Modular access connection system

A plug-in module for use in conjunction with an interface panel including at least one socket, the plug-in module comprising:

• three pairs of pins configured to electrically engage corresponding pairs of ports of a selected socket;
• and
• a pair of first contacts, each first contact including:
• a first leg defining an electrical connection between a selected one of a first pair of pins and a mounting point associated with a surge arrester, the first leg being configured to absorb surge currents between the selected one of the first pair of pins and the surge arrester;
• a second leg defining an electrical connection between the first leg and at least one of a contact point of a printed circuit board;
• each first contact being configured to structurally support at least the first leg and the surge arrester such that surge currents through the first leg are isolated from the at least one of the contact point of the printed circuit board and a selected one of a second pair of pins;
• a ground pin configured to electrically engage a corresponding ground port of the selected socket;
• and
• a ground contact defining an electrical connection between the surge arrester and the ground pin;
• wherein the second leg defines an electrical connection between the first leg and the contact point of the printed circuit board, and wherein the ground contact is configured such that surge currents through the ground contact are isolated from the printed circuit board;
• a pair of second contacts, each second contact including:
• a third leg defining an electrical connection between a selected one of the second pair of pins and a mounting point associated with a second surge arrester, the third leg being configured to absorb surge currents between the selected one of the second pair of pins and the second surge arrester;
• and
• a fourth leg defining an electrical connection between the third leg and a second contact point of the printed circuit and
• each second contact being configured to structurally support at least the third leg and the second surge arrester such that surge currents through the third leg are isolated from the second contact point of the printed circuit board.