Connector for electrical cable

An assembly for making an electrical connection to an electrical cable which comprises a first elongate electrode and a second elongate electrode, said first and second electrodes surrounded by and separated from one another by a polymer, said assembly comprising

• (A) an insulation displacement connector (IDC) module which comprises first and second piercing members, each of which comprises an insulation displacement connector in the form of a fork which comprises
• (1) a first tine comprising (a) a first beveled tip, and (b) a first section having a first length and a first width,
• (2) a second tine comprising (a) a second beveled tip, and (b) a second section having a second length and a second width,
• (3) a base connecting the first and second tines,
• (4) a slot which (a) separates the first and second tines, and (b) has an open end between the first and second tips and a closed end at the base;
• and
• (5) a beveled groove (a) comprising a cutting edge, and (b) extending from the closed end away from the first and second tips and along part of the base;
• and
• (B) a wire guide module which
• (1) contains a channel sized to contain the cable, and
• (2) is capable of mating with the IDC module in a unique mated configuration so that when the cable is inserted into the channel and the IDC module and the wire guide module are mated, the first piercing member pierces the cable and makes electrical contact to the first electrode, and the second piercing member pierces the cable and makes electrical contact to the second electrode.

An electrical plug for connecting an electrical cable to an electrical power outlet, said electrical cable comprising a first elongate electrode and a second elongate electrode, said first and second electrodes surrounded by and separated from one another by a polymer, said plug comprising

• (A) a housing which comprises
• (1) a first housing member, and
• (2) a second housing member,
• the first and second housing members being movable relative to each other between a demated configuration and a unique mated configuration which provides an opening for receiving the cable;
• (B) an insulation displacement connector (IDC) module which comprises first and second piercing members, each of which comprises an insulation displacement connector in the form of a fork which comprises
• (1) a first tine comprising (a) a first beveled tip, and (b) a first section having a first length and a first width,
• (2) a second tine comprising (a) a second beveled tip, and (b) a second section having a second length and a second width,
• (3) a base connecting the first and second tines,
• (4) a slot which (a) separates the first and second tines, and (b) has an open end between the first and second tips and a closed end at the base;
• and
• (5) a beveled groove (a) comprising a cutting edge, and (b) extending from the closed end away from the first and second tips and along part of the base;
• and
• (C) a wire guide module which
• (1) fits within the first housing member,
• (2) contains a channel sized to contain the cable, said channel aligned with the opening formed when the first and second housing members are mated, and
• (3) is capable of mating with the IDC module in a unique mated configuration so that when the cable is inserted into the channel and the IDC module and the wire guide module are mated, the first piercing member pierces the cable and makes electrical contact to the first electrode, and the second piercing member pierces the cable and makes electrical contact to the second electrode, and
• the first piercing member being electrically connectable to a first prong suitable for insertion into one socket of an electrical power outlet and the second piercing member being electrically connectable to a second prong suitable for insertion into a second socket of an electrical power outlet.