New product release from TE Connectivity. The Micro Mate N Lok has been given a strain relief – a simple, yet very effective, addition to this range.
For some time we have wanted to see more strain reliefs in these types of products, especially when they are being used in environments where the environment may need a little more robustness. 
This clever design is a screwless, snap-together-one and is therefore easy to fit. I like this type of product enhancement as it makes the use of the connector available for many additional applications.
According to the TE Brochure, the main benefits are:
- Micro MATE-N-LOK strain relief jacketed cable assemblies meet IEC 60598-1 which requires a minimum cable retention of 60N
- Screwless design allows for ease of assembly
- The strain relief covers provide latch protection that prevents inadvertent unmating of the connectors
- Rounded corners allow for a snag-resistant design
Although the strain relief is only available on the 4 & 8 position connector I am sure that if this is a success then the range will be developed further.
This may not be a massive leap in technology, however it is a very useful product enhancement. It is a lesson to other manufacturers to think about how they can broaden the appeal of existing products by enhancing them with practical and effective features such as these strain reliefs.
