Comparison Guide
W2P and W2S are both 2-way Deutsch DT wedgelocks, but they are not the same part. W2P fits the DT04-2P receptacle housing, while W2S fits the DT06-2S plug housing.
This is one of the easiest Deutsch DT ordering mistakes to make. You know you are building a 2-way DT connector, so you order two wedgelocks that look similar. Then the assembly stops because one side needs W2P and the other side needs W2S.
This guide explains the difference, which wedgelock fits which housing, and what to check before assembling a 2-way Deutsch DT connector pair.
Quick Recommendation
Use W2P with DT04-2P. Use W2S with DT06-2S. If you are building a complete 2-way DT connector pair, you normally need both: one W2P for the receptacle side and one W2S for the plug side.
Do not choose the wedgelock by cavity count alone. Both parts are 2-way wedgelocks, but they fit different sides of the connector pair.
W2P vs W2S Comparison Chart
| Wedgelock | Fits | Connector side | Contact configuration | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| W2P | DT04-2P | Receptacle housing | Pin side | View W2P |
| W2S | DT06-2S | Plug housing | Socket side | View W2S |
The simple rule is: match the wedgelock to the connector housing. DT04-2P takes W2P. DT06-2S takes W2S.
Shop the Parts Mentioned in This Guide
These are the main parts used when building a standard 2-way Deutsch DT connector pair.
| Part | Used for | Check before ordering | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| W2P | Wedgelock for DT04-2P. | Confirm you are assembling the DT04-2P side. | View W2P |
| W2S | Wedgelock for DT06-2S. | Confirm you are assembling the DT06-2S side. | View W2S |
| DT04-2P | 2-way DT receptacle housing. | Requires compatible contacts and W2P wedgelock. | View DT04-2P |
| DT06-2S | 2-way DT plug housing. | Requires compatible contacts and W2S wedgelock. | View DT06-2S |
| Contacts and terminals | Pin and socket contacts for the connector assembly. | Match contact type, size and wire gauge. | Shop contacts |
Why Wedgelocks Matter
A wedgelock provides secondary contact retention. In plain English, it helps keep the contacts properly seated inside the connector housing after the terminals have been inserted.
On a bench, a connector might feel like it has gone together without the wedgelock. On a machine, trailer, 4WD or agricultural implement, vibration can expose that mistake. A contact that is not properly retained can become intermittent, push back inside the housing, or cause a fault that is hard to trace later.
| Problem | Why it happens | How the wedgelock helps |
|---|---|---|
| Contact pushback | The terminal is not fully retained in the housing. | Secondary retention helps hold the contact position. |
| Intermittent connection | Vibration or movement affects the contact interface. | Correct retention supports a stable assembly. |
| Assembly delay | The wrong wedgelock will not fit the housing properly. | Choosing W2P or W2S correctly avoids rework. |
2-Way DT Assembly Example
If you are building a simple 2-way DT connector pair for LED work lights, a solenoid or a small auxiliary circuit, you would usually work with one DT04-2P side and one DT06-2S side.
| Connector side | Housing | Wedgelock | What to remember |
|---|---|---|---|
| Receptacle side | DT04-2P | W2P | The P-side wedgelock belongs with the DT04-2P housing. |
| Plug side | DT06-2S | W2S | The S-side wedgelock belongs with the DT06-2S housing. |
A common field mistake is ordering the two housings correctly but forgetting that each side needs its own matching wedgelock.
How to Choose the Correct Wedgelock
Start with the housing part number. The housing tells you which wedgelock you need.
Common Mistakes We See
W2P and W2S mistakes are usually small ordering mistakes, but they can stop an assembly job completely.
- Ordering two W2P wedgelocks for a complete connector pair. The DT06-2S side needs W2S.
- Ordering two W2S wedgelocks for a complete connector pair. The DT04-2P side needs W2P.
- Choosing by cavity count only. W2P and W2S are both 2-way, but they fit different housings.
- Forgetting the wedgelock completely. The connector may not have the retention support it needs.
- Mixing plug and receptacle sides. DT04 and DT06 housings are different sides of the mating pair.
- Trying to force the wrong wedgelock. If it does not fit cleanly, stop and check the part number.
- Reusing damaged wedgelocks. Replace damaged retention parts rather than risking intermittent faults.
Buying Checklist
Use this checklist before ordering W2P, W2S or a 2-way Deutsch DT connector assembly.
| Check | Why it matters | Where to go next |
|---|---|---|
| Housing part number | The wedgelock must match the housing. | View DT04-2P or View DT06-2S |
| Connector side | DT04-2P and DT06-2S use different wedgelocks. | Mating guide |
| Cavity count | A 2-way wedgelock is only correct for a 2-way housing. | Shop wedgelocks |
| Contacts | The housing also needs compatible pins or sockets. | Shop contacts |
| Crimp tool | Correct retention starts with a properly crimped contact. | Shop tools |
FAQs: W2P vs W2S
What is the difference between W2P and W2S?
W2P and W2S are both 2-way Deutsch DT wedgelocks, but they fit different connector housings. W2P is used with DT04-2P, while W2S is used with DT06-2S.
Which wedgelock fits DT04-2P?
DT04-2P uses the W2P wedgelock. The P in W2P matches the pin-side DT04-2P receptacle housing.
Which wedgelock fits DT06-2S?
DT06-2S uses the W2S wedgelock. The S in W2S matches the socket-side DT06-2S plug housing.
Are W2P and W2S interchangeable?
No. W2P and W2S are not interchangeable. Each wedgelock must match the correct connector housing side.
Do I need both W2P and W2S?
If you are building a complete 2-way DT connector pair using DT04-2P and DT06-2S, you normally need both: W2P for the DT04-2P side and W2S for the DT06-2S side.
Final Recommendation
Match the wedgelock to the housing. Use W2P with DT04-2P and W2S with DT06-2S. For a complete 2-way DT connector pair, plan for both wedgelocks, the correct contacts and the right crimp tool before you start assembly.
Browse W2P, W2S, DT04-2P, DT06-2S, contacts and terminals and Deutsch connector tools.
