A telecommunications apparatus for use with a plug having at least first, second and third pins. The telecommunications apparatus includes a plug connector for receiving the plug. The plug connector includes at least first, second and third electrical contacts for electrically contacting the first, second and third pins, respectively, when the plug is inserted in the plug connector. The plug connector also includes an electrical by-pass pathway that: i) electrically connects the first and second electrical contacts when the plug is fully removed from the plug connector such that a signal can enter the plug connector through the first contact, pass through the by-pass pathway to the second contact, and exit the plug connector through the second contact; and ii) does not electrically connect the first and second electrical contacts when the plug is fully inserted within the plug connector such that a signal can enter the plug connector through the first contact, pass through the plug to the second contact, and exit the plug connector through the second contact.