Comparison Guide
DT04 vs DT06 is a plug-and-receptacle comparison within the Deutsch DT Series. DT04 usually identifies the receptacle housing, while DT06 usually identifies the plug housing. Matching DT04 and DT06 connectors must use the same connector family, cavity count, contact size and compatible pin/socket configuration.
The confusion usually comes from part numbers such as DT04-2P and DT06-2S. These two parts are designed to work together: DT04-2P is the 2-way receptacle side with pin configuration, and DT06-2S is the 2-way plug side with socket configuration.
This guide explains the difference between DT04 and DT06 housings, how plug and receptacle terminology works, what P and S mean, and how to choose the correct mating pair, contacts and wedgelocks for a Deutsch DT connector assembly.
Quick Answer: What Is the Difference Between DT04 and DT06?
DT04 is usually the receptacle housing and DT06 is usually the plug housing in the Deutsch DT Series. A DT04 connector mates with a DT06 connector when both parts are from the same family and have the same cavity count.
| Part number pattern | Housing role | Example | Mates with | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DT04 | Receptacle housing | DT04-2P | DT06-2S | Shop DT04-2P |
| DT06 | Plug housing | DT06-2S | DT04-2P | Shop DT06-2S |
DT04 vs DT06 Comparison Chart
The DT04 and DT06 codes describe different housing sides within the same Deutsch DT Series connector system. They are not interchangeable, but they are designed to mate when the family and cavity count match.
| Feature | DT04 | DT06 |
|---|---|---|
| Typical housing role | Receptacle housing | Plug housing |
| Common example | DT04-2P | DT06-2S |
| Common contact configuration | P for pin configuration | S for socket configuration |
| Common 2-way mating pair | Mates with DT06-2S | Mates with DT04-2P |
| Connector family | DT Series | DT Series |
| Typical contact size | Size 16 contacts | Size 16 contacts |
| Compatibility rule | Match family and cavity count | Match family and cavity count |
What Is DT04?
DT04 usually identifies a Deutsch DT Series receptacle housing. For example, DT04-2P is a 2-way DT Series receptacle housing with pin contact configuration.
The DT04 housing is one side of the connector pair. To complete the connection, it must be matched with the correct DT06 plug housing, compatible contacts, correct wedgelock and suitable wire gauge.
| Code | Meaning | Selection note |
|---|---|---|
| DT | Deutsch DT Series | Use DT-compatible contacts, wedgelocks and tools. |
| 04 | Receptacle housing | Mates with a compatible DT06 plug housing. |
| 2 | 2-way / 2-position | Must mate with a 2-way DT06 housing. |
| P | Pin configuration | Pairs with socket configuration on the mating side. |
For a deeper product-specific explanation, read the DT04-2P Connector Guide.
What Is DT06?
DT06 usually identifies a Deutsch DT Series plug housing. For example, DT06-2S is a 2-way DT Series plug housing with socket contact configuration.
The DT06 housing is the mating side for a compatible DT04 receptacle. The two housings must match by connector family and cavity count to connect correctly.
| Code | Meaning | Selection note |
|---|---|---|
| DT | Deutsch DT Series | Use DT-compatible contacts, wedgelocks and tools. |
| 06 | Plug housing | Mates with a compatible DT04 receptacle housing. |
| 2 | 2-way / 2-position | Must mate with a 2-way DT04 housing. |
| S | Socket configuration | Pairs with pin configuration on the mating side. |
Plug vs Receptacle Meaning
In this Deutsch DT Series context, the receptacle and plug are the two mating connector housings. The receptacle is commonly identified by the DT04 code, and the plug is commonly identified by the DT06 code.
Plug and receptacle terminology can be confusing because it does not always mean “male” or “female” in the way people expect. The housing role and the contact configuration are separate checks. A DT04 housing can have pin configuration, while the matching DT06 housing can have socket configuration.
| Term | What it describes | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Receptacle | The housing side, often identified by DT04. | DT04-2P |
| Plug | The mating housing side, often identified by DT06. | DT06-2S |
| Pin | The male electrical contact configuration. | P in DT04-2P |
| Socket | The female electrical contact configuration. | S in DT06-2S |
P vs S: Pin vs Socket Contacts
The P and S suffixes describe the contact configuration. P usually means pin contacts, and S usually means socket contacts. A working connector pair normally uses pin contacts on one side and socket contacts on the other.
| Suffix | Meaning | Common example | Mating side |
|---|---|---|---|
| P | Pin contact configuration | DT04-2P | Typically mates with socket configuration. |
| S | Socket contact configuration | DT06-2S | Typically mates with pin configuration. |
For contact selection support, read Deutsch Contacts, Terminals & Accessories Guide.
Common DT04 and DT06 Mating Pairs
DT04 and DT06 connector housings must match by cavity count. A 2-way DT04 housing mates with a 2-way DT06 housing, a 4-way DT04 housing mates with a 4-way DT06 housing, and so on.
| DT04 receptacle | Mating DT06 plug | Cavity count | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| DT04-2P | DT06-2S | 2-way | Shop DT04-2P |
| DT04-3P | DT06-3S | 3-way | Shop DT04-3P |
| DT04-4P | DT06-4S | 4-way | Shop DT04-4P |
| DT04-6P | DT06-6S | 6-way | Shop DT04-6P |
| DT04-8P | DT06-8S | 8-way | Shop DT Series |
| DT04-12P | DT06-12S | 12-way | Shop DT Series |
For a wider compatibility guide across DT, DTM and DTP families, read the Deutsch Connector Mating Guide.
Contacts and Wedgelocks
DT04 and DT06 housings are not complete assemblies by themselves. You may also need compatible Size 16 pin contacts, Size 16 socket contacts, wedgelocks, seals and tools.
| Connector housing | Contact configuration | Compatible wedgelock example | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| DT04-2P | Pin configuration | W2P | Shop W2P |
| DT06-2S | Socket configuration | W2S | Shop W2S |
| Pin contacts | Often associated with 0462 contact numbers | Match wire gauge and contact size | Search 0462 contacts |
| Socket contacts | Often associated with 0460 contact numbers | Match wire gauge and contact size | Search 0460 contacts |
If the wedgelock will not seat or the connector will not latch, read Deutsch Connector Not Locking?.
DT04 vs DT06 Buying Checklist
Use this checklist before ordering DT04 and DT06 parts. It helps confirm that the connector pair, contacts and wedgelocks are compatible.
| Checklist item | What to confirm | Shop or guide |
|---|---|---|
| Connector family | Both parts are DT Series. | Shop DT Series |
| Housing pair | DT04 receptacle is paired with compatible DT06 plug. | Mating guide |
| Cavity count | Both housings have the same number of positions. | Shop DT connectors |
| Contact configuration | Pin side and socket side are matched correctly. | Shop contacts |
| Wedgelocks | Wedgelocks match the housing side and cavity count. | Shop wedgelocks |
| Tools | Crimp and removal tools match the selected contacts. | Shop tools |
Common Mistakes When Choosing DT04 and DT06
Most DT04 and DT06 mistakes happen when users confuse plug and receptacle roles, ignore cavity count, or assume a housing includes every part needed for the assembly.
| Mistake | Why it causes problems | Better practice |
|---|---|---|
| Confusing DT04 and DT06 | They are opposite housing sides and are not interchangeable. | Use DT04 as the receptacle side and DT06 as the plug side. |
| Mixing cavity counts | A 2-way connector will not mate with a 4-way connector. | Match cavity count across both halves. |
| Ordering pins instead of sockets | The electrical contact pair may not be correct. | Check P and S suffixes before ordering contacts. |
| Forgetting wedgelocks | Contacts may not be retained or aligned correctly. | Add the correct wedgelock for each housing side. |
| Assuming contacts are included | Some housings are sold separately from contacts and accessories. | Check product listings and complete assembly requirements. |
FAQs: DT04 vs DT06
What is the difference between DT04 and DT06?
DT04 usually identifies a Deutsch DT Series receptacle housing, while DT06 usually identifies a Deutsch DT Series plug housing. Matching DT04 and DT06 housings with the same cavity count are designed to mate together.
Is DT04 a plug or receptacle?
DT04 is usually the receptacle housing in the Deutsch DT Series. For example, DT04-2P is a 2-way receptacle housing that normally mates with DT06-2S.
Is DT06 a plug or receptacle?
DT06 is usually the plug housing in the Deutsch DT Series. For example, DT06-2S is a 2-way plug housing that normally mates with DT04-2P.
What does P mean in DT04-2P?
P indicates a pin contact configuration. DT04-2P is a 2-way Deutsch DT Series receptacle housing configured for pin contacts.
What does S mean in DT06-2S?
S indicates a socket contact configuration. DT06-2S is a 2-way Deutsch DT Series plug housing configured for socket contacts.
Can DT04 and DT06 connectors with different cavity counts mate?
No. DT04 and DT06 housings must have matching cavity counts. A DT04-2P will not mate with a DT06-4S because one is 2-way and the other is 4-way.
Final Recommendation
Choose DT04 and DT06 connectors as a matched pair. DT04 is usually the receptacle housing, DT06 is usually the plug housing, and both halves must match by DT Series family, cavity count, contact configuration and compatible accessories.
For the common 2-way DT pair, use DT04-2P with DT06-2S, then confirm compatible Size 16 contacts, W2P and W2S wedgelocks, seals and tools. Browse DT Series connectors, contacts and terminals, wedgelocks and Deutsch connector tools to complete the assembly.
