Axial adjustable connector shorting assembly

A connector assembly comprising:

• a holder;
• a first connector;
• means on the holder and first connector for releasably securing the first connector in a first position in the holder;
• shorting contacts on the holder for electrically engaging electrical terminals in the first connector when the first connector is in the first position;
• means on the first connector for separating the shorting contacts and terminals when the first connector is released from the first position and moved to another position in the holder;
• a second connector for mating with the first connector in the first position;
• and
• means on the second connector for releasing the first connector from the first position.

An apparatus comprising:

• a holder having a plurality of shorting contacts;
• a first connector having a plurality of electrical terminals and a slot associated with each terminal, each slot having an end;
• means on the holder and first connector for holding the first connector in an initial position within the holder with the shorting contacts extending through the slots into electrical engagement with the terminals;
• a second connector having a plurality of electrical terminals for electrically mating with the terminals of the first connector;
• and
• means on the second connector for releasing the holding means after the terminals of the first and second connectors are mated, whereby the first connector can be moved from the initial position.