Definition

• IDC connectors are connector devices used to connect conductors and wires and strip insulation, or the protective layer surrounding a wire or wires, thereby eliminating the need to strip the wire before making a connection. IDC connectors are categorized by number of rows, pins and pin spacing in millimeters.
  
  

Process

• IDC connectors contain blades that cut through insulation and cold-welds the IDC connector device to the wire. Cold welding refers to fusing of the surfaces of two similar metals if brought together under vacuum pressure, creating a gas-tight connection. The wire is pressed into the IDC connector via a punchdown tool, such as a punch block.
  
  

Punchdown Block

• A punchdown block is a terminal strip that connects data and telephone lines. Punchdown blocks take individual wires and punch each down into the necessary position on the IDC connector. Punchdown blocks are often used in network wall and telephone sockets and patch panels.