1. The Three Deutsch Heavy-Duty Series
TE Connectivity's Deutsch connector family has three main series: DT, DTM, and DTP. All three share the same design principles — wedge lock retention, silicone wire seals, interface gasket, and robust latch — but they differ in terminal size, current capacity, and physical dimensions. Choosing the right series is about matching the terminal size to your current requirement and space constraint.
All trademarks and connector family names are used for identification and compatibility reference only. Veycord is an independent wire harness manufacturer.
2. DT Series: Standard Heavy-Duty
DT is the standard Deutsch connector — the one you will see most often. It uses size 16 terminals rated for 13 A continuous current, accepting 14-20 AWG wire. Available in 2 to 12-pin configurations.
Best for: General-purpose heavy-duty applications — sensors, solenoids, actuators, lighting, CAN bus junctions, and controller interfaces. If you are not sure which series to use, start with DT.
3. DTM Series: Mini (Space-Saving)
DTM is the compact version, using size 20 terminals rated for 7.5 A, accepting 16-22 AWG wire. The connector body is approximately 25% smaller than the equivalent DT connector. Available in 2 to 12-pin configurations.
Best for: Space-constrained locations — sensor clusters, interior controls, small actuators, and applications where DT is physically too large but the Deutsch design philosophy (wedge lock, sealing, vibration resistance) is still required.
4. DTP Series: Power (High Current)
DTP is the high-current version, using size 12 terminals rated for 25 A continuous current, accepting 10-14 AWG wire. Larger body than DT due to the larger terminals. Available in 2 and 4-pin configurations.
Best for: High-current circuits — electric cooling fans, fuel pumps, hydraulic pump solenoids, heaters, power distribution, and any application requiring 15-25 A per contact.
5. Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Feature | DT (Standard) | DTM (Mini) | DTP (Power) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terminal size | Size 16 | Size 20 | Size 12 |
| Max continuous current | 13 A | 7.5 A | 25 A |
| Wire range (AWG) | 14 – 20 | 16 – 22 | 10 – 14 |
| Wire range (mm²) | 0.5 – 2.0 | 0.35 – 1.5 | 2.5 – 6.0 |
| Body size (relative) | Standard | ~25% smaller | ~20% larger |
| 2-pin body size (approx.) | 22 × 16 mm | ~19 × 13 mm | ~28 × 21 mm |
| Max pin count | 12 | 12 | 4 |
| Temperature range | -55°C to +125°C | -55°C to +125°C | -55°C to +125°C |
| IP rating (assembled) | IP67 / IP69K | IP67 | IP67 / IP69K |
| Wedge lock | Yes | Yes | Yes |
6. Which to Choose by Application
| Application | Current | Recommended Series |
|---|---|---|
| Hydraulic solenoid valve | 2-3 A | DT (2-pin) |
| Temperature / pressure sensor | < 1 A | DT or DTM (2-3 pin) |
| CAN bus junction | < 1 A | DT or DTM (3-4 pin, gold-plated terminals may be preferred per OEM spec) |
| Position sensor (multi-function) | < 5 A | DTM (4-6 pin, space-saving) |
| Work light / LED light | 3-8 A | DT (2-pin) |
| Electric cooling fan | 15-25 A | DTP (2-pin) |
| Fuel pump | 10-15 A | DTP or DT (depending on exact current) |
| Heater / glow plug circuit | 20-25 A | DTP (2-pin) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between DT and DTM?
A: DT = size 16 terminals (13 A), larger body. DTM = size 20 terminals (7.5 A), ~25% smaller body. DTM for space-constrained locations; DT for general purpose. Both offer 2-12 pin configurations.
Q: When should I use DTP instead of DT?
A: When current exceeds 13 A per contact. DTP handles 25 A with size 12 terminals and 10-14 AWG wire. Common for fans, pumps, heaters, and high-current power circuits. Max 4-pin.
Q: Are DT, DTM, DTP intermixable?
A: No. Different body sizes, different terminal cavities, different mating interfaces. Each series uses its own terminals and connectors. They cannot be intermixed or mated with each other.
Q: Can I use DT terminals in a DTM housing?
A: No. DT size 16 terminals are physically too large for DTM size 20 cavities. Forcing them damages both housing and terminal. Always match terminal size to connector series.
Q: Which Deutsch series for CAN bus?
A: DT or DTM, with gold-plated terminals may be preferred for reliable low-voltage signals. 3-4 pin configuration typically covers CAN H, CAN L, power, and ground. The final plating requirement should follow the OEM or device specification.
Need a Deutsch DT, DTM, or DTP Wire Harness?
Send us your connector part numbers, pin assignment, wire gauge, and application. We build custom sealed harnesses for construction, agriculture, mining, and military vehicles.
Send RFQ