The TE Connectivity 208979-4 is a NEMA 5-15R panel-mount power receptacle — the standard three-slot AC inlet found on equipment that plugs into a North American wall outlet. It carries 3 female socket positions rated 15 A at 125 VAC, which is the full branch-circuit capacity of a typical household or office receptacle circuit. The connector snaps into a square 24.59 mm x 24.59 mm panel cutout and accepts panel thickness from 0.030" to 0.070" (0.76 mm to 1.78 mm). Termination is IDC — the power cord is pressed into the slot, where the contact pierces the insulation — so no crimp tool or solder iron is needed at the wiring end. The housing is rated UL94 V-2, and the assembly carries CSA and UL approvals, confirming it is accepted for mains-voltage wiring in North American equipment.
Panel Cutout and Snap-In Fit — Getting the Hole Right
This receptacle mounts by snapping into a square cutout — the exact dimensions are 24.59 mm x 24.59 mm. The snap-in ears grip panel thicknesses from 0.030" to 0.070".
IDC Termination — Wiring Without a Crimp Tool
The 208979-4 terminates the power cord via IDC (Insulation Displacement Connection). The wire is pushed into the slot; the contact edges cut through the insulation and grip the conductor. This eliminates the need for a crimp tool or solder station, which is useful in high-volume assembly or field replacement where a technician has only a screwdriver. The trade-off is that the wire gauge must match the IDC slot range — the datasheet specifies the acceptable AWG range — and the wire should be solid or stranded with the correct insulation diameter for a reliable gas-tight connection.