Connector Selection Guides
Use this Deutsch connector selection chart to compare DT, DTM, DTP, DTV, HD10, HD30 and DTHD connector families by application, contact size, current rating and typical wiring-harness use.
If you already know your circuit type or application, the charts below will help you narrow down the right Deutsch connector family before choosing housings, contacts, wedgelocks and accessories.
For a broader step-by-step explanation of how to choose a connector family, read our Complete Deutsch Connector Selection Guide.
Quick Answer: Which Deutsch Connector Should You Start With?
Start with DTM Series connectors for compact signal circuits, DT Series connectors for general-purpose sealed wiring, DTP Series connectors for higher-current circuits, and HD10 or HD30 Series connectors for circular heavy-duty applications.
Deutsch Connector Selection Chart
This Deutsch connector chart gives a quick side-by-side comparison of the most common connector families. Use it to compare current rating, contact size and typical application before moving to the relevant product collection.
| Connector family | Best for | Contact size | Typical current rating | Typical applications | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DTM | Compact signal circuits | Size 20 | 7.5A | Sensors, CAN bus, ECU wiring, compact harnesses | Shop DTM |
| DT | General-purpose sealed wiring | Size 16 | 13A | Lighting, relays, solenoids, general harnesses | Shop DT |
| DTP | Higher-current circuits | Size 12 | 25A | Fuel pumps, cooling fans, motors, power distribution | Shop DTP |
| DTV | 18-way sealed connections | Size 16 | 13A | Multi-circuit harnesses and transport wiring | Shop DTV |
| HD10 | Thermoplastic circular connections | Size 4, 12 or 16 | Depends on contact | Diagnostics, transport, industrial equipment | Shop HD10 |
| HD30 | Heavy-duty circular connections | Size 4-20 | Depends on contact | Heavy equipment, off-highway, transport wiring | Shop HD30 |
| DTHD | Single-circuit power | Size 4, 8 or 12 | 25A-100A options | Single heavy-duty power circuits | Shop DTHD |
For most general wiring jobs, DT Series connectors are the most versatile starting point. DTM connectors are better for compact, low-current signal circuits. DTP connectors are better for higher-current circuits such as pumps, fans and motors. HD10 and HD30 are better suited to circular connector applications in transport, industrial and heavy-equipment wiring.
The DT rating above is based on the published DT family specification, which states that DT accepts size 16 contacts rated to 13A. For HD10 and HD30 families, current rating depends on the contact size and configuration.
DT vs DTM vs DTP Chart
DT, DTM and DTP are often compared because they are all sealed rectangular Deutsch connector families. The key difference is contact size and current rating.
| Family | Best use | Contact size | Typical current rating | Choose when |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DTM | Compact signal circuits | Size 20 | 7.5A | You need low-current, compact wiring |
| DT | General-purpose sealed wiring | Size 16 | 13A | You need the most versatile sealed connector |
| DTP | Higher-current circuits | Size 12 | 25A | You need more current capacity for fans, pumps or motors |
The simplest way to choose between them is by circuit load. Use DTM for compact signal wiring, DT for general-purpose power and signal connections, and DTP where the circuit needs higher current capacity.
For a deeper explanation, read DT vs DTM vs DTP Connectors: What’s the Difference?
Deutsch Connector Current Rating Chart
This current rating chart helps compare connector families by contact size and typical electrical load. Always confirm the individual product specification, wire gauge and contact type before ordering.
| Connector family | Contact size | Typical current rating | Better for |
|---|---|---|---|
| DTM | Size 20 | 7.5A | Low-current signal circuits |
| DT | Size 16 | 13A | General-purpose wiring |
| DTP | Size 12 | 25A | Higher-current power circuits |
| DTV | Size 16 | 13A | 18-way sealed harnesses |
| DTHD | Size 12 / 8 / 4 | 25A / 60A / 100A options | Single-circuit power |
| HD10 | Size 16 / 12 / 4 | Depends on contact | Circular transport wiring |
| HD30 | Size 20-4 | Depends on contact | Heavy-duty circular systems |
Current rating depends on the connector family, contact size, wire gauge and assembly method. For example, HD10 and HD30 families can accept different contact sizes depending on the configuration, so they should not be treated as having one fixed current rating.
HD10 connectors are environmentally sealed, thermoplastic cylindrical connectors for trucking, agricultural, marine, mining and construction applications.
Deutsch Connector Sizing Chart
A Deutsch connector sizing chart is mainly about contact size. Contact size affects current capacity, compatible wire gauge, pins, sockets and crimp tooling.
| Contact size | Typical connector family | Typical circuit type |
|---|---|---|
| Size 20 | DTM | Low-current signal wiring |
| Size 16 | DT, DTV | General wiring and multi-circuit harnesses |
| Size 12 | DTP, DTHD | Higher-current power circuits |
| Size 8 | DTHD, some heavy-duty circular families | Higher-power single circuits |
| Size 4 | DTHD, HD10, HD30 | Heavy-duty power connections |
This is one of the most important checks before ordering. DT, DTM and DTP connectors can look similar in product photos, but they do not use the same contacts. If you choose the correct housing but the wrong contact size, the connector will not assemble correctly.
Useful categories: Contacts & Terminals, Wedgelocks, Seals & Accessories, and Connector Tools.
Sealed Connector Chart by Application
Use this sealed connector chart when you know the application but are unsure which Deutsch connector family to choose.
| Application | Best starting family | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | DTM | Compact, low-current signal wiring |
| CAN bus | DTM | Smaller size 20 contacts |
| Lighting | DT | General-purpose sealed wiring |
| Relays | DT | Reliable sealed harness connection |
| Solenoids | DT | General-purpose power and signal use |
| Fuel pumps | DTP | Higher-current capacity |
| Cooling fans | DTP | Better for higher-current loads |
| Multi-circuit harnesses | DTV | 18-way sealed layout |
| Heavy equipment | HD30 / HD10 | Circular heavy-duty options |
| Single power circuit | DTHD | Single-circuit heavy-duty power |
The intended application is usually the best starting point. If the circuit is low-current and compact, start with DTM. If it is general-purpose wiring, start with DT. If it is a higher-current circuit, compare DTP and DTHD. If it is a circular heavy-duty harness connection, compare HD10 and HD30.
For application-led recommendations, read Which Connector Should I Use for My Application?
Wiring Harness Connector Chart
This wiring harness connector chart helps match common harness requirements to the most relevant Deutsch connector family.
| Harness requirement | Recommended connector family |
|---|---|
| Small signal harness | DTM |
| General repair harness | DT |
| Engine-bay harness | DT or DTP |
| Pump or fan harness | DTP |
| Multi-wire equipment harness | DTV or HD10 |
| Heavy-duty circular harness | HD30 |
| Single-circuit power harness | DTHD |
For most automotive, agricultural and industrial repair harnesses, DT is the first family to check. For compact signal harnesses, DTM is usually more suitable. For pumps, fans and motors, DTP gives more current capacity. For heavy-duty round harness connections, HD10 and HD30 are often more relevant.
Related guides: Best Deutsch Connector for Automotive Wiring, Best Connectors for Mining Equipment, and Best Connector for Agricultural Equipment.
DT, DTM, DTP, DTV, HD10 and HD30 Compared
This Deutsch series comparison gives a more practical view of where each family fits in a buying decision.
| Series | Connector style | Strength | Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| DTM | Rectangular sealed | Compact and suitable for low-current signals | Not intended for higher-current loads |
| DT | Rectangular sealed | Versatile general-purpose choice | May not suit higher-current circuits |
| DTP | Rectangular sealed | Higher current capacity than DT | Fewer common cavity options |
| DTV | Rectangular sealed | 18-way sealed layout | More specialized than DT |
| HD10 | Circular thermoplastic | Good for circular transport connections | Contact/current depends on configuration |
| HD30 | Circular metal shell | Strong heavy-duty circular option | Larger and more application-specific |
HD30 connectors are built around a metal shell for heavy-duty equipment and transportation applications, while HD10 connectors are thermoplastic cylindrical connectors for harsh industrial and commercial transportation environments.
For a deeper article on the circular families, read HD, HD10 & HD30 Connectors Explained.
Which Deutsch Connector Should I Choose?
Use this simplified chart if you want the fastest answer.
| If you need... | Choose... |
|---|---|
| Compact signal wiring | DTM Series connectors |
| General sealed wiring | DT Series connectors |
| Higher-current sealed wiring | DTP Series connectors |
| 18-way sealed connector | DTV Series connectors |
| Circular thermoplastic connector | HD10 Series connectors |
| Heavy-duty metal-shell circular connector | HD30 Series connectors |
| Single-circuit power connector | DTHD Series connectors |
The best Deutsch connector depends on current requirement, contact size, cavity count and application. If you are unsure, start with the application first, then confirm the current rating and compatible contacts.
Complete Connector Assembly Checklist
Once you have chosen the connector family, check whether you need the full assembly. Many Deutsch connector products are sold as individual housings, so contacts, wedgelocks and accessories may need to be ordered separately.
| Component | Why it matters | Shop |
|---|---|---|
| Plug housing | One half of the mating connector pair | Shop connectors |
| Receptacle housing | The matching connector half | Shop connectors |
| Pin contacts | Male electrical contacts | Shop contacts |
| Socket contacts | Female electrical contacts | Shop contacts |
| Wedgelock | Helps retain and align contacts | Shop wedgelocks |
| Seals | Help protect against contamination | Shop seals |
| Backshells / boots | Add protection or strain relief | Shop backshells |
| Crimp tools | Required for reliable termination | Shop tools |
For more detail, read Deutsch Contacts, Terminals & Accessories Guide.
Deutsch Connector Selection FAQs
What is a Deutsch connector selection chart?
A Deutsch connector selection chart compares connector families by application, contact size, current rating and typical use. It helps you choose between families such as DT, DTM, DTP, DTV, HD10, HD30 and DTHD before selecting individual housings, contacts and accessories.
What is the difference between DT, DTM and DTP connectors?
The main difference is contact size and current capacity. DTM uses smaller size 20 contacts for compact signal circuits, DT uses size 16 contacts for general-purpose wiring, and DTP uses size 12 contacts for higher-current circuits.
Which Deutsch connector is best for general wiring?
DT Series connectors are usually the best starting point for general-purpose sealed wiring. They are commonly used for lighting, relays, solenoids, automotive wiring, industrial harnesses and off-highway equipment connections.
Which Deutsch connector is best for sensors?
DTM Series connectors are usually the best starting point for sensors and compact signal circuits. They use smaller size 20 contacts and are often selected where space is limited and current requirements are lower.
Which Deutsch connector is best for higher-current circuits?
DTP Series connectors are usually the best starting point for higher-current sealed wiring. They use size 12 contacts and are commonly selected for circuits such as fuel pumps, cooling fans, motors and auxiliary power.
Which Deutsch connector is best for heavy equipment?
For heavy equipment, DT, DTP, HD10 and HD30 are often the most relevant families. DT is useful for general sealed harness wiring, DTP is better for higher-current circuits, and HD10 or HD30 may be preferred for circular heavy-duty connections.
Final Recommendation
Use the chart that matches how you are choosing:
- If you are comparing families, use the Deutsch connector selection chart.
- If you are comparing current capacity, use the current rating chart.
- If you are choosing by contact size, use the sizing chart.
- If you are choosing by use case, use the application chart.
- If you are building a harness, use the wiring harness connector chart.
For compact signal circuits, start with DTM Series connectors. For general-purpose sealed wiring, start with DT Series connectors. For higher-current circuits, start with DTP Series connectors. For circular heavy-duty applications, compare HD10 and HD30. For single-circuit power connections, consider DTHD.
Need a deeper explanation of the full selection process? Read the Complete Deutsch Connector Selection Guide.
