An electrical connector having a squib connector housing a plurality of socket contacts and a squib assembly housing a plurality of pin contacts for insertion in the socket contacts when the squib connector and squib assembly are moved in a mating direction and mated. A retaining means provided for retaining the squib connector and squib assembly in a fully mated condition. A spring, acting in a direction opposite the mating direction, provides a resisting force to oppose mating. During the application of a mating force to overcome the resisting force of the spring and move the squib connector and squib assembly in the mating direction, and prior to the squib connector and squib assembly reaching the fully mated condition, removal of the resisting force of the spring is triggered and the mating force is applied to moving the squib connector and squib assembly to the fully mated condition.