Getting to know Deutsch connectors

What are Deutsch connectors?

Deutsch connectors are environmentally sealed, waterproof electrical connectors that are commonly used in automotive, marine, and industrial applications. They are robust and reliable, and designed to withstand the harshest environments and conditions. As such, Deutsch connecters are the perfect electrical connector for driving lights and light bars, work lamps, marine lighting and other aftermarket lighting products which are mounted on the outside of a vehicle and exposed to the elements.

What are the main features and benefits of a Deutsch connector?

When inspecting a Deutsch connector, you’ll immediately notice its high-quality engineering. Deutsch connectors feature rugged thermoplastic housings, which can operate in temperatures from -55° C to 125° C, and corrosion and oxidation-resistant nickel or gold-plated copper alloy terminals. Silicon rubber seals ensure the connectors are resistant to dust, water and mud (and anything else you can throw at them) and waterproof to 3’ submersion of water.

Deutsch connectors come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, but they all use a common type of terminal (known as a ‘contact’ or a ‘pin’). There are five main sizes of Deutsch connector terminals (4, 8, 12, 16 and 20) to accommodate a range of wire sizes (from 0.25 to 16mm) and current ratings (from 7.5 amps through to 100 amps). With multiple mounting options available, Deutsch connectors are a versatile family of connectors.           

What are the different types of Deutsch connectors?

You may have heard of DT, DTM or DTP connectors - these are different types or 'series' of Deutsch connectors. The different series are based on the size of the pins and wire they accommodate, the amperage ratings of their pins, their housing design and mounting options. For a summary of Narva's Deutsch connector specifications, refer to the table below.

NARVA DEUTSCH CONNECTOR SPECIFICATIONS

Which is the right Deutsch connector for my application?

Narva offers the DT, DTM and DTP series of Deutsch connectors in a range of pin configurations (from 2 to 12). To select the correct Deutsch connector for your application, you’ll need to know the number of wires you have to connect along with the current draw of the accessories being connected, which is typically listed in the accessory’s installation instructions.If you’re unsure, check out Narva’s other blogs and videos covering Good Wiring Practice and Automotive Wiring 101 for hints and tips on determining the correct wire size and component current ratings.

It’s worth noting, if you need to pass more current through a connector than its individual pins are rated for, you can split the incoming and outgoing cable into two or more separate wires to spread the load across multiple pins. For example, DTM Series pins are rated at 7.5 amps each. If you were to use a DTM connector to connect 12 volts to a 120-watt spotlight (which draws 10 amps), you could use two separate wires and two separate pins. Here each pin would carry half the total load (i.e. 5 amps each), which is less than each pin’s 7.5-amp rating. This type of configuration is very handy when you want to minimise the total number of connectors used.

What tools do you need to work with Deutsch connectors?

Deutsch connectors use very unique terminals – with each series having different sized pins (the higher the current rating, the larger the pin diameter). To get the job done right, Deutsch pins require a very specific crimping tool. For the solid pins, Narva offers the following crimpers – P/N: 56507-20 (for Size 20 pins), P/N: 56507 (for Size 16 pins) and P/N: 56507-12 (for Size 12 pins). Narva also offers the P/N: 56540 crimpers for Size 16, formed-style pins. It’s vital you use the correct crimper to suit the size and style of terminal, as the Deutsch system relies on this. And for easy removal of Deutsch terminals, grab yourself a Narva Deutch Terminal Removal Kit.

As well as a host of OE applications, Narva uses Deutsch connectors in a number of their lighting kits and accessories, including industrial work lamps, heavy duty LED light bars and even their Ultima LED driving light harness. The Deutsch system is very modular, as such Narva offers individual male and female connectors, male/female pairs, individual packs of pins, as well as assorted connector kits. Head to Narva’s connector page to check out the extensive range – and get connected!