacle assembly  110  can further comprise two- to four-female electrical conductors, and wiring  112 . The light string subassembly  116  can comprise a plug assembly  106  where plug assembly  106  can further comprise two- to four-conductors, a light array  108 ,  109 , a receptacle assembly  110  where receptacle assembly  110  can further comprise two- to four-female electrical conductors, and wiring  112 . Connection of subassemblies  114 ,  116  is made by mating the controller subassembly  114  receptacle assembly  110  and the light string subassembly  116  plug assembly  106 . Standard plug  102  can be a two blade plug  102  where the two blades are primary power terminals and connect to an AC power source  117  through a standard wall outlet  118 . 
     A benefit of providing light string  100  comprised of two subassemblies  114 ,  116  is that the controller subassembly  114  can be manufactured separately from the light string subassembly  116 . Another benefit is that the consumer need purchase only one controller subassembly  114  to control a plurality of light string assemblies  116  that are connected in series. In one embodiment, receptacle assembly  110  and plug assembly  106  can be permanently mated to prevent separation by the consumer. In another embodiment, receptacle assembly  110  and plug assembly  106  can be mated to allow separation by the consumer. 
     As is depicted further in  FIGS. 1A through 1F , a subsequent light string subassembly  116  can be mated and connected in series to the receptacle assembly  110  at the end of the light string  100 ,  101  to increase the length of the decorative light string. It is apparent that the user can continue to serially connect subsequent light string subassemblies  116  to previous light string subassemblies  116  to further increase the overall length of the light string. In some embodiments, the light strings  100 ,  101  include a controller  104 . Controller  104  provides operational data to and controls the light arrays  108 ,  109  of light strings  100 ,  101 , as well as the light arrays  108 ,  109  of subsequent light string subassemblies  116 . Controller  104  can comprise a transformer to condition and convert AC electric power from the source  117  to a low voltage DC electric power to be output to light arrays  108 ,  109 . In addition, controller  104  injects operational data over the outputted DC power to provide a modulated signal from controller  104  to light array  108 ,  109 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , light arrays  108 ,  109  including a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs)  130  are depicted according to embodiments of the disclosure. The LEDs  130  are wired in parallel using a plurality of wires  112 .  FIG. 2A  depicts a two wire configuration and  FIG. 2B  depicts a three wire configuration, but it is contemplated that more wires can be used. In the embodiment of  FIG. 2A , it is contemplated that one wire supplies modulated positive DC and one wire supplies modulated negative DC. In the embodiment of  FIG. 2B , it is contemplated that one wire supplies DC+, one wire supplies DC−, and one wire provides data. It is understood, to those with skill in the art, that various combinations of DC power, modulated DC power, and data can be provided to light array  108 ,  109  and the embodiments discussed above are examples and are not limiting. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3A , a two wire LED  130  is depicted according to an embodiment of the disclosure. In the depicted embodiment, the LED  130  includes an integrated circuit or driver chip (IC)  132 , having an operating range of 1.8V DC  to 5.0V DC , within the LED housing  134 . In the embodiment shown, modulated DC+ is supplied to IC  132 . Individual LEDs  131 , which can each be of a different illuminated color, generally white, red, green, or blue, are provided within LED housing  134  and are connected individually to the IC  132 . In the embodiment shown, four LEDs  131  are provided, having one each of white, red, green, and blue. In other embodiments, any number of LEDs  131  can be provided and can be any combination of colors. In some embodiments, the LEDs  131  have an operating range of 2.1V DC  to 5.0V DC .  FIG. 3B  depicts an embodiment of light array  108 ,  109  comprised of LEDs  130  wired in parallel. Each of the LEDs  130  within the light array  108 ,  109  is provided with a unique address. A code, generated by the controller  104 , containing general command and operational data and an address is provided to IC  132  within the LED  130  thus controlling the lighting of each individual LED  131 . In another embodiment (not shown), LED  130  can be provided with three wire leads. Two leads are connected to modulated DC and are control lines for configuration, with the third lead connected to a common ground. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , a controller  104  is depicted according to an embodiment of the disclosure. In the depicted embodiment, the controller  104  includes a transformer  140 , one or more voltage conversion control units  142 , a microprocessor  144 , a memory  146 , a communications module  148 , a selector switch  150 , a time setting unit  152 , one or more signal modulation units  154 , and an optional operational data input module  156 . In an embodiment, communications module  148  can be a receiver for Bluetooth, WiFi, and/or RF communications. In one embodiment, selector switch  150  can be a toggle switch or dial. In another embodiment, selector switch  150  can be a foot pedal, such as a foot actuated selector switch intended to be placed on the ground and actuated with a foot. Within controller  104 , AC source power  117  is provided to transformer  140  which conditions and converts AC power to 5.0V DC power. The DC power, as well as operational instructions from the microprocessor  144 , is fed to a voltage conversion control unit  142 . The voltage conversion control unit  142  then outputs a plurality of target output voltages in the range of 2.1V to 5.0V for driving the light array  108 ,  109 . However, other voltages are contemplated so long as the output voltages are within the operational parameters of LEDs  130 . 
     Microprocessor  144  interfaces with a plurality of modules or peripherals to receive operating data. Examples of modules or peripherals include, but are not limited to, the communications module  148 , the selector switch  150 , and/or a time setting unit  152 . The consumer inputs operational parameters to microprocessor  144  via these modules or peripherals to customize the operation of light string  100 ,  101 ,  116 . Microprocessor  144  processes the data received and outputs instructions to a signal modulation unit  154  varying one or more properties of the carrier signal with a modulating signal that contains information to be transmitted over the DC power feed to light array  108 ,  109 . Thus, controller  104  outputs light array operational data, programmed by the consumer, injected over the exiting DC power lines to provide a modulated signal from controller  104  to light array  108 ,  109 . 
     In the embodiments of  FIGS. 1A and 1B , AC source power  117  is fed to standard plug  102  with plug output being fed into controller  104 , as depicted in the embodiment of  FIG. 4A . This embodiment of controller  104  provides a single modulated DC output which is fed, via two wires, to light array  108 . In the embodiments of  FIGS. 1E and 1F , AC source power  117  is fed to standard plug  102  with plug output being fed into controller  104 , as depicted in the embodiment of  FIG. 4B . This controller  104  embodiment then provides two separate modulated DC outputs, two wires per output, one output each to the two subarrays  120  within the light array  109 . In the embodiments of  FIGS. 1C and 1D , AC source power  117  is fed to standard plug  102  with plug output being fed into controller  104 , not shown. This controller  104  embodiment then provides a modulated DC output over three wires, where one wire is common, so that two separate subarrays  120  within the light array  109  can be independently controlled. In another embodiment, a data signal is provided on one wire with DC power provided on the other two wires to control light array  108 . It is contemplated that any number of separate modulated DC outputs could be provided and is wholly dependent on the number of voltage conversion control units  142  and signal modulation units  154  provided. Each DC output can be provided to subarrays  120  within each light array  109  to provide differing operational parameters to each subarray  120 . 
     DC power output from the controller  104  to the light array  108 ,  109  is continuous or always “on”, at a voltage range of 1.8V DC  to 5.0V DC . Providing a continuous voltage of between 1.8V DC  to 2.0V DC  insures that the IC chip  132  within the LED  130  is always on and alert, thus reducing timing errors and lag. Increasing the voltage to the IC chip  132  to between 2.1V DC  to 5.0V DC  will keep the IC chip  132  “on” and, at the same time, allow for the individual LEDs  131  to illuminate as directed by the operational data. Thus, in some embodiments, voltages, varying between 1.8V DC  to 5.0V DC , can be fed continuously to the IC  132  within the LED  130  to maintain the IC  132  in a steady on state and to toggle the LEDs  131  between an on state and an off state. 
     Not only is LED  130  controlled by varying the voltage supplied to LED  130 , but light array operational data is provided from the controller  104  to LED  130  to control lighting aspects of the light array  108 ,  109 . Each IC  132  within each LED  130  has its own 3-digit address, where the address can be included at the end of the operational data. In other embodiments, the address can be more than 3 digits. Operational data is the general command data sent to each LED  130  and provides instruction to each individually addressed IC  132 . General command data can include the power level to be provided to the LED  131 , the intensity or brightness of the LED  131 , which LEDs  131  to illuminate, the duration of illumination of the LED  131 , and the timing of a flashing LED  131 . In some embodiments, pulse width modulation (PWM) controls the dimming and brightness of the LEDs  131 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5A through 5C , light arrays  109  having various configurations of subarrays  120  are depicted according to embodiments of the disclosure. Each subarray  120  may be configured similarly to the light array  108  of  FIG. 3B . Light array  109  is provided with a four wire input, two wires to each subarray  120 . As discussed above, the controller  104  of  FIG. 4B  would provide two separate and independent modulated outputs, one to each of the subarrays  120 .  FIG. 5A  depicts a light array  109  having subarrays  120   a ,  120   b  that are configured to be offset from one another.  FIG. 5B  depicts light array  109  comprised of subarrays  120   a ,  120   b  that are configured to be adjacent to each other. In one embodiment, the LEDs  130  of subarray  120   a  are disposed so that the LEDs  130  alternate with the LEDs  130  of subarray  120   b , as illustrated in  FIG. 5 d   . It is contemplated that the LEDs  130  can be disposed so that various patterns can be provided. For example, a 2-1 pattern, a 3-2 pattern, etc. It is apparent that an infinite number of patterns could be provided and that the concept of adjacent subarrays  120   a ,  120   b  provides a multitude of configurations so that the examples shown are not limiting. In  FIG. 5C , subarrays  120   a   1 ,  120   a   2 ,  120   b   1 ,  120   b   2  may be disposed in an alternating configuration. And, as with  FIG. 5B , it is contemplated that subarrays  120  can be disposed in varying patterns and configurations and the example above is not limiting. 
     The DC power overlaid with operational data not only operates light array  108 ,  109  but is output from light array  108 ,  109  to the receptacle assembly  110 . Receptacle assembly  110  mates with plug assembly  106  of a subsequent light string  116  thus providing operational data to the light array  108 ,  109  of this subsequent light string  116 . Light strings  116  can thus be connected serially so that each subsequent light string  116  operates in accordance with the operational data of the preceding light string  100 ,  101 . 
     In an embodiment, a controller  104  can be provided prior to light string  116  so that light string  116  can be individually programmed to operate differently of any other light string  100 ,  101 ,  116 . However, light string  116  can also be controlled, at the same time, by light string  100 ,  101  controller  104 , so that light string  116  is synchronized with light string  100 ,  101 ,  116 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6, 6A, and 6B , a male electrical terminal  160  is depicted in an embodiment of the disclosure. As discussed above, a plug assembly  106  having from two- to four-conductors can be used as a connector for a light string  100 ,  101 ,  116 . Male electrical terminal  160  is manufactured of a conductive metal and comprises an insulation crimp  162 , a conductor crimp  164 , a catch plate  166 , a male barrel  168 , and a semi-spherical end cap  170 . Male barrel  168  can be formed to provide a hollow cylinder  174  where the semi-spherical end cap  170  is closed and can be hemisphere shaped. In an embodiment, hollow cylinder  174  can be formed so that a slit  176  is provided longitudinally. In an embodiment, male barrel  168  outside surface can be provided with an indentation  172  that can be generally semi-spherical in shape, where the indentation  172  is disposed opposite the slit  176 . In another embodiment, male barrel  168  outside surface can be provided with a projection (not depicted) that can be generally semi-spherical in shape, where the projection is disposed opposite the slit  176 . In another embodiment, male barrel  168  surface is without indentations or projections. The semi-spherical end cap  170  of the male barrel  168  may also define a plurality of slits  178 . In some embodiments, the longitudinal slit  176  may be a continuation of one of the plurality of slits  178 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , the wiring  112  fixedly attached to male electrical terminals  160  is depicted according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The layout of the male electrical terminals  160  is amenable to being disposed in a four-conductor plug assembly  106 . Wiring  112  is provided so that a portion of the conductor  180  extends beyond the insulation  182 . Conductor  180  is positioned within the conductor crimp  164  and conductor crimp  164  is crimped around conductor  180  to fixedly engage conductor  180  to male electrical terminal  160  thus providing an electrical pathway. Insulation  182  is positioned within insulation crimp  162  and insulation crimp  162  is crimped around insulation  182  to fixedly engage the wiring  112  to male electrical terminal  160 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8, 8A, and 8B , a female electrical terminal  190  is depicted in an embodiment of the disclosure. As discussed above, a receptacle assembly  110  having from two to four female electrical terminals can be used as a connector for a light string  100 ,  101 ,  116 . Female electrical terminal  190  is manufactured of a conductive metal and comprises an insulation crimp  192 , a conductor crimp  194 , a catch plate  196 , and a female barrel  198 . Female barrel  198  can be formed to provide a hollow cylinder  184  where both ends are open. In an embodiment, hollow cylinder  184  can be formed so that a slit  186  is provided longitudinally. Female barrel  198  can have tension wings  199  punch pressed on three sides from the female barrel  198  so that the tension wings  199  remain attached, on one side, to the female barrel  198 . In an embodiment, female barrel  198  inside surface can be provided with a protrusion  188  that can be generally spherical in shape, where the protrusion  188  is disposed opposite the slit  186 . In another embodiment (not shown), female barrel  198  inside surface can be provided with an indentation that can be generally spherical in shape, where the indentation is disposed opposite the slit  186 . In another embodiment, the surface of the female barrel  190  is without indentations or protrusions. 
     Functionally, the catch plate  166 ,  196  may be disposed in a catch plate slot (discussed below) to secure the electrical terminal  160 ,  190  within a body or housing at a fixed orientation. The semi-spherical indentation  172  and protrusion  188  may be configured to cooperate to better secure the male and female electrical terminals  160  and  190  to each other (discussed below attendant to  FIGS. 10A through 10F ). Alternatively or in addition, the slits  178  and  179  of the male electrical terminal  160  enable the male barrel  168  to fold radially inward when inserted into a female barrel  198 . As such, the outer diameter of the male barrel  168  can be sized for an interference fit with the inner diameter of the female barrel  198 ; because one or both of the slit  186  of the female barrel  198  and the slits  176  and  178  of the male barrel, the male and female barrels  168 ,  198  elastically deform radially, providing a connection that is, in effect, spring loaded in the radial direction about the circumference of the male and female barrels  168 ,  198 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , the wiring  112  fixedly attached to female electrical terminal  190  is depicted according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The layout of the female electrical terminals  190  is amenable to being disposed in a four-conductor receptacle assembly  110 . Wiring  112  is provided so that a portion of the conductor  180  extends beyond the insulation  182 . Conductor  180  is positioned within the conductor crimp  194  and conductor crimp  194  is crimped around conductor  180  to fixedly engage conductor  180  to female electrical terminal  190  thus providing an electrical pathway. Insulation  182  is positioned within insulation crimp  192  and insulation crimp  192  is crimped around insulation  182  to fixedly engage the wiring  112  to female electrical terminal  190 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 10A through 10F , the mating of the male electrical terminal  160  to the female electrical terminal  190  is depicted according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The male electrical terminal  160  is provided with an indentation  172  and female electrical terminal  190  is provided with a protrusion  188 , where the indentation  172  and protrusion  188  have shapes that are mutually complementary and are arranged for mutual engagement. As shown, male electrical terminal  160  is a male connector and female electrical terminal  190  is a female connector. The male barrel  168  of male electrical terminal  160  is sized and shaped so that male barrel  168  can be snugly inserted into the female electrical terminal  190  hollow cylinder  184  to ensure a reliable physical and electrical connection. As male barrel  168  progresses through hollow cylinder  184 , depicted in  FIG. 10D , semi-spherical end cap  170  slides over protrusion  188  so that male barrel  168  travels over protrusion  188  until protrusion  188  is aligned with and matingly engages with indentation  172  locking the male barrel  168  within hollow cylinder  184 . In an embodiment, male electrical terminal  160  and female electrical terminal  190  can be separated by application of a pull force of three pounds-force (lbf) to 15 lbf inclusive. Herein, a range that is said to be “inclusive” includes the end point values of the range as well as all values between the endpoint values. It is contemplated that various configurations of indentations and protrusions meet the spirit and scope of the disclosure and the embodiment as described is not limiting. 
     As discussed above, plug assembly  106  can be comprised of two to four male electrical terminals  160  where the male electrical terminals  160  are combinatorial power and data terminals. In one embodiment of a four-conductor plug assembly  106   a , as depicted in  FIGS. 11A and 11B , plug assembly  106   a  is comprised of a plug housing  202 , a plug insert  204 , and a plurality of terminal male electrical terminals  160 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 12A and 12B , a plug housing  202  is depicted according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The plug housing  202  includes an open end  210 , a closed end  212  having a feedthrough aperture  214 , and a plug housing cavity  216 . In the depicted embodiment, the plug housing  202  is generally a hollow cuboid defined by a plurality of side walls  217 ; however, other geometries are contemplated, such as a generally hollow cylinder, in which there is a single cylindrical side wall. 
     In an embodiment, open end  210  can be flared at the edges so that edges  218  extend beyond the walls of the rectangular cube shape to provide a flange  220 . Open end  210  is formed to correspond to the shape of the front wall  240  of the plug insert  204  (see  FIGS. 13A ). In some embodiments, a spline  230  can be formed integral with the inner surface  226  of the plug housing  202 . Plug housing  202  is further provided with a plurality of gripping protrusions  222  extending from the plug housing  202  outer surface  224  nearer the closed end  212  of plug housing  202 , where gripping protrusions  222  provide gripping mechanisms for the user. Plug housing  202  can be a single formed piece of material or a plurality of formed pieces molded together and can be manufactured of a plastic or plastic composite. The inner surface  226  of the plug housing  202  can be provided with a plurality of projections or plug spacers  228  for registration and support of the plug insert  204 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 13A and 13B , the plug insert  204  is depicted according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The plug insert  204  includes a plug body  244  having a front wall  240  and a rearward face  241  separated by an outer peripheral surface  245 , the plug body  244  defining a rearward cavity  246 . The front wall  240  defines two pair of terminal apertures  250 , each aperture  250  defining and being concentric about a terminal aperture axis  265  that is perpendicular to the front wall  240 . Tubular projections  242  extend forward of the front wall  240 , each surrounding a respective pair of the terminal apertures  250 . The terminal aperture axes  265  of a given pair  250  are parallel and define a respective plane  267  (only one plane  267  is depicted in  FIG. 13B ). The tubular projections  242  each define and are centered about a respective tubular projection axis  237  that is perpendicular to the front wall  240 . The tubular projection axes  230  define a plane  239  that may be substantially orthogonal to the planes  267  ( FIG. 14 ). 
     In some embodiments, the splines  243  of the tubular projections  232  and the grooves  441  of the receptacle insert are disposed on one side of the plane  239  ( FIGS. 13A and 14 ) when the plug assembly  106   a  and the receptacle assembly  110   a  are securely coupled. Such an arrangement provides a keyed connection, wherein the plug and receptacle assemblies  106   a  and  110   a  cannot be connected in any other orientation. 
     The tubular projections depicted herein present a cross-section that is of a “race track” profile (i.e., semi-circular ends separated by parallel straight lengths). More generally, the cross-sections of the tubular projections presented herein are “oblong,” which includes the race track profile, as well as substantially rectangular profiles, with substantially square or rounded corners. The tubular projections are not limited to the race track or the oblong cross-sectional profiles. Other profiles are contemplated, including but not limited to circular, polygonal, oval, and elliptical profiles. 
     In some embodiments, plug partition walls  248   a  and  248   b  extend rearward from the rearward cavity  246 . The plug body  244  may further define catch plate slots  252  that extend rearwardly and are accessible from the rearward face  241 . The plug body  244  of plug insert  204  can also be formed so that a groove  256  extends along the plug body  396  length, dimensioned to matingly engage with spline  230  of plug housing  202  upon insertion of plug insert  204  into plug housing  202 . 
     Plug insert  204  can be manufactured of a plastic or plastic composite and, as discussed above, plug insert  204  front wall  240  is sized and shaped to correspond to the open end  210  of plug housing  202  so that when plug insert  204  is inserted into plug housing cavity  216 , the front wall  240  fits snugly in open end  210  and sits essentially flush with the face of flange  220 . In some embodiments, a groove  256  can be formed on the outside surface of plug body  244  traversing the plug body  244  from the front wall  240  to the rear of the plug body  244 , the groove  256  corresponding to plug housing  202  spline  230  so that when plug insert  204  is inserted into plug housing  202 , the spline  230  and groove  256  matingly engage. In an embodiment, each tubular projection  242  is formed so that a spline  243  is formed on the outside surface of the tubular projection  242  where the spline  243  cooperates with corresponding grooves on receptacle assembly  110  to ensure that plug  106   a  and receptacle assembly  110  are properly mated. 
     While the depicted embodiment presents the spline  230  as being formed on the inner surface  226  of the plug housing  202 , and the groove  256  as being defined on the plug insert  204 , those of skill in the relevant arts will recognize that this arrangement can be reversed to the same effect. That is, the spline may project outward from the plug insert  204  into a groove defined on an interior of the plug housing  202 . 
     Terminal apertures  250  are sized to correspond to the circumference of male barrel  168  so that when male electrical terminal  160  is inserted into plug insert  204 , male barrel  168  is surrounded by and firmly held by terminal aperture  250 . Catch plate slots  252  are sized to accept catch plate  166 , the catch plate  166  locking into place when inserted into the slot  252 . It is noted that prior to insertion of male electrical terminal  160 , wiring  112  is fixedly attached to male electrical terminal  160 . 
     Within the rearward cavity  246  of plug insert  204 , plug partition walls  248   a  and  248   b  are formed to create a physical barrier between each of the inserted male electrical terminals  160 . The walls  248  extend perpendicular from the back of the front face  240  and from the sides of the plug body  244  to generally form a cross-shaped cross section. The plug partition walls  248   a  and  248   b  can be of various heights and configurations. 
     The plug spacers  228  of the plug housing  202  are dimensioned to provide separation between the plug body  244  of the plug insert  204  and the closed end  212  of plug housing  202  when the plug insert  204  is registered against the plug spacers  228 . Also, the plug spacers  228  may be dimensioned so that when the plug insert  204  is registered against the plug spacers  228 , the front face  240  of the plug insert  204  is essentially flush with the open end  210  of the plug housing  202 . 
     In assembling plug assembly  106   a , four male electrical terminals  160 , with attached wires  112 , are disposed within terminal apertures  250  so that catch plates  166  are fully inserted and locked in the catch plate slots  252 . Male barrels  168  of electrical terminals  160  extend beyond the front face  240  and are disposed within the tubular projection  242  so that the tubular projection  242  shroud the barrels  168 . This assembly, wire end first, is inserted in plug housing  202  cavity  216  open end  210  so that top portion  248  of plug partition walls  248   a  and  248   b  extend into the feedthrough aperture  214  of the plug housing  202  providing the plug assembly of  FIGS. 11A and 11B  (figures do not illustrate wiring). 
     Plug partition walls  248   a  and  248   b  provide the additional benefit of isolating electrically conductive components from each other to prevent arcing across air gaps. When plug insert  204  is disposed within plug housing  202 , the top portion  254  of plug partition walls  248   a  and  248   b  corresponds to and registers within the feedthrough aperture  214  of the plug housing  202 . When assembled, top portion  254  is disposed in aperture  214  such that aperture  214  imparts squeezing pressure on top portion  254  thereby compressing top portion  254  and correspondingly squeezing the wiring  112  that is fixedly attached to male electrical terminals  160 . The compression of the wires  112  by the top portion  254  provides the benefit of further securing the wiring to the plug assembly  106   a  and provides a securing force that enables the wiring to comply with the UL flex test. 
     Configuring the plug assembly  106   a  as a 3-conductor plug is also contemplated. Such configuration is attainable by merely leaving one of the terminal apertures  250  of the plug insert  204  unoccupied, i.e., without a male electrical terminal  160 . The corresponding, opposing terminal bore  450  of the receptacle assembly  110   a  may also remain unoccupied. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 14 through 17 , a plug assembly  106   b  for four electrical conductors is depicted according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The four conductor plug assembly  106   b  includes a plug insert  304 , a plug housing  302 , an plug insert  304 , and a plurality of terminal male electrical terminals  160 . The plug housing  302  is generally a hollow cuboid having an open end  310 , a closed end  312  defining a feedthrough aperture  314  that accesses an inner cavity  316 , and a plurality of projections or plug spacers  318 . In the depicted embodiment, the plug housing  302  is generally a hollow cuboid defined by a plurality of side walls  317 ; however, other geometries are contemplated, such as a generally hollow cylinder, in which there is a single cylindrical side wall. 
     In some embodiments, the open end  310  is formed to correspond to the shape of the front wall  340  of the plug insert  304 . In some embodiments, a spline  322  is formed on the inner surface  326  of plug housing  302 . Plug housing  302  can be a single formed piece of material or a plurality of formed pieces molded together and can be manufactured of a plastic or plastic composite. The plurality of plug spacers  318  may extend from the inner surface  326  of the plug housing  302  for registration and support of the plug insert  304 . The inner surface  326  of the plug housing  302  may include a projection or detent  320  that extends into the inner cavity  316  of the plug housing  302 , the detent  320  configured to mate or snappingly engage with an aperture or recess  360  provided in the plug insert  304 . 
     While the depicted embodiment presents the detent  320  as extending into the inner cavity  316  of the plug housing  302 , and the recess  360  as being defined on the plug insert  304 , those of skill in the relevant arts will recognize that this arrangement can be reversed to the same effect. That is, the detent may project outward from the plug insert  304  into a recess defined on an interior of the plug housing  302 . 
     Plug insert  304  comprises a plug body  344 , a front face  340 , tubular projections  342  that extend beyond front face  340 , plug partition walls  348 , terminal apertures  350 , recess  360 , retaining bridge  356 , receiver aperture  358 , and catch plate slots  352 . Plug insert  304  can be manufactured of a plastic or plastic composite and, as discussed above, plug insert  304  front wall  340  is sized and shaped to correspond to the open end  310  of plug housing  302  so that when plug insert  304  is inserted into the inner cavity  316  of plug housing  302 , the front wall  340  fits snugly in open end  310 . In some embodiments, a groove  368  is formed along the length of the plug body  344  from the front face  340  to the rear of the plug body  344 . Groove  368  is dimensioned so that when plug insert  304  is inserted into plug housing  302 , spline  322  matingly engages with groove  368  thus ensuring that plug insert  304  is fitted into plug housing  302  with the correct orientation. In an embodiment, tubular projection  342  is formed so that a spline  354  is formed on the outside surface of the cylinder  342  where the spline  354  cooperates with corresponding grooves on receptacle assembly  110  to ensure that plug  106   b  and receptacle assembly  110  are properly mated. 
     Terminal apertures  350  are sized to correspond to the circumference of male barrel  168  so that when male electrical terminal  160  is inserted into plug insert  304 , male barrel  168  is surrounded by and firmly held by terminal aperture  350 . Catch plate slots  352  are sized to accept catch plate  166 , the catch plate  166  locking into place when inserted into the slot  352 , as illustrated in  FIG. 17 . Prior to insertion of male electrical terminal  160 , wiring  112  may be fixedly attached to male electrical terminal  160 . 
     In assembling plug assembly  302 , four male electrical terminals  160 , with attached wires  112 , are disposed within terminal apertures  350  so that catch plates  166  are fully inserted and locked in the catch plate slots  352 . Male barrels  168  of electrical terminals  160  extend beyond the front face  340  and are disposed within the tubular projections  342  so that the tubular projection  342  shroud the barrels  168 . This assembly, wire end first, is inserted in plug housing  302  cavity  316  open end  310  so that plug partition walls  348  extend into the feedthrough aperture  314  of the plug housing  302 . The plug partition walls  348  of plug insert  304  are formed to create a physical barrier between each of the inserted male electrical terminals  160 . The plug partition walls  348  extend perpendicular from the back of the front face  340 , and from the sides of the plug body  344  to generally form a cross-shaped cross section. The plug partition walls  348  can be of various heights and configurations, and may extend beyond the rear of the plug body  344 . Plug partition walls  348  create partitions providing the additional benefit of isolating electrically conductive components from each other to prevent arcing across air gaps. 
     The plug spacers  318  of the plug housing  302  are dimensioned to provide separation between the plug body  344  of the plug insert  304  and the closed end  312  of plug housing  302  when the plug insert  304  is registered against the plug spacers  318 . Also, the plug spacers  318  may be dimensioned so that when the plug insert  304  is registered against the plug spacers  318 , the front wall  340  of the plug insert  304  is essentially flush with the open end  310  of the plug housing  302 . 
     When plug insert  304  is disposed within plug housing  302 , the top portion  354  of plug partition walls  348  corresponds to and registers within the feedthrough aperture  314  of the plug housing  302 . When plug insert  304  is properly seated within plug housing  302 , detent  320  is mated with (i.e., snaps into) recess  360  so that plug housing  302  and plug insert  304  are locked together. When assembled, plug partition walls  348  are disposed in aperture  314  such that aperture  314  imparts squeezing pressure on plug partition walls  348  thereby compressing the plug partition walls  348  and correspondingly squeezing the wiring  112  that is fixedly attached to male electrical terminals  160 . The compression of the wires  112  by the top portion  354  provides the benefit of further securing the wiring to the plug assembly  106   b  and provides a securing force that enables the wiring to comply with the UL flex test. 
     Referring to  FIG. 18 , a plug assembly  106   c  for two conductors is depicted according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The two-conductor plug assembly  106   c  may be used as a connector for a light string  100 ,  101 ,  116 . Plug  106   c  is comprised of a plug housing  370 , a plug insert  372 , and a plurality of male electrical terminals  374  with fixedly attached wiring  112 . The two-conductor plug assembly  106   c , as shown, corresponds most closely to the embodiment of the four-conductor plug assembly  106   a , as shown in  FIG. 11A . However, a two-conductor plug assembly that corresponds with the design aspects of the four-conductor plug assembly  106   b  as disclosed above is also contemplated. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 19A and 19B , the plug housing  370  is depicted according to an embodiment of the disclosure. In the depicted embodiment, the plug housing  370  is a hollow cuboid having an open end  376 , a closed end  378  having a feedthrough aperture  380 , and an inner cavity  382 . In an embodiment, open end  376  can be flared at the edges so that edges  384  extend beyond the walls of the rectangular cube shape to provide a flange  386 . Open end  376  is formed to correspond to the shape of the front wall  397  of the plug insert  372  (see  FIG. 20A ). In some embodiments, the inner surface  392  of plug housing  370  is formed to provide a spline  395  longitudinally from the front wall  397  towards the closed end  378 . Plug housing  370  is further provided with a plurality of protrusions  388  extending from the plug housing  370  outer surface  390  nearer the closed end  378  of plug housing  370 . Plug housing  370  can be a single formed piece of material or a plurality of formed pieces molded together and can be manufactured of a plastic or plastic composite. The inner surface  392  of the plug housing  370  can be provided with projections  394  shaped and sized to allow for the support of the plug insert  372 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 20A and 20B , the plug insert  372  is depicted according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The plug insert  372  includes a plug body  396  having a front wall  397  and a rearward face  401  separated by an outer peripheral surface  403 , the plug body  396  defining a rearward cavity  399 . The front wall defines a pair of terminal apertures  364 , each aperture  364  defining and being concentric about a terminal aperture axis  365  that is perpendicular to the front wall  397 . The terminal aperture axes  365  are parallel and define a plane  367 . A tubular projection  398  extends forward of the front wall  397  and surrounds the terminal apertures  364 , the tubular projection  398  defining and being centered about a tubular projection axis  405  that is perpendicular to the front wall  397 . 
     In some embodiments, a plug partition wall  362  extends rearward from the rearward cavity  399 . The plug body  396  may further define catch plate slots  366  that extend rearwardly and are accessible from the rearward face  401 . The plug body  396  of plug insert  372  can also be formed so that a groove  393  is provided along the plug body  396  length, dimensioned to matingly engage with spline  395  of plug housing  370  upon insertion of plug insert  372  into plug housing  370 . 
     In some embodiments, plug insert  372  can be formed so that an aperture  391  is formed within plug body  396 , where aperture  391  matingly engages with a corresponding protrusion within plug housing  370  to lock plug insert  372  within plug housing  370 . Plug insert  372  can be manufactured of a plastic or plastic composite and, as discussed above, front wall  397  of plug insert  372  is sized and shaped to correspond to the open end  376  of plug housing  370 . 
     As described above in relation to four-conductor plug assemblies  106   a ,  106   b , the plug insert  372  of two-conductor plug assembly  106   c  is configured to accept male electrical terminals  160 , with attached wires  112 . Male barrels  168  are disposed within terminal apertures  364  so that catch plates  166  are fully inserted and locked in the catch plate slots  366 . A plug partition wall  362  is formed to create a physical barrier between each of the inserted male electrical terminals  160  providing the benefit of isolating electrically conductive components from each other to prevent arcing across air gaps. 
     In assembling plug  106   c , plug insert  372 , wire end first, is inserted into plug housing  370  so that plug partition wall  362  is disposed in aperture  380  such that squeezing pressure is imparted on wall  362  and wiring  112  thus providing the benefit of further securing the wiring to the plug assembly  106   c  and providing a securing force that enables the wiring to comply with the UL flex test. 
     Receptacle assemblies  110  are disclosed that are configured to matingly engage with plug assembly  106 . Receptacle assembly  110  is disposed on one end of a light string  100 ,  101 ,  116 , opposite the end on which the plug assembly  106  is disposed. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 21A through 23C , a four-conductor receptacle assembly  110   a  is depicted according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The receptacle assembly  110   a  includes a receptacle housing  402 , a receptacle insert  404 , and a plurality of female electrical terminals  190 , and is configured to correspond with the four-conductor plug assembly  106   a  as described above. As illustrated in  FIGS. 22A and 22B , receptacle housing  402  is generally a hollow cuboid having an open end  410 , a closed end  412  having a feedthrough aperture  414 , and a receptacle housing cavity  416 . In an embodiment, open end  410  can be flared at the edges so that edges  418  extend beyond the walls of the rectangular cube shape to provide a housing flange  420 , dimensioned to correspond with the housing flange  220  of the plug assembly  106   a . Open end  410  is formed to correspond to the shape of the front face  440  of the receptacle insert  404  (see  FIGS. 23A ). In some embodiments, receptacle housing  402  inner surface  426  is formed so that a spline  408  is disposed from the open end  410  to the closed end  412 . Receptacle housing  402  may be further provided with a plurality of protrusions  422  extending from the outer surface  424  of receptacle housing  402  nearer the closed end  412  of receptacle housing  402 . Protrusions  422  provide the user of the receptacle assembly  110   a  a gripping and pulling/pushing mechanism when attaching or detaching the plug  106   a  and receptacle assembly  110   a . Receptacle housing  402  can be a single formed piece of material or a plurality of formed pieces molded together and can be manufactured of a plastic or plastic composite. The inner surface  426  of the receptacle housing  402  can be provided with projections or receptacle spacers  428  shaped and sized to provide registration and support of the receptacle insert  404 . 
     The receptacle housing  402  is also depicted as having a pair of locking wings  423 , disposed on opposing sides of the receptacle housing  402  (also depicted at  FIG. 31 ). Each locking wing  423  includes a fixed end  421  proximate the closed end  412 , and a free end  425  proximate the open end  410 . In some embodiments, the locking wings  423  angle away from the receptacle housing  402  from the fixed end  421  to the free end  425 , so that the free end  425  extends radially beyond the housing flange  420 . 
     Functionally, the locking wings  423  provide clip in mechanism, so that the receptacle housing  402  may be secured within a mounting aperture (not depicted), for example, a mounting aperture defined on the trunk of a decorative tree. The mounting aperture may be oversized relative to the dimensions defined by the side wall(s), but undersized relative to the maximum dimension defined between locking wings  423 . When the receptacle housing  402  is inserted into the mounting aperture, the locking wings  423  retract inwards, toward the receptacle housing  402 , until the locking wings  423  pass through the mounting aperture, at which point the wings  704  snap outward, away from the receptacle housing  402 , thus securing the receptacle housing  402  within the mounting aperture. The mounting aperture may be undersized relative to the radial periphery of the housing flange  420 , to cover the mounting aperture. Alternatively or in addition, locking wings are contemplated that extend from other housing assemblies depicted herein (e.g., plug housing  202 , plug housing  302 , or plug housing  370 ). 
     Receptacle insert  404  ( FIGS. 23A-23C ) includes a receptacle body  444  having a forward face  440  and a rearward face  439  separated by an outer peripheral surface  453 . The receptacle body  444  includes an internal bulkhead  443  that separates at least one forward cavity  445  from a rearward cavity  446 . Rodular projections  442  extend forward of the internal bulkhead  443  into a respective forward cavity  445 , each rodular projection  442  being centered about a first rodular projection axis  437  and defining a pair of terminal bores  450  that extend through the internal bulkhead  443 . Each of the terminal bores  450  are concentric about a respective terminal bore axis  447  that is perpendicular to the internal bulkhead  443 . Each rodular projection  442  includes an outer surface  451  that cooperates with an inner surface  455  of the respective forward cavity  445  to define an annular gap  457 . In the depicted embodiment, the rodular projections  442  are recessed relative to the forward face  440 . The terminal bore axes  447  of the terminal bores  450  are parallel to each other, defining a plane  449 . Receptacle partition walls  448   a  and  448   b  extend from the internal bulkhead  443  and rearward of the rearward cavity  446 . Catch plate slots  452  are also defined rearward of the internal bulkhead  443 . 
     In some embodiments, a groove  454  is defined on the outer peripheral surface  453  of the receptacle body  444  where groove  454  is configured to cooperate with the spline  408  of the receptacle housing  402  such that receptacle housing  402  and receptacle insert  404  can only be assembled in one orientation. Receptacle insert  404  can be manufactured of a plastic or plastic composite and, as discussed above, the forward face  440  of the receptacle insert  404  may be sized and shaped to correspond to the open end  410  of receptacle housing  402 . 
     Female electrical terminal apertures  450  are sized to accept female barrels  198  ( FIG. 23C ), where the female electrical terminals  190  are provided with attached wiring  112 . Tension wings  199  press against walls of female electrical terminal apertures  450  providing additional holding force to assist in firmly retaining female electrical terminals  190  within apertures  450 . Catch plate slots  452  are sized to accept catch plate  196 , the catch plate  196  locking into place when inserted into the slot  452 . 
     Within the rearward cavity  446  of the receptacle insert  404 , receptacle partition walls  448   a  and  448   b  are formed to create a physical barrier between each of the inserted female electrical terminals  190 . The receptacle partition walls  448   a  and  448   b  extend perpendicular from the back of the forward face  440  and from the sides of the receptacle body  444  to generally form a cross-shaped (“+”) cross section. The receptacle partition walls  448   a  and  448   b  can be of various heights and configurations. Receptacle partition walls  448   a  and  448   b  create partitions providing the additional benefit of isolating electrically conductive components from each other to prevent arcing across air gaps. When receptacle insert  404  is disposed within receptacle housing  402 , the top of receptacle partition walls  448   a  and  448   b  correspond to and registers within the feedthrough aperture  414  of the receptacle housing  402 . 
     In assembling receptacle assembly  110   a , four female electrical terminals  190 , with attached wires  112 , are disposed within female electrical terminal apertures  450  so that catch plates  196  are fully inserted and locked in the catch plate slots  452 . This assembly, wire end first, is inserted in receptacle housing cavity  416  open end  410  so that receptacle partition walls  448   a  and  448   b  extend into the feedthrough aperture  414  of the receptacle housing  402  to provide the receptacle assembly  110   a  as shown in the embodiment of  FIGS. 21A and 21B  (figures do not illustrate wiring). 
     The receptacle spacers  428  of the receptacle housing  402  are dimensioned to provide separation between the receptacle body  444  of the receptacle insert  404  and the closed end  412  of receptacle housing  402  when the receptacle insert  404  is registered against the receptacle spacers  428 . Also, the receptacle spacers  428  may be dimensioned so that when the receptacle insert  404  is registered against the receptacle spacers  428 , the front face  440  of the receptacle insert  404  is essentially flush with the open end  410  of the receptacle housing  402 . 
     Configuring the receptacle assembly  110   a  as a 3-conductor receptacle is also contemplated. Such configuration is attainable by merely leaving one of the terminal bores  450  of the receptacle insert  404  unoccupied, i.e., without a female electrical terminal  190 . The corresponding, opposing terminal aperture  250  of the plug assembly  106   a  may also remain unoccupied. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 24 through 27 , a four-conductor receptacle assembly  110   b  is depicted according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The receptacle assembly  110   b  includes a receptacle housing  502 , a receptacle insert  504 , and a plurality of female electrical terminals  190 , and is configured to correspond with the four-conductor plug assembly  106   b  as described above. As illustrated in  FIGS. 25A and 25B , receptacle housing  502  may be configured as a hollow cuboid having an open end  510 , a closed end  512  having a feedthrough aperture  514 , and a receptacle housing cavity  516 . Receptacle housing  502  is further provided with a terminal aperture  530 . Open end  510  is formed to correspond to the shape of the front wall  540  of the receptacle insert  504 . In some embodiments, receptacle housing  502  inner surface  526  is formed so that a spline  508  is disposed from the open end  510  to the closed end  512 . The inner surface  526  of the receptacle housing  502  can be provided with projections or receptacle spacers  528  shaped and sized to allow for the support of the receptacle insert  504 . The inner surface  526  of the receptacle housing  502  can further be provided with a detent  532  or projection. Receptacle housing  502  can be a single formed piece of material or a plurality of formed pieces molded together and can be manufactured of a plastic or plastic composite. 
     Receptacle insert  504  ( FIGS. 26A-26D ) includes a receptacle body  544  having a forward face  540  and a rearward face  541  separated by an outer peripheral surface  553 . The receptacle body  544  includes an internal bulkhead  543  that separates at least one forward cavity  545  from a rearward cavity  546 . Rodular projections  542  extend forward of the internal bulkhead  543  into the at least one forward cavity  545 , each rodular projection  542  being centered about a respective rodular projection axis  537  and defining a pair of terminal bores  550  that extend through the internal bulkhead  543 , each of the terminal bores  550  being concentric about a respective terminal bore axis  547  that is perpendicular to the internal bulkhead  543 . Each rodular projection  542  includes an outer surface  551  that cooperates with an inner surface  555  of the respective forward cavity  545  to define an annular gap  557 . The rodular projections  542  may be recessed relative to the forward face  540 . The terminal bore axes  547  of the terminal bores  550  are parallel to each other, defining a plane  549 . Receptacle partition walls  548   a  and  548   b  extend from the internal bulkhead  543  and rearward of the rearward cavity  546 . Catch plate slots  552  are also defined rearward of the internal bulkhead  543 . 
     The female electrical terminals  190  are inserted into the receptacle insert  504  ( FIG. 27 ). Female electrical terminal apertures  550  are sized to accept female barrels  198 , where the female electrical terminals  190  are provided with attached wiring  112 . Tension wings  199  press against walls of female electrical terminal apertures  550  providing additional holding force to assist in firmly retaining female electrical terminals  190  within apertures  550 . Catch plate slots  552  are sized to accept catch plate  196 , the catch plate  196  locking into place when inserted into the slot  552 . 
     Within the rearward cavity  546  of receptacle insert  504 , receptacle partition walls  548   a  and  548   b  are formed to create a physical barrier between each of the inserted female electrical terminals  190 . The walls  548  extend perpendicular from the back of the forward face  540  and from the sides of the receptacle body  544  to generally form a cross-shaped cross section. The receptacle partition walls  548   a  and  548   b  can be of various heights and configurations. Receptacle partition walls  548   a  and  548   b  create partitions providing the additional benefit of isolating electrically conductive components from each other to prevent arcing across air gaps. When receptacle insert  504  is disposed within receptacle housing  502 , the top of receptacle partition walls  548   a  and  548   b  correspond to and registers within the feedthrough aperture  514  of the receptacle housing  502 . 
     In assembling receptacle assembly  110   b , four female electrical terminals  190 , with attached wires  112 , are disposed within female electrical terminal apertures  550  so that catch plates  196  are fully inserted and locked in the catch plate slots  552 . This assembly, wire end first, is inserted in receptacle housing  502  cavity  516  open end  510  so that receptacle partition walls  548   a  and  548   b  extend into the feedthrough aperture  514  of the receptacle housing  502  to provide the receptacle assembly  110   b  as shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 24 . Upon proper insertion, detent  532  matingly engages with locking recess  560  thus preventing separation of the receptacle insert  504  from the receptacle housing  502 . 
     The receptacle spacers  528  of the receptacle housing  502  are dimensioned to provide separation between the receptacle body  544  of the receptacle insert  504  and the closed end  512  of receptacle housing  502  when the receptacle insert  504  is registered against the receptacle spacers  528 . Also, the receptacle spacers  528  may be dimensioned so that when the receptacle insert  504  is registered against the receptacle spacers  528 , the front face  540  of the receptacle insert  504  is essentially flush with the open end  510  of the receptacle housing  502 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 28 through 30B , a two-conductor receptacle assembly  110   c  is depicted according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Receptacle assembly  110   c  is disposed on one end of a light string  100 ,  101 ,  116 , opposite the end on which plug  106   c  is disposed, and includes a receptacle housing  602 , a receptacle insert  604 , and a plurality of female electrical terminals  190 . The receptacle assembly  110   c  configured to correspond with the two-conductor plug assembly  106   c  as described above. The two-conductor receptacle assembly  110   c , as shown, corresponds most closely to the embodiment of the four-conductor receptacle assembly  110   a , as shown in  FIG. 21A . However, a two-terminal receptacle that corresponds with the design aspects of the four-conductor receptacle assembly  110   b  as disclosed above is also contemplated. 
     In the depicted embodiment, the receptacle housing  602  ( FIGS. 29A and 29B ) is generally a hollow cuboid having an open end  610 , a closed end  612  having a feedthrough aperture  614 , and a receptacle housing cavity  616 . In an embodiment, open end  610  can be flared at the edges so that edges  618  extend beyond the walls of the rectangular cube shape to provide a flange  620 . Open end  610  is formed to correspond to the shape of the front face  640  of the receptacle insert  604 . Receptacle housing  602  is further provided with a plurality of protrusions  622  extending from the receptacle housing  602  outer surface  624  nearer the closed end  612  of receptacle housing  602 . These protrusions  622  provide the user of the receptacle assembly  110   c  a gripping and pulling/pushing mechanism when attaching or detaching the plug  106   c  and receptacle assembly  110   c . The inner surface  626  of the receptacle housing  602  can be provided with a spline  628 . Receptacle housing  602  can be a single formed piece of material or a plurality of formed pieces molded together and can be manufactured of a plastic or plastic composite. 
     Receptacle insert  604  ( FIGS. 30A and 30B ) includes a receptacle body  644  a forward face  640  and a rearward face  639  separated by an outer peripheral surface  653 . The receptacle body  644  includes an internal bulkhead  643  that separates at least one forward cavity  645  from a rearward cavity  646 . Rodular projections  642  extend forward of the internal bulkhead  643  into the at least one forward cavity  645 , each rodular projection  642  being centered about a rodular projection axis  637  and defining a pair of terminal bores  650  that extend through the internal bulkhead  643 , each of the terminal bores  650  being concentric about a respective terminal bore axis  647  that is perpendicular to the internal bulkhead  643 . Each rodular projection  642  includes an outer surface  651  that cooperates with an inner surface  655  of the respective forward cavity  645  to define an annular gap  657 . The rodular projections  642  may be recessed relative to the forward face  640 . The terminal bore axes  647  of the terminal bores  650  are parallel to each other, defining a plane  649 . Receptacle partition wall  648  extends from the internal bulkhead  643  and rearward of the rearward cavity  646 . Catch plate slots  652  are also defined rearward of the internal bulkhead  643 . 
     As described above in relation to four-conductor receptacles  110   a ,  110   b , receptacle insert  604  of two-conductor receptacle assembly  110   c  is configured to accept female electrical terminals  190 , with attached wires  112  (akin to the depiction of  FIG. 23C ). Female barrels  198  are disposed within female electrical terminal apertures  650  so that catch plates  166  are fully inserted and locked in the catch plate slots  652  and tension wings  199  are disposed against female electrical terminal aperture  650  walls to provide additional retaining forces. A receptacle partition wall  648  is formed to create a physical barrier between each of the inserted female electrical terminals  190  providing the benefit of isolating electrically conductive components from each other to prevent arcing across air gaps. 
     In assembling receptacle assembly  110   c , receptacle insert  604 , wire end first, is inserted into receptacle housing  602  so that receptacle partition wall  648  is disposed in aperture  614  such that squeezing pressure is imparted on wall  648  and wiring  112  thus providing the benefit of further securing the wiring to the receptacle assembly  110   c  and providing a securing force that enables the wiring to comply with the UL flex test. In some embodiments, receptacle housing  602  is provided with a detent (not depicted) on inner surface  626 , where detent interacts with locking recess  660  of receptacle insert  604  so that when properly seated in receptacle housing  602 , detent matingly engages with locking recess  660  preventing disassociation of receptacle insert  604  and receptacle housing  602 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 31 , the coupling of plug assembly  106   a  with receptacle assembly  110   a  is depicted according to an embodiment of the disclosure (wiring  112  omitted). The tubular projections  242  of the plug assembly  106   a  are configured for insertion into the respective annular gaps  457  of the receptacle assembly  110   a . The tubular projection  242  is configured to receive the rodular projection(s)  442  of the plug assembly  106   a , and the pair of male electrical terminals  160  are configured for insertion into the pair of female electrical terminals  190  of the receptacle assembly  110   a.    
     Engaging the plug  106   a  and receptacle assembly  110   a  in this manner allows the user to connect light strings  100 ,  101   116  end-to-end. Plug  106   a  and receptacle assembly  110   a  are configured so that the tubular projections  242  slidingly encompass the rodular projections, thereby resulting in simultaneous insertion of male electrical terminals  160  into female electrical terminals  190 . Proper orientation of plug assembly  106   a  and receptacle assembly  110   a  is provided by matingly engaging spline  243  of tubular projection  242  with groove  441  of the forward face  440  of the receptacle insert  404 . When engaged, male electrical terminals  160  are in direct contact with female electrical terminals  190  thereby making a reliable electrical connection between plug  106   a  and receptacle assembly  110   a . In an embodiment, the flange  220  of plug  106   a  and the housing flange  420  of receptacle assembly  110   a  are configured to have the same outer edge profile so that the outer edges are even with each other. In another embodiment, plug  106   a  flange  220  and the housing flange  420  of the receptacle assembly  110   a  are configured to have the differing outer edge profiles so that the outer edges are offset. 
     While the depicted embodiment presents the spline  243  as being formed on the outer surface  651  of the rodular projection  642 , and the groove  256  as being defined on the inner surface  655  of the forward cavity  645 , those of skill in the relevant arts will recognize that this arrangement can be reversed to the same effect. That is, the spline may project inward from the inner surface  655  of the forward cavity  645  into a groove defined on an outer surface  651  of the rodular projection  642 . 
     Also, it is apparent that the method of engagement for the two-conductor plug assembly  106   c  and the two-conductor receptacle assembly  110   c  would be similar or identical to that shown in  FIG. 31  for the four-conductor plug assembly  106   a  and the four-conductor receptacle assembly  110   a . It is also contemplated that the two-conductor plug assembly  106   c  may be configured for use with the four-conductor receptacle assembly  110   a . That is, in some embodiments, two of the two-conductor plug assemblies  106   c  could be inserted side by side into the four-conductor receptacle assembly  110   a , for example to provide branching of the respective light strings. 
     Referring to  FIG. 32 , the coupling of plug assembly  106   c  with receptacle assembly  110   c  is depicted according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Engaging the plug  106   c  and receptacle assembly  110   c  in this manner allows the user to connect light strings  100 ,  101 ,  116  end-to-end. Plug  106   c  and receptacle assembly  110   c  are configured so that the tubular projections  342  slidingly encompass the rodular projections  542 , thereby resulting in simultaneous insertion of male electrical terminals  160  into female electrical terminals  190 . Proper orientation of plug assembly  106   c  and receptacle assembly  110   c  is provided by matingly engaging spline  354  of tubular projection  342  with groove  551  of receptacle insert  504  forward face  540 . When properly seated, user can insert a fastener  534  into fastener aperture  530  and engage the fastener  534  with a tap hole  358  on retaining bridge  356  thereby locking plug  106   c  to receptacle assembly  110   c . When engaged, male electrical terminals  160  are in direct contact with female electrical terminals  190  thereby making a reliable electrical connection between plug  106   c  and receptacle assembly  110   c . In an embodiment, plug  106   c  and receptacle assembly  110   c  are configured to have the same outer edge profile so that the outer edges are even with each other. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 33 and 34 , a plug housing  702  with a locking arrangement  701  is depicted according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The locking arrangement  701  prevents the plug (e.g., plug  106   c , as depicted) from disengaging from the receptacle assembly  110   c . The locking arrangement  701  includes a pair of plug housing wings  704  integrated into the body of the plug housing  702  on the side wall(s)  708  nearer the closed end  706 . Each wing  704  includes a fixed end  710  and a free end  712 , the fixed end being connected to the plug housing  702  proximate the closed end  706 . Movably attached to the plug housing  702  are a pair of retractable tabs  714  positioned behind a back  718  of a flange  716  and extending into the plug housing  702 . Upon squeezing the plug housing wings  704  toward the plug housing  702 , the plug housing wings  704  flex about the fixed ends  710  so that the free end  712  of the plug housing wings engage the retractable tabs  714 , causing the retractable tabs  714  to retract into the plug housing  702  and engage, for example, a catch (not depicted), enabling the plug  106   c  to be disengaged from the receptacle assembly  110   c .  FIG. 35  illustrates plug  106   c  engaged with receptacle assembly  110   c  in the locked position. While not depicted, it is contemplated that similar, or identical, locking features can be incorporated on four-conductor plug assemblies  106   a ,  106   b . The plug housing wing  704  are depicted as extending from the plug housing  702 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 36A and 36B , a light string  811   a ,  811   b  is depicted according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The light string  811   a ,  811   b  includes a plug assembly  810 , a controller  813 , an array of lights  815 , a receptacle assembly  817 , and a plurality of wires  819 . Plug assembly  810  can be a five terminal plug assembly  810  where two terminals  818  are primary power terminals and connect to a power source, which can be a standard wall outlet  821  or a light string  811   a ,  811   b  receptacle assembly  817 . A remaining three terminals  820  are able to be retracted into the plug assembly  810 , as illustrated, allowing the plug assembly  810  to connect to a standard receptacle. The three terminals  820 , when protracted (as shown in light string  811   b ) are generally low voltage terminals and can be connected to a data source, a power source, or a data/power source. It will be understood three terminals  820  may comprise more or fewer than three terminals. Light string  811   a ,  811   b  is comprised of a plug assembly  810  with five terminals  818 ,  820 . Light string  811   a  plug assembly  810  is hard wired to a controller  813  that coordinates and powers subsequent light strings  811   b . In an embodiment, controller  813  can comprise a transformer capable of converting AC power from the source to DC power. Data and power are fed from controller  813  to the array of lights  815 . As detailed in  FIG. 36B , lights  815  are wired in parallel to the plurality of wires  819 . Shown is a three wire configuration but it is contemplated that more or less wires can be used. In one embodiment, one wire can carry negative DC, one wire can carry positive DC, and one wire can carry data. In another embodiment, the data can be overlaid on either the positive or the negative DC line. 
     Power is fed directly from plug assembly  810  to receptacle assembly  817  using two wires  823  bypassing controller  813  and lights  815  thus providing a direct connection from the power source to receptacle assembly  817 . Receptacle assembly  817  is hard wired to lights  815  such that receptacle assembly  817  contains five wire feeds, three from lights  815  via wires  819  and two from plug assembly  810 . Receptacle assembly  817  is provided with five ports, one per wire feed, for terminals  818 ,  820  of receiving plug assembly  810 . As shown, light string  811   b  connects directly to light string  811   a . Light string  811   b  plug assembly  810  terminals  820  are in the protracted position and are inserted into the receptacle assembly  817  so that data is transmitted through the plurality of light strings  811   a  or  811   b  via terminals  820 . This data is then transmitted to the light string  811   b  controller  813  so that the lights  815  of light string  811   b  are coordinated with lights  815  of light string  811   a.    
     Referring to  FIGS. 37 and 38 , controller modules  809   a  and  809   b  for modular connection to a plurality of light strings  811   c  and  811   d  are depicted according to embodiments of the disclosure. 
     The controller modules  809   a  and  809   b  include a controller  813 , fed by a standard two blade electrical plug  825 . Controller  813  output includes data and power, and is fed to a four port receptacle  827 . A light string  811   c  comprising a four pin plug  829 , a light array  815 , and a four port receptacle  827  is mated via plug  829  to controller  813  string receptacle  827  so that controller  813  output controls and powers the light array  815 . For the embodiment of  FIG. 38 , the controller  813  power and data output is fed to a two port receptacle  831 . A light string  811   d  comprising a two pin plug  833 , a light array  815 , and a two port receptacle  831  is mated via plug  833  to controller  813  string receptacle  831  so that controller  813  output controls and powers the light array  815 . 
     Functionally, the controller modules  809   a  and  809   b  enable modular assembly of a plurality of light strings  811   c ,  811   d  without permanently linking the controller  813  to one of the light strings. Accordingly, by not being hardwired, use of the controller module  809   a ,  809   b  is independent of the integrity of the first of the plurality of light strings  811   c ,  811   d . That is, the first of the plurality of light strings  811   c ,  811   d  can be readily removed from the plurality of light string  811   c ,  811   d  in the event that the first string fails. The first of the plurality of light strings  811   c ,  811   d  can be replaced or the controller module  809   a ,  809   b  coupled to the next of the plurality of strings for continued operation. This reduces the expense of removing or replacing the first of the plurality of light strings  811   c  and  811   d.    
     From a manufacturing standpoint, the controller module  809   a ,  809   b  may be manufactured exclusively at one facility, while the light strings  811   c ,  811   d  are manufactured exclusively at another facility. That is, there is no need for the facility manufacturing the controller module  809   a ,  809   b  to also manufacture the first of the plurality of light strings  811   c ,  811   d . This may optimize the efficiency of the facilities manufacturing the controller module  809   a ,  809   b , and the light strings  811   c ,  811   d , which may require different manufacturing capabilities. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 39A, 39B, and 39C , a plug assembly  810  that can be used on a light string is depicted according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The lights may be LED, incandescent, or other. In some embodiments, plug assembly  810  can be used with a standard wall outlet  821  or standard receptacle. The plug assembly  810  is comprised of a plug housing  812 , a plug insert  814 , an activation mechanism  816 , a plurality of fixed terminal blades  818 , and a plurality of retractable terminal blades  820 . The plug assembly  810  also comprises a cover plate  822  (detailed in  FIG. 40 ) and a fuse access door  824  (detailed in  FIG. 41 ). The plug assembly  810  is configured in a manner such that terminal blades  818  are fixed and not able to be retracted while terminal blades  820  are able to be retracted into the plug insert  814 , allowing plug assembly  810  to be inserted into a standard wall socket or a standard receptacle. In an embodiment, terminal blades  818  are primary power terminals that are connected to a power source. Retraction and protraction of terminal blades  820  is performed by a user slidingly moving activation mechanism  816  via a protrusion  849 .  FIGS. 39A and 39B  illustrate plug assembly  810 , as described herein, having terminal blades  818  in the protracted position.  FIG. 39C  illustrates plug assembly  810 , as described herein, having terminal blades  818  in the retracted position. As shown, protrusion  849  of activation mechanism  816  is moved towards the terminal end of plug assembly  810  to protract terminal blades  820  and moved in the opposite direction to retract terminal blades  820 . In some embodiments, the distal ends  886  ( FIG. 43 ) of the terminal blades  820  are recessed but reside within their respective slots  841  in the front wall  840  when retracted, to maintain alignment for protraction. 
     Referring to  FIG. 42 , a terminal blade  818  is used as a primary power terminal according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Terminal blade is manufactured of a conductive metal having a forward or distal end  880  and a rearward or proximal end  882 . Disposed at the proximal end  882  can be a contact tab  884 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 43 , a terminal blade  820  used as a retractable power and/or data terminal is depicted according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Terminal blade  820  is manufactured of a conductive metal having a forward or distal end  886  and a rearward or proximal end  888 . Disposed at the proximal end  888  can be a contact tab  890  and opposite the contact tab  890  a notch  892 . Contact tab  890  is constructed to be perpendicular to the planar portion of the terminal blade  820 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 44A and 44B , the plug housing  812  is depicted according to an embodiment of the disclosure. In the depicted embodiment, the plug housing  812  is generally a hollow cuboid having an open end  826 , a closed end  828  having a feedthrough aperture  830 , and an inner cavity  835 . In an embodiment, open end  826  can be flared at the edges so that edges  832  extend beyond the walls of the rectangular cube shape to provide a flange  825 . Open end  826  is formed to correspond to the front wall  840  of the plug insert  814  (see  FIGS. 45A and 45B ). A top side  834  of plug housing  812  is provided with an aperture  836  that is sized and shaped to receive a protrusion  849  of activation mechanism  816  when activation mechanism  816  is placed within the inner cavity  835 . Plug housing  812  bottom side  838  is provided with an aperture  840  that is sized and shaped to receive fuse access door  824 . Plug housing  812  is further provided with a protrusion  839  extending from the surface of the bottom side  838  closer to the semi-closed end  828  of plug housing  812 . Plug housing  812  can be a single formed piece of material or a plurality of formed pieces molded together and can be manufactured of a plastic or plastic composite. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 45A and 45B , bottom and top perspective views of the plug insert  814  are depicted according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Plug insert  814  may be manufactured of a plastic or plastic composite and, as discussed above. In the depicted embodiment, the front wall  840  of plug insert  814  is sized and shaped to correspond to the open end  826  of plug housing  812  so that when plug insert  814  is inserted into the inner cavity  835  of plug housing  812 , the front wall  840  snap fits to the open end  826  and is secured in place. The front wall  840  is further provided with a plurality of apertures  841  sized to accept terminal blades  820 . The front wall  840  is also provided with a plurality of slots  843  sized to accept terminal blades  818 , the blades  818  being secured in place when inserted into the slots  843 . The back wall  842  of plug insert  814  is formed so that a projection  844  is provided where projection  844  corresponds to and registers within the feedthrough aperture  830  of plug housing  812 . In various embodiments, the back wall  842  also defines a channel access  845 . 
     In some embodiments, plug insert  814  includes a bottom side  846  and a top side  848  where sides  846 ,  848  are separated from each other by a floor  850 , the floor  850  being generally on a central plane between and perpendicular to front wall  840  and back wall  842 . Extending perpendicular from the bottom side  846  and the top side  848  of the floor  850  are a plurality of walls  852 , the walls  852  being of various heights and configurations, and disposed horizontally and vertically in relation to the front wall  840  and back wall  842 . Walls  852  are disposed in such a way that channels  854  are formed on both sides  846 ,  848  of plug insert  814 . Channels  854  run generally horizontally from the back wall  842  to the front wall  840  with vertically disposed walls  852  extending partially into channels  854  so that objects within the channels  854  bend, curve or form fit around the vertically disposed walls  852  such that the object is held in place. Walls  852  and floor  850  create partitions providing the additional benefit of isolating electrically conductive components from each other to prevent arcing across air gaps. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 46A and 46B , bottom and top views of the activation mechanism  816  are depicted according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Activation mechanism  816  is configured to fixedly engage terminal blades  820 . Activation mechanism  816  is provided with the protrusion  849  on the top side  856 . The bottom side  858  is provided with a plurality of blade slots  860  each sized to accept and engage with the proximal end  888  of the terminal blade  820 . Within the blade slot  860  can be a raised portion (not shown) configured to fixedly engage with notch  892  of terminal blade  820 . When terminal blade  820  is inserted within the blade slot  860 , tab  890  is disposed to be positioned over and adjacent blade slot  860 , for contact with wire terminals (e.g., crimping terminal  891 , discussed below). 
     Referring to  FIG. 47A , a crimping terminal  894  is depicted according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The crimping terminal  894  is manufactured of a conductive metal and comprising an insulation crimp  896 , a conductor crimp  898 , and a u-shaped tongue  899 . U-shaped tongue  899  may be sized to accommodate a first end of a barrel fuse (not depicted). Crimping terminal  894  is fixedly connected to an individual wire of the plurality of wires  819 . Crimping terminals  894  and wires  819  are disposed within channels  854  of the plug insert  814  positioned so that the wires  819  extend through the channel access  845  of the back wall  842  and crimping terminal  894  contacts the floor  850  with u-shaped tongue  899  facing away from floor  850 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 47B , a crimping terminal  891  is depicted according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The crimping terminal  891  may be manufactured of a conductive metal and comprising an insulation crimp  893 , a conductor crimp  895 , and a variably angled tongue  897 . Crimping terminal  891  may be fixedly connected to an individual wire of the plurality of wires  819 . Crimping terminal  891  and wire  819  are disposed within channels  854  of plug insert  814  positioned so that wire  819  extends through the channel access  845  of the back wall  842  and planar face  887  of tongue  897  of crimping terminal  891  being perpendicular to floor  850 . 
     In assembling plug assembly  810 , three crimping terminals  891  and two crimping terminals  894 , with attached wire  819 , are each disposed within channels  854  of plug insert  814 . Crimping terminals  891  are disposed in the bottom side  846  of insert while crimping terminals  894  are disposed in the top side  848 . Terminal blades  818  are disposed and fixed in slots  843  of inserts  814 . Activation mechanism  816  with attached terminal blades  820  is disposed so that blades  820  extend through apertures  841  of the front wall  840 . This assembly, wire end first, is inserted in the open end  826  of cavity  835  of plug housing  812  so that protrusion  849  extends through aperture  836  of the top side  834  and snap fits into place. During assembly, fuses (not depicted) can be installed such that a first end of a barrel fuse is positioned in the U-shaped tongue  899  of crimping terminal  894  such that there is one barrel fuse per crimping terminal  894 . The second end of the barrel fuse makes direct contact with one of the contact tabs  884  of one of the terminal blades  818 . In the case of terminal blade  820 , contact tab  890  makes direct contact with the tongue  897  of crimping terminal  891  only when the blade  820  is in the protracted position, so that electrical connection with the wiring  819  is established via the crimping terminal  891  only when the blades  820  are in the protracted configuration. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 48A and 48B , a receptacle assembly  817  is depicted according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The receptacle may be configured to correspond with the plug assembly  810  as described above. Receptacle assembly  817  may be disposed on one end of a light string  811 , opposite the end on which the plug assembly  810  is disposed. Receptacle assembly  817  includes a receptacle housing  912  and a receptacle insert  914 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 49A and 49B , the receptacle housing  912  is depicted according to an embodiment of the disclosure. In the depicted embodiment, the receptacle housing  912  is generally a hollow cuboid having an open end  926 , a closed end  928  defining a feedthrough aperture  930 , and an inner cavity  935 . In an embodiment, open end  926  can be flared at the edges so that edges  932  extend beyond the walls of the rectangular cube shape to define a flange  835 . In some embodiments, closed end  928  can be tapered. Open end  926  may be shaped to correspond to a front wall  940  of the receptacle insert  914  (see  FIGS. 50A and 50B ). Receptacle housing  912  is further provided with a plurality of protrusions  942  extending from the surface of the top side  937  and bottom side  938  closer to the semi-closed end  928  of receptacle housing  912 . These protrusions  942  provide the user of the receptacle assembly  817  a gripping and pulling mechanism when attaching or detaching the plug assembly  810  and receptacle assembly  817 . Receptacle housing  912  can be a single formed piece of material or a plurality of formed pieces molded together and can be manufactured of a dielectric material, such as plastic or plastic composite. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 50A and 50B , receptacle insert  914  is depicted according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Receptacle insert  914  may be manufactured of a plastic or plastic composite and, as discussed above. In the depicted embodiment, the front wall  940  of receptacle insert  914  is sized and shaped to correspond to the open end  926  of receptacle housing  912  so that when receptacle insert  914  is inserted into the inner cavity  935  of receptacle housing  912 , the front wall  940  snap fits to the open end  926  and is locked in place. The front wall  940  is further provided with a plurality of apertures  941  sized to accept terminal blades  818 ,  820 . The back wall  942  of receptacle insert  914  is formed so that a projection  944  is provided where projection  944  corresponds to and fits in the feedthrough aperture  930  of receptacle housing  912 . Back wall  942  may also define a feedthrough aperture  943  to allow for wire feeds. 
     Receptacle insert  914  may include a bottom side  946  and a top side  948  where sides  946 ,  948  are separated from each other by a floor  950 , floor  950  generally on a central plane between and perpendicular to front wall  940  and back wall  942 . Extending perpendicular from the bottom side  946  and the top side  948  of the floor  950  are a plurality of walls  952 , the walls  952  being of various heights and configurations, and disposed horizontally and vertically in relation to the front wall  940  and back wall  942 . Walls  952  are disposed in such a way that channels  954  are formed on both sides  946 ,  948  of receptacle insert  914 . Channels  954  run generally horizontally from the back wall  942  to the front wall  940  with vertically disposed walls  952  extending partially into channels  954  so that objects within the channels  954  bend, curve, or form fit around the vertically disposed walls  952  so that the object is held in place. Walls  952  and floor  950  provide the additional benefit of isolating electrically conductive components from each other, which may otherwise arc across air gaps or come into contact with each other. 
     Referring to  FIG. 51 , a crimping terminal  960  is depicted according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The crimping terminal  960  may be manufactured of a conductive metal and comprising an insulation crimp  962 , a conductor crimp  964 , and tongue  966 , the tongue  966  having a curved and angular planar surface  968 . Crimping terminal  960  is fixedly connected to an individual wire. 
     Referring to  FIG. 52 , a crimping terminal  970  is depicted according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Crimping terminal  970  may be manufactured of a conductive metal and comprising an insulation crimp  972 , a conductor crimp  974 , and tongue  976 , the tongue  976  having a curved and angular planar surface  978 . Crimping terminal  970  is fixedly connected to an individual wire. Crimping terminal  970  is smaller in width than crimping terminal  960 . 
     Crimping terminals  960 ,  970  and wires are disposed within the channels  954  of receptacle insert  914 , positioned so that wire extends through the feedthrough aperture  943  of back wall  942 . Crimping terminals  960  are disposed in the top side  948  of receptacle insert  914  so that planar face  968  of the tongue  966  of crimping terminal  960  is perpendicular to floor  950 . Crimping terminals  970  are disposed in the bottom side  946  of receptacle insert  914  so that planar face  978  of the tongue  976  of crimping terminal  970  is perpendicular to floor  950 . Crimping terminals  960 ,  970  are formed so that the shape conforms to the pathway of channel  954 . 
     The receptacle insert  914 , having crimping terminals  960 ,  970  and attached wires, is inserted, wire end first, into the open end  926  of cavity  935  of receptacle housing  912  and snap fits into place to provide the plug as shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 48A  (figure does not illustrate wiring). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 53A, 53B, 53C, and 53D , plug assembly  810  as engaged with receptacle assembly  817  is depicted according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Engaging the plug assembly  810  and receptacle assembly  817  in the depicted manner allows the user to connect light strings  811  end-to-end. Plug assembly  810  and receptacle assembly  817  are configured so that terminal blades  818 ,  820  are inserted into receptacle assembly  817  via apertures  941 . When engaged, terminal blades  818 ,  820  reside within channels  954  of the receptacle assembly  817  and directly contact crimping terminals  960 ,  970  thereby making an electrical connection between plug assembly  810  and receptacle assembly  817 . In an embodiment, flange  825  of plug assembly  810  and receptacle flange  835  are configured to have the same outer edge profile so that the outer edges are even with each other. 
     While the disclosure is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and described in detail. It is understood however, that the intention is not to limit the application to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling with the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. 
     Persons of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize that various embodiments can comprise more or fewer features than illustrated in any individual embodiment described above. The embodiments described herein are not meant to be an exhaustive presentation of the ways in which the various features may be combined. Accordingly, the embodiments are not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, the claims can comprise a combination of different individual features selected from different individual embodiments, as understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. 
     References to “embodiment(s)”, “disclosure”, “present disclosure”, “embodiment(s) of the disclosure”, “disclosed embodiments”, and the like contained herein refer to the specification (text, including the claims, and figures) of this patent application that are not admitted prior art. 
     For purposes of interpreting the claims, it is expressly intended that the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112(f) are not to be invoked unless the specific terms “means for” or “step for” are recited in the respective claim.