A connector socket has a plug insertion opening that is as small as possible to prevent insertion of fingers or other object. The mating plug travels on a hinged arcuate path into the plug insertion opening. The plug insertion opening is displaced from a centerline of its contacts to provide clearance permitting the mating plug to enter, while maintaining a minimum opening size. A front surface of the connector socket surrounding the plug insertion opening is a grounded conductive plate. Thus, even if one succeeds in forcing a finger or other charged object through the plug insertion opening, static charges are discharges to the conductive plate, and therefore do not pose a threat of electrical damage to components accessible within the plug insertion opening.