Magnetically Retained Electrical Connector

A signal carrying plug and a signal carrying receptacle form a magnetic signal carrying connector are provided wherein electrical terminals of the source and electrical contacts of the load are held against one another by at least one magnet affixed adjacent the source terminals confronting and attracted to magnetically interactive object affixed adjacent the load contacts, and wherein the at least one magnet is disposed within a recess to protect against projection of unwanted magnetic fields and to mate with a complementary structure to provide positive alignment and registration of the terminals and contacts. The force of the magnet is sufficient to hold the load contacts in place for operation but insufficient to provoke damage to the connector plug or attached receptacle and any attached structures, such as cabling, if the connector is pulled apart. the magnets serve as signal carrying terminals.