The closed-end design prevents the cable from pushing through the housing during assembly, which keeps the termination consistent row to row. This is a free-hanging, right-angle receptacle — it sits perpendicular to the cable axis, which helps route the harness flat against the board edge in tight enclosures.
Wiring It Up: IDC Termination and Cable Prep
It accepts 28 AWG wire, either discrete strands or ribbon cable. The closed end acts as a backstop, so the wire stops at the right depth every time. No stripping, no crimping — just a straight press with the right hand tool or bench press. Because the termination is IDC, the wire gauge is fixed at 28 AWG. Running a different gauge means the slot won't cut cleanly, and the connection may not hold. Stick with 28 AWG and the termination tool recommended for MTA-100 receptacles to get the full pull-out force.