A Z-directed connector component for insertion into a printed circuit board and providing electrical connections to internal conductive planes contained with the PCB and/or to external conductive traces on the surface of the PCB. In one embodiment the Z-directed component is housed within the thickness of the PCB allowing other components to be mounted over it. The body of the Z-directed connector component may contain one or more conductors and may include one or more surface channels or wells extending along at least a portion of the length of the body. Methods for mounting Z-directed components are also provided.