Electrical connector with corrosion prevention

Electrical connector with at least one first electrical contact for electrically contacting a corresponding mating connector, said connector comprising a plug detecting unit for detecting a mated state of the connector and the mating connector, wherein said plug detecting unit comprises a second electrical contact that is operable to check the mated state by means of a test signal, wherein the surfaces of said first and second electrical contacts are covered with materials having a different oxidation potential, and wherein a positive voltage of said test signal is applied to the electrical contact having the higher oxidation potential compared to the other electrical contact.

Method for detecting a mated state of an electrical connector with at least one electrical contact for electrically contacting a corresponding mating connector, said method comprising the steps of:

• applying a test signal to a plug detecting circuit which upon insertion of said mating connector is closed to indicate said mated state, wherein said test signal is an intermittent signal.