The card edge connector provides a fast means for connecting and disconnecting single-sided, double-sided or multilayer printed circuit boards. Contact force consistency is obtained through the use of a long cantilevered contact having a minimum deflection angle and an extended self-cleaning, wiping action. These contacts ensure positive connection to the board, even when pad surfaces are irregular. Good contact pressure is maintained with minimum wear on PC board pads, even in hostile environments, and after numerous insertions and withdrawals or shock and vibration. Available in 10, 20, 26, 34, 40 and 50 contact versions, the CW card edge connector is compatible with various PC board thicknesses, from 0.032 in. to 0.070 in. thick. Strain relief is an integral part of CW card edge connector. A strain relief lip is molded into the connector body. Upon installation of the cover, this lip causes a strain relief bend in the cable that prevents forces applied to the cable from being transferred to the IDC termination. Positive polarization is available on all CW card edge connectors. A polarizing key, inserted into a V-slot located between any two contacts, fits into a corresponding .037 in. slot cut into the PC board. This technique not only provides positive polarization without loss of a contact position, but also helps ensure precise alignment of the contacts to the PC board pads.