An electrical connector for connecting a flat cable to one or more contacts (100) comprises a housing (10) of generally rectangular cross section. The housing (10) has a first pair of generally parallel spaced long sides connected by a second pair of generally parallel spaced short sides and an actuator (20) movable in the housing (10). The housing (10) defines a cavity to receive a cable backing member (50) which forms part of the actuator (20) and the flat cable (40). The housing (10) has a locking element (150) which cooperates with a recess (60) in the actuator for locking the actuator in an inserted position in the housing, the locking element (150) being located intermediate the short sides.