Connector Family Guide
DTV Series connectors are sealed Deutsch connectors used for 18-way multi-circuit wiring applications. They provide a higher pin count option within the DT connector platform and are commonly used when multiple circuits need to be combined in a single sealed connector.
DTV connectors are not simply a higher-current alternative to DT or DTP. Their main advantage is the 18-way layout, which can help consolidate circuits in equipment wiring, industrial systems, off-highway vehicles, agricultural machinery and construction plant harnesses.
This guide explains what DTV Series connectors are, where they are used, how they compare with DT and DTP connectors, and what to check before ordering compatible housings, Size 16 contacts, wedgelocks and tools.
Quick Answer: What Are DTV Series Connectors?
DTV Series connectors are sealed 18-way Deutsch connectors used for multi-circuit harness applications. They typically use Size 16 contacts and are useful when several circuits need to be grouped into one sealed connector assembly.
| DTV feature | What it means | Shop or guide |
|---|---|---|
| Connector family | Deutsch DTV Series. | Shop DTV Series |
| Typical layout | 18-way / 18-position sealed connector. | Shop DTV06-18SC |
| Typical contact size | Size 16 contacts. | Shop contacts |
| Typical use | Multi-circuit equipment and industrial harnesses. | Selection guide |
| Key selection point | Choose by circuit count, keying, contacts and mating half. | Mating guide |
What Are DTV Series Connectors?
DTV Series connectors are sealed multi-circuit Deutsch connectors used when a harness requires more positions than common smaller DT configurations. The DTV format is commonly associated with an 18-way layout and Size 16 contacts.
In practical terms, DTV connectors can help reduce the number of separate smaller connectors in a harness by consolidating several circuits into one sealed connector assembly. This makes them useful for equipment wiring, panel connections, machine harnesses and serviceable multi-circuit interfaces.
Browse the DTV Series collection if you already know this is the correct connector family for your application.
DTV Series Specifications
DTV Series specifications should be checked against the exact product listing. Keying, color, contact configuration, mounting style, wedgelocks and mating components can vary by part number.
| Specification | DTV Series detail | Selection note |
|---|---|---|
| Connector family | Deutsch DTV Series | Multi-circuit sealed connector family. |
| Typical layout | 18-way / 18-position configuration. | Useful when many circuits need one connector interface. |
| Typical contact size | Size 16 | Confirm exact contact and wire gauge before ordering. |
| Typical current guidance | Application dependent; commonly aligned with Size 16 contact selection. | Check current rating, wire gauge and duty cycle before use. |
| Common use | Multi-circuit equipment wiring and industrial harnesses. | Choose DTP instead for fewer higher-current circuits. |
| Accessories | Contacts, wedgelocks, seals, accessories and tools. | Confirm whether each product is housing-only or a kit. |
For electrical load guidance, read the Deutsch Connector Current Rating Guide.
Common Applications
Common applications for DTV Series connectors include off-highway vehicles, agricultural equipment, construction plant, industrial systems, control panels, machine harnesses and multi-circuit wiring connections.
| Application | Why DTV fits | Related guide |
|---|---|---|
| Off-highway equipment | Useful when several circuits need a sealed connector interface. | Heavy equipment guide |
| Agricultural machinery | Supports multi-circuit harnesses in exposed equipment environments. | Agricultural equipment guide |
| Construction plant | Useful for serviceable equipment harness connections. | Installation guide |
| Industrial systems | Consolidates multiple circuits into one sealed connector body. | Industrial connector guide |
| Control panels and modules | Useful where multiple circuits terminate at one connector interface. | Application guide |
DTV vs DT vs DTP
DTV, DT and DTP connectors solve different selection problems. DTV is useful for higher cavity count wiring, DT is useful for general-purpose sealed wiring, and DTP is useful for higher-current circuits.
| Connector family | Typical role | Best for | Choose when... | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DT Series | General-purpose sealed connector family. | Lighting, relays, solenoids and standard harness branches. | You need fewer circuits in a rectangular DT housing. | Shop DT |
| DTV Series | 18-way sealed multi-circuit connector family. | Equipment harnesses with many circuits in one connector. | You need an 18-way sealed connector using Size 16 contacts. | Shop DTV |
| DTP Series | Higher-current sealed connector family. | Pumps, fans, motors and power accessories. | You need larger contacts for higher-current circuits. | Shop DTP |
For broader connector family guidance, read the Complete Deutsch Connector Selection Guide.
DTV Connector Housings
DTV connector housings should be chosen by part number, keying, color, contact configuration, mounting style and mating compatibility. Do not choose DTV parts by the 18-way count alone.
| Part example | What it is | Selection note | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| DTV06-18SC | DTV 18-way plug housing example. | Confirm keying, contact side and mating connector before ordering. | Shop DTV06-18SC |
| DTV02-18PA | DTV 18-way connector housing example. | Confirm mounting, contact type and mating compatibility. | Shop DTV02-18PA |
| WV-18S | DTV-related wedgelock / accessory example. | Match to the correct housing and contact configuration. | Shop WV-18S |
For compatibility principles, read the Deutsch Connector Mating Guide.
Contacts and Terminals
DTV Series connectors typically use Size 16 contacts. The correct contact must match the housing, contact side, wire gauge, current requirement and crimp tooling.
| Contact factor | What to confirm | Shop or guide |
|---|---|---|
| Contact size | DTV applications commonly use Size 16 contacts. | Shop contacts |
| Pin or socket side | Match the contact side to the DTV housing configuration. | Part number guide |
| Wire gauge | The selected contact must crimp correctly to the wire. | Current rating guide |
| Crimp tooling | Tools must match the selected contact and wire size. | Shop tools |
For a deeper component guide, read Deutsch Contacts, Terminals & Accessories Guide.
Wedgelocks and Accessories
DTV connector assemblies may require compatible wedgelocks, terminal position assurance parts, seals, accessories and tools. These parts must be matched to the exact DTV housing and contact configuration.
| Accessory | Why it matters | Shop or guide |
|---|---|---|
| Wedgelocks | Help retain and align contacts in the connector assembly. | Shop wedgelocks |
| Seals and accessories | Support correct assembly and environmental protection. | Shop accessories |
| Backshells | May support strain relief or harness routing. | Shop backshells |
| Tools | Crimp and removal tools must match the selected contacts. | Shop tools |
If the connector or accessory will not seat correctly, read Deutsch Connector Not Locking?.
Choose DTV Connectors by Application
Choose DTV Series connectors when the application needs an 18-way sealed connector for multiple circuits. If the circuit count is lower, compare DT. If the current load is higher, compare DTP.
| Application need | Is DTV a good fit? | Selection note |
|---|---|---|
| 18-way sealed connector | Yes | DTV is designed around higher cavity count applications. |
| Multi-circuit equipment harness | Yes | Useful when many circuits terminate in one connector interface. |
| Industrial control wiring | Often | Confirm cavity count, contact size and mounting style. |
| Simple 2-way or 4-way circuit | Usually no | Compare DT or DTM if fewer circuits are required. |
| Higher-current pump, fan or motor circuit | Not automatically | Compare DTP if the main requirement is higher current capacity. |
DTV Series Buying Checklist
Use this checklist before ordering DTV Series connectors. It helps prevent missing components and compatibility mistakes.
| Checklist item | Confirm before ordering | Shop or guide |
|---|---|---|
| Connector family | DTV Series is the correct family for the application. | Shop DTV Series |
| Cavity count | The application needs an 18-way connector layout. | Shop DTV connectors |
| Keying and color | The part number keying matches the mating connector. | Shop DTV06-18SC |
| Contacts | Size 16 contacts match wire gauge and current requirement. | Shop contacts |
| Accessories | Wedgelocks, seals and accessories match the exact housing. | Shop wedgelocks |
| Tools | Crimp and removal tools match the selected contacts. | Shop tools |
Common DTV Series Selection Mistakes
Most DTV Series mistakes happen when users choose by circuit count alone and forget keying, contact configuration, accessories, wire gauge or mating compatibility.
| Mistake | Why it causes problems | Better practice |
|---|---|---|
| Assuming DTV is a high-current connector | DTV is primarily a higher cavity count connector family, not a direct DTP replacement. | Choose by both circuit count and current requirement. |
| Ignoring keying | Incorrect keying can prevent mating or cause ordering mistakes. | Match the exact part number and keying code. |
| Buying only the housing | The housing may not include contacts, wedgelocks or seals. | Confirm the full assembly before ordering. |
| Using the wrong contacts | Wrong contacts may not crimp, insert or retain correctly. | Confirm Size 16 contacts and wire gauge. |
| Using DTV when fewer circuits are needed | An 18-way connector may add unnecessary size and complexity. | Compare DT or DTM for smaller circuit counts. |
FAQs: DTV Series Connectors Explained
What are DTV Series connectors?
DTV Series connectors are sealed Deutsch connectors used for 18-way multi-circuit applications. They provide a higher pin count option within the DT connector platform and typically use Size 16 contacts.
What are DTV connectors used for?
DTV connectors are commonly used when a sealed 18-way connector is needed for equipment wiring, off-highway vehicles, industrial systems, agricultural machinery and multi-circuit harness connections.
How many positions do DTV connectors have?
DTV Series connectors are commonly associated with an 18-way layout. Always confirm the exact product listing, keying, contacts and mating connector before ordering.
What contact size do DTV connectors use?
DTV Series connectors typically use Size 16 contacts. Contact selection should be confirmed against the exact product listing, wire gauge and application.
Are DTV connectors the same as DTP connectors?
No. DTV connectors are used for higher pin count sealed connections, while DTP connectors are used for higher-current circuits with larger contacts. The right choice depends on circuit count, current load and wire gauge.
Do DTV connectors need wedgelocks?
DTV connector assemblies may require compatible wedgelocks or terminal position assurance components. Always match the accessory to the exact DTV housing, cavity count and contact configuration.
Final Recommendation
Choose DTV Series connectors when your application needs an 18-way sealed connector for multi-circuit equipment wiring, industrial systems, off-highway vehicles or machine harnesses.
Before ordering, confirm the exact DTV part number, keying, mating connector, Size 16 contacts, wire gauge, wedgelocks, seals and tools. Browse DTV Series connectors, contacts and terminals, wedgelocks, seals and accessories and Deutsch connector tools to complete your DTV connector assembly.
