Connector Family Guide
Deutsch DTP Series connectors are sealed rectangular connectors developed for higher-current applications than standard DT and compact DTM systems. DTP uses Size 12 contacts rated by TE Connectivity at up to 25 amps continuous per contact in the published family specification.
The standard DTP family is built around 2- and 4-position configurations and commonly supports 10-14 AWG wire when used with the appropriate Size 12 contacts. The housing, contacts, mating half and WP-series wedgelock all need to be selected as a system.
This guide explains what DTP connectors are, when they make sense, how DTP04 and DTP06 housings relate to each other and what parts you need for a complete DTP connection.
Quick Recommendation
Use DTP as a starting point when you need a rectangular Deutsch connector for a circuit that exceeds the practical role of DT's Size 16 contact system and suits DTP's Size 12 contact system.
| Requirement | DTP Starting Point |
|---|---|
| Higher-current rectangular connection | DTP Series |
| Contact size | Size 12 |
| Published continuous capacity | Up to 25 A per contact within the DTP family specification. |
| Common wire range | 10-14 AWG with compatible contacts. |
| Standard cavity arrangements | 2 and 4 positions. |
| 2-way receptacle | DTP04-2P |
| 2-way plug | DTP06-2S |
Always size the circuit from the actual load, wire and contact specification rather than choosing DTP solely because it is described as “higher current.”
What Is a Deutsch DTP Connector?
DTP is part of the broader Deutsch DT connector family architecture. It builds on the rectangular sealed design but uses larger Size 12 contacts to support higher-power circuits.
TE Connectivity describes DTP as a solution for higher-power applications and specifies multiple Size 12 contacts with a continuous capacity of 25 amps each within a single shell. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
That makes DTP especially useful where a conventional DT connector's Size 16 contact system is not the right fit but a compact multi-position rectangular connection is still desirable.
Deutsch DTP Series Specifications
| Specification | DTP Series |
|---|---|
| Contact size | Size 12 |
| Contact current capacity | 25 A continuous per contact in the published family specification. |
| Common wire range | 10-14 AWG (approximately 6.0-2.0 mm²). |
| Standard cavity arrangements | 2 and 4 positions. |
| Housing construction | Rectangular thermoplastic. |
| Locking | Integrated connector latch with compatible secondary wedgelocks. |
| Mounting options | In-line, flange and PCB/header options exist within the family. |
These are family-level characteristics. Individual part numbers and modifications can differ, so use the exact product specification for final selection. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
DTP04 vs DTP06: Receptacle and Plug
The DTP part-number pattern follows the familiar DT-family convention:
- DTP04 identifies a receptacle-style housing.
- DTP06 identifies a plug-style housing.
- P identifies a pin-contact configuration.
- S identifies a socket-contact configuration.
| Housing | Role | Contact Configuration | Mating Half | Wedgelock |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DTP04-2P | 2-way receptacle | Pin contacts | DTP06-2S | WP-2P |
| DTP06-2S | 2-way plug | Socket contacts | DTP04-2P | WP-2S |
The live DTP06-2S specification confirms a 2-position plug using Size 12 socket contacts with a maximum listed contact rating of 25 A. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
2-Way vs 4-Way DTP Connectors
The standard DTP housing family is notably narrower in cavity-count choice than DT or DTM. TE lists standard 2- and 4-position DTP configurations. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
| Positions | Typical Selection Reason |
|---|---|
| 2-way | Two-conductor power circuits such as a supply and return. |
| 4-way | Higher-current circuits requiring several conductors within one rectangular connector. |
Choose the cavity count from the actual circuit architecture, not simply from what is available in the family.
Which Contacts Do DTP Connectors Use?
DTP is built around Size 12 Deutsch contacts. The exact contact must then be matched to wire size, pin/socket side, construction and any plating requirements.
| Example SKU | Type | Size | Listed Wire Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0460-204-12141 | Solid pin contact | Size 12 | 12-14 AWG |
| 0462-203-12141 | Socket contact | Size 12 | Confirm exact product specification before ordering. |
The live 0460-204-12141 listing identifies it as a Size 12 solid pin contact for 12-14 AWG wire with a listed typical current rating of 25 A. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
For broader contact selection, see the Deutsch Contacts, Terminals & Accessories Guide.
Which Wedgelocks Do DTP Connectors Use?
DTP uses WP-series wedgelocks as secondary contact-retention components.
| Housing | Contact Side | Wedgelock |
|---|---|---|
| DTP04-2P | Pin | WP-2P |
| DTP06-2S | Socket | WP-2S |
Do not substitute DT W-series or DTM WM-series wedgelocks simply because the cavity count is the same. Match the secondary lock to the DTP housing.
For a deeper explanation, use the Deutsch Wedgelock Guide.
Where Are DTP Connectors Used?
DTP is useful where the circuit requires a higher-current rectangular sealed connector and the load, wire and contact specification fit the DTP system.
Common starting applications include:
- Fuel-pump circuits.
- Cooling-fan wiring.
- Electric motors and actuators.
- Auxiliary power feeds.
- Commercial and heavy-equipment harnesses.
- Agricultural and construction machinery.
- Other higher-current multi-conductor connections.
TE lists commercial vehicles, off-road equipment, construction machinery, agricultural equipment and related harsh-environment applications among suitable DTP uses. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
For one specific use case, see Best Deutsch Connector for Fuel Pumps.
DTP vs DT: When Should You Move to DTP?
The key difference is the contact system rather than simply physical size.
| Family | Common Contact Size | Published Continuous Capacity | General Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| DT | Size 16 | 13 A per contact | General-purpose sealed wiring. |
| DTP | Size 12 | 25 A per contact | Higher-current rectangular wiring. |
This page intentionally does not duplicate the full family-selection comparison. If you are still deciding between DTM, DT and DTP, use DT vs DTM vs DTP Connectors.
What Do You Need for a Complete DTP Connection?
A housing alone is not necessarily a complete assembly. Before ordering, check every component required for both sides.
| Component | Pin Side | Socket Side |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | DTP04-2P | DTP06-2S |
| Contact type | Compatible Size 12 pins | Compatible Size 12 sockets |
| Wedgelock | WP-2P | WP-2S |
| Wire | Must match the exact selected Size 12 contact specification. | |
| Crimp tooling | Must be specified for the selected contact and wire combination. | |
Browse the DTP Series collection, contacts and wedgelocks when you know the required configuration.
What Do DTP Suffixes Mean?
DTP housings are available with extended suffixes and modification codes. These can distinguish specific sealing, color, keying or configuration variants.
Do not assume two DTP housings are identical because their base part number is similar. For example, the live catalog contains DTP06-2S variants such as DTP06-2S-C015 and DTP06-2S-E004. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
Use the complete part number and exact product specification when matching a replacement or mating connector.
Mistakes We See
Choosing DTP only because the circuit sounds “high current”
Calculate the real load and verify the contact and wire specification rather than relying on a broad label.
Using DT contacts in a DTP housing
DTP uses a larger Size 12 contact system and should not be treated as interchangeable with DT's Size 16 system.
Ordering the housing without the wedgelock or contacts
Check what is included in each listing and complete the assembly accordingly.
Mixing WP and W-series wedgelocks
DTP uses its own compatible WP-series secondary locks.
Ignoring the full suffix
Modification codes can matter for the exact housing configuration.
Assuming DTP replaces every higher-current connector
DTP is one option. Very high-current single-circuit applications or circular harness requirements may call for a different Deutsch family.
DTP Series FAQs
What is a Deutsch DTP connector?
DTP is a sealed rectangular Deutsch connector family designed for higher-power circuits. It uses Size 12 contacts and is commonly available in 2- and 4-position configurations.
How many amps can a DTP connector handle?
TE Connectivity publishes a continuous capacity of 25 amps per Size 12 contact for the DTP family. Actual circuit design should still consider the exact contact, wire, temperature and load conditions.
What wire size does DTP use?
TE lists 10-14 AWG as the common DTP family wire range when used with compatible Size 12 contacts. Check the exact contact because individual terminals can have narrower ranges.
Does DTP use the same contacts as DT?
No. Standard DTP uses Size 12 contacts, while standard DT uses Size 16 contacts.
What mates with DTP04-2P?
The common 2-way DTP04-2P receptacle mates with the compatible DTP06-2S plug configuration. Confirm any suffix or modification requirements for the exact parts.
Which wedgelock fits DTP04-2P?
The common 2-way DTP04-2P pin-side housing uses a WP-2P wedgelock. The mating DTP06-2S socket-side housing uses WP-2S.
Final Recommendation
Choose DTP when the circuit requires a higher-current rectangular connector and the load, wire and Size 12 contact specification fit the family.
Start with the circuit, then select the DTP housing, compatible Size 12 contacts, mating half and WP-series wedgelock.
