Steckverbinder und Steckdose

A plug and socket connector comprises a plug portion (12) with contact elements (22), a socket portion (10) with contact elements (14) and a supporting member (18) of electrically insulating material. The contact elements of each portion form at least elongated spaced apart row and the arrangement is such that, when the plug and socket portions are in mating relationship, the contact elements of one portion are in electrical contact with the contact elements of the other portions. The contact elements (14) of the socket portion (10) are so disposed and arranged as to be capable of mating in electrical contact with a plug portion with one half the number of contact elements of the socket portion.