Power connector and a pluggable connector configured to mate with the power connector

A pluggable connector comprising:

• a connector body having a main housing and a plug housing that projects from the main housing, the plug housing configured to be inserted into a receiving cavity of a power connector during a mating operation, the plug housing having a mating end that leads the plug housing into the receiving cavity, the plug housing defining a housing cavity that opens to the mating end;
• first and second power contacts disposed within the housing cavity and configured to engage corresponding contacts of the power connector during the mating operation;
• and
• an outer contact having a contact surface, at least a portion of the contact surface extending between the main housing and the mating end of the plug housing, the contact surface being exposed to an exterior of the plug housing and configured to engage a corresponding contact of the power connector during the mating operation, wherein the first power contact, the second power contact, and the outer contact operate as separate electrical pathways.

An interconnection system comprising:

• a power connector configured to be mounted to an electrical component, the power connector including a connector housing having a mating side and a receiving cavity that opens to the mating side, the power connector including first and second power contacts disposed within the receiving cavity and a multi-function contact having a switch segment that is disposed within the receiving cavity, the switch segment being capable of flexing between first and second positions;
• and
• a pluggable connector including a plug housing configured to be inserted into the receiving cavity of the power connector, the plug housing having a mating end that includes a switch activator, the plug housing defining a housing cavity that opens to the mating end, the pluggable connector including first and second power contacts disposed within the housing cavity;
• and
• wherein the power connector and the pluggable connector are configured to mate with each other during a mating operation, the switch activator of the pluggable connector leading the plug housing into the receiving cavity during the mating operation and engaging the switch segment of the multi-function contact of the power connector, the switch activator deflecting the switch segment from the first position to the second position or from the second position to the first position, the first and second power contacts of the pluggable connector and the first and second power contacts of the power connector, respectively, being engaged after the mating operation.