A connector (1) including a contact (3) for connecting to a mating half and a locking element (2), the locking element (2) having a locked position preventing connection or disconnection of the contact (3) with the mating half and an unlocked position preventing connection or disconnection, wherein transition between the locked and unlocked positions is governed by a spring means (5) formed as an integral part of the locking element (2), the spring means (5) being unbiased when the locking element (2) is in the locked position.