Arc suppression connector

A circuit includes a connector having first and second mateable portions. Each portion includes at least two terminals configured to mechanically engage at least two terminals of the other portion. The two terminals within the first and second portions are arranged so that as the first and second portions are mated, a first terminal of the first portion and a first terminal of the second portions come into contact before respective second terminals of the first and second portions. The circuit also includes a polymeric positive temperature coefficient (PPTC) device with a first terminal in electrical communication with the first terminal of the first portion and a second terminal in electrical communication with the second terminal of the first portion. A power terminal is in electrical communication with the second terminal of the first portion and is configured to be connected to a power source. A load terminal is in electrical communication with the first and second terminals of the second portion and is configured to be connected to a load.