Are you referring to connectors as received from the manufacturer or after assembly to pcb's? I'm not familiar with all the packaging options for connectors after they are assembled to pcb's, so I'll comment based on product shipped from the connector manufacturer. Typically, connectors (both pin and receptacle) are placed in trays, tubes, tape & reel for shipment. Typically, the packaging materials used are anti-static. I personally am not familiar with any male pin connectors shipped with anti-static foam on the pins (not to say that they don't exist). The exposed metal is the cause for ESD concern? Female receptacle connectors don't usually have exposed metal contacts. Since they are the "active" or spring half of the system, the contacts are usually encased within the housing material to prevent damage. Martha Rupert AMP Incorporated ################################################################ TechNet E-Mail Forum provided as a free service by IPC using LISTSERV 1.8c ################################################################ To subscribe/unsubscribe, send a message to [log in to unmask] with following text in the body: To subscribe: SUBSCRIBE TechNet <your full name> To unsubscribe: SIGNOFF TechNet ################################################################ Please visit IPC's web site (http://www.ipc.org) "On-Line Services" section for additional information. For technical support contact Hugo Scaramuzza at [log in to unmask] or 847-509-9700 ext.312 ################################################################