Pin And Socket Guide

"How do I know which Pins and Sockets I need?"

We've already done the hard part for you. All of our connectors are listed as complete assemblies which include the necessary pins or sockets. You have some options, though. You will find a pull down menu next to the connector listings where you can choose the type of pins or sockets. Use the information below to help you decide what will work best for you. If after digesting the information we have provided here you are still not sure or you have questions, please don't hesitate to drop us a line at info@deutschconnector.com or call us toll free at 888.217.7606

The Basics of Pins and Sockets

Pins and sockets, also referred to as "contacts", are the current carrying components of the assembled connector. You should make your Pin and Socket choices based on the size of the wire you are using, the type of pin or socket (solid or stamped & formed) you prefer, and the application in which they are being used. Nickel plated contacts are generally used for circuits such as power, lighting and controls while Gold plated contacts should be used for critical circuits such as Sensors, Data and Communications.

How to choose the Right Pins and Sockets

Step 1 - Circuit Amperage

Knowing the circuit amps is the first step and will determine which connectors will best suit your application. From there, you can choose from the available pin or socket options for those connectors. If you are not sure which connectors would best suit your needs please review our Connector Selection Guide.

Step 2- Wire Gauge

Determine what size wire you are using. Most connectors have pins and sockets available for different wire ranges. Knowing your wire size is important in selecting the proper contacts. If you are not sure what size wire you are using, there are a couple ways to determine this. Sometimes the wire size is printed on the insulation of the wire, "16 AWG" for example. AWG stands for American Wire Gauge. If the size is not printed on the wire, wire strippers with the different wire size stripping holes may be used as a gauge. The holes in the wire stripper will be marked with the wire gauge. Put the stripped wire in the different stripper holes to determine the closest fit without grabbing the wire. Wire gauges are also commercially available. Remember to check just the conductor and not the insulation when checking for wire gauge.

Step 3- Pin and Socket Type

There are two types of pins and sockets available. Stamped & Formed and Solid. The choice between the two is made by personal preference. "Stamped & Formed" refers to the manufacturing process where the pins and sockets are stamped out of a sheet of flat metal and then formed to the required shape. These are the most familiar and the most economical choice. Solid pins and sockets are, as the name implies, solid machined pieces with a barrel where the conductor is inserted and crimped. The solid pins and sockets are the easiest to work and the crimp tools for solid contacts cover a much broader range of sizes. The solid contacts are also the perfect choice for those who prefer to solder their connections. Please note that neither Deutsch nor DeutschConnector.com recommends soldering any connections. Crimping is the preferred termination method.

Step 4- Nickel or Gold

All of the pins and sockets are made from 98% pure copper and then plated. Standard plating is Nickel. For critical circuits, pins and sockets are plated with Nickel and then Gold. For lighting, power and control circuits choose Nickel. For critical and very low voltage and amperage circuits such as Sensors or Data Transmission circuits, choose Gold.

Step 5 - Tooling

The tools required to do a professional quality job are an important consideration. Please see our Crimp Tool Selection Guide for proper tool selection.