Multi-Contact Connector Housings Selection Guide
When selecting heavy-duty multi-contact connector housings, compare frame size (6B/10B/16B/24B), top vs side cable entry, single vs double locking levers and M20–M40 thread size.
This guide explains what to look for when choosing products in the Connector Housings category for modular machinery, injection molds and heavy-duty industrial wiring.
Frame size matching (3A, 6B, 10B, 16B, 24B) and insert compatibility
In heavy-duty rectangular connectors (HDC), the die-cast aluminum housing size must match the exact shell size of the male or female contact insert (e.g. 6B, 10B, 16B or 24B). For instance, a 16B hood and 16B base accept any 16B-sized insert (such as standard 16-pole screw/spring inserts or high-density 40-pole inserts).
Hoods (Top vs Side Entry) and Bases (Bulkhead, Surface, Coupler)
A complete connection pairs a cable-mounted hood (available in top entry or side entry, low or high profile) with a base housing: bulkhead bases mount over a panel cutout, surface-mount (box) bases bolt onto a solid wall with 1 or 2 threaded side entries, and cable-to-cable coupler hoods join two flying leads inline.
Connector housing comparison table
| Selection Criterion | Cable Hood (Top or Side Entry) | Bulkhead Mounting Base | Surface-Mount (Box) Base |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mounting Role | Terminates the movable machine cable | Bolts over a rectangular cutout on panel wall | Bolts onto a solid surface with side gland entry |
| Locking System | Locking pegs (2 pegs for single lever, 4 for double) | Single locking lever or Double locking levers | Single or double levers, optional protective cover |
| Standard Sizes | 3A, 6B, 10B, 16B, 24B, 32B, 48B (Low / High profile) | 3A, 6B, 10B, 16B, 24B, 32B, 48B | 6B, 10B, 16B, 24B, 32B (1 or 2 threaded ports) |
| Thread & Protection | M20, M25, M32, M40 or PG13.5–PG29; IP65 | Perimeter flange gasket, IP65 when latched | M20–M40 or PG side ports, powder-coated die-cast aluminum |
Frequently asked questions
Can a single-lever base mate with a 4-peg (double-lever) hood?
No. A single-lever housing uses 2 locking pegs on the mating hood, whereas a double-lever housing latches onto 4 corner pegs. Always match the locking style (single lever vs double lever) between hood and base.
When should I choose a high-profile (high construction) hood?
Choose a high-profile hood when wiring thick multi-core cables (such as 16G2.5 mm²) so the individual conductors have sufficient internal bend radius above the insert terminals and the hood provides a larger M32 or M40 cable entry thread.
Does a connector housing include the contact insert and cable gland?
In modular heavy-duty connector systems, the hood, base, male insert, female insert and cable gland are ordered separately so you can customize pole count, termination type and cable diameter.