Bi-directional header for multi-direction connector mating

An electrical connector system comprising:

• a first mating connector;
• a second mating connector;
• and
• a header including a body and a plug defined on a first side of the body and adapted to engage with a corresponding mating end of each of the first and second mating connectors, the plug including:
• a pair of first opposing sidewalls extending from the body to a first height and defining a locking feature for engaging with a corresponding locking feature of the first and second mating connectors;
• and
• a pair of second opposing sidewalls extending from the body to a second height, less than the first height, the first mating connector mateable to the header in a first orientation, and the second mating connector mateable to the header in a second orientation, distinct from the first orientation.

An electrical header, comprising:

• a body adapted to mount to an object and including a first side and a second side;
• an opening formed through the body;
• an electrical terminal housed in a terminal assembly received within the opening of the body, the terminal assembly including:
• a metallic shielding element including a plurality of contact tabs extending to a mounting surface on the second side of the body when the terminal assembly is received within the opening;
• and
• an insulating body arranged within the metallic shielding element and receiving the electrical terminal;
• a plug defined on the first side of the body and adapted to mate with a first mating connector arranged in a first orientation with respect to the header and a second mating connector arranged in a second orientation with respect to the header and distinct from the first orientation;
• and
• a circumferential wall defined on the second side of the body opposite the first side and generally surrounding the opening.