The 0.156" (3.96mm) pitch gives it a compact footprint for a 13-circuit harness, and the free-hanging (in-line) mount means it terminates a cable end, not a board. It's the female socket half that mates with the matching MTA-156 pin header — the orange colour is a visual key for the series, not a functional differentiator.
Wiring It: IDC Termination for 18 AWG
This receptacle terminates 18 AWG wire via IDC — no crimp tool, no loose terminals. It accepts both discrete wire and ribbon cable, so you can use it for a point-to-point harness or a multi-conductor ribbon run. The 18 AWG wire gauge is a single-size spec; if your harness uses 20 or 22 AWG, this part won't grip it properly — stick with 18 AWG for a reliable termination.
Locking Ramp and Closed End: What They Do on the Harness
The closed end means the back of the receptacle is sealed; no wire exit through the rear, so the IDC termination is fully enclosed. The polarizing key prevents mis-mating with an unkeyed header — you can't plug it in upside down or into the wrong row count.
Contact Finish: Why 80 µ" Tin Matters
The thickness is well above typical flash tin, so corrosion resistance in a dry indoor environment is fine.