It is the female, free-hanging (in-line) half of the MTA-156 wire-to-board or wire-to-wire interconnect system, designed for mass-termination harness assembly without stripping or crimping individual contacts.
This receptacle is specified for 22 AWG wire only — the IDC slot dimensions and insulation displacement beam are sized for that gauge. Using a different wire size will not achieve a gas-tight connection and risks intermittent contact or wire push-out. The IDC termination accepts discrete wires or ribbon cable, and the closed-end feature stops the contacts from sliding out the back of the housing during assembly or service.
Polarizing Key and Header Compatibility
The polarizing key (a raised rib inside the housing) aligns with a matching slot on the MTA-156 header, ensuring the receptacle cannot be mated backwards or with a non-keyed header. This is a one-way key — it does not allow multiple keying positions. The 0.156" pitch and single-row layout are standard across the MTA-156 series, so this 6-position receptacle mates with any 6-position MTA-156 header (straight or right-angle, through-hole or surface-mount) that has the corresponding keyway.
Current and Voltage Rating Context
While the MTA-156 series is rated by TE Connectivity for up to 5 A per contact and 250 VAC, the exact derating depends on wire gauge, ambient temperature, and the number of adjacent circuits carrying current simultaneously. At 22 AWG with all 6 positions loaded, the practical current limit is typically 3-4 A per contact at 25 °C ambient to stay within the 30 °C temperature rise limit of the housing material. The 0.156" pitch provides enough creepage distance for the 250 V rating in dry indoor environments.