ZERO INSERTION FORCE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR

9368 ABSTRACT A zero insertion force electrical connector has an insulating housing having a channel for receiving a circuit board. A cam follower is movable by a cam between a first position in which contact springs of terminals in the housing are in an open position in which the circuit board can be inserted into the channel with substantially zero insertion force and a second position in which the contact springs are in a closed position so as to engage the circuit board. To ensure that the cam follower is positively returned to its second position and is not subject to unintended movement therefrom, e.g. as a result of vibration, the cam follower has a hooked extension which is engageable by the cam to return the cam follower and to secure it in its second position.