What This MTA-156 IDC Receptacle Does in a Harness
It terminates 22 AWG discrete or ribbon cable by pressing the wire into an insulation displacement slot — no stripping or crimping required. The 0.156" (3.96mm) pitch is wider than the common 0.100" IDC format, giving more room per circuit for 22 AWG wire routing. The red housing with a closed end and polarizing key prevents reverse or off-position mating with the matching MTA-156 header. Typical use is internal point-to-point wiring in appliances, HVAC controls, industrial panels, and automotive interior harnesses where a quick, reliable IDC termination is needed.
Pitch, Wire Size, and Termination — What Fits
This is a fixed dimension — the receptacle only fits MTA-156 headers with the same pitch. The IDC termination is sized exclusively for 22 AWG wire (solid or stranded, as long as the overall diameter fits the slot). Using 20 AWG or 24 AWG will not make reliable contact.