When using connectors in wire system design, the regular and consistent contact between contacts on both sides of the connector is crucial. To determine this, the electrical engagement test examines the mating length of the connector contacts.
For test performance, the counterpart plugs and receptacles are wired to provide a complete series circuit through all contacts of the mated connector. The circuit is then connected to a power source and indicator where the circuit is completed (i.e. all contacts are engaged). This position is recorded. The mating operation is continued until the connector halves are in the completely mated position. A second overall length measurement is taken and the difference of these two measurements is calculated.
The pass/fail criteria for this tests is specification dependent.
