PT Series | Industrial Mini 26482 Versatile Circular Connectors

Industrial mini MIL DTL 26482 versatile vircular vonnectors in the PT Series are engineered for power and signal in harsh commercial and industrial environments. This miniature cylindrical connector family uses a metal shell with quick bayonet coupling to deliver high contact density, flexible termination options, and reliable environmental sealing for applications ranging from factory automation and rail to instrumentation, communications, and energy systems.

Table of Contents

• PT Series Overview
• Key Features & Benefits
• Typical Applications
• Technical Details
• Resources & Related Solutions

PT Series Overview

The PT Series miniature cylindrical connectors are based on the MIL-DTL-26482 Series I standard, providing up to twice the number of contacts in roughly half the size of larger circular connector families. These connectors combine high-density contact layouts with compact shells, making them a strong fit wherever panel space, weight, and reliability are all critical design considerations.

As an industrial mini MIL DTL 26482 versatile circular connectors platform, the PT Series features a metal shell, resilient insert system, and robust grommet sealing to maintain performance under vibration, shock, moisture, and temperature cycling. Designers can choose from solder, crimp, PCB, coax, thermocouple, and hermetic variants to support everything from standard industrial wiring to specialized signal and sensor interfaces.

PT connectors are available in multiple shell styles and finishes, including traditional olive drab cadmium as well as RoHS-compliant options like black zinc alloy, electroless nickel, gray zinc nickel, and anodic coatings. This flexibility allows the same connector platform to support legacy MIL-based designs and modern, environmentally compliant equipment builds.

Key Features & Benefits

• Commercial MIL-DTL-26482 Series I platform – Built to the miniature, environment-resistant MIL-DTL-26482 Series I geometry for broad ecosystem compatibility and proven performance in power and signal interconnects.
• Quick, reliable bayonet coupling – 3-point bayonet coupling with triple fully mated indicators supports rapid mating/unmating while helping prevent incomplete engagement in demanding field conditions.
• High contact density in a compact shell – Insert arrangements with contact counts from 1 to 61 enable dense routing of power and signal in compact panel space.
• Wide electrical range – Service ratings support mixed low-level signals and higher power circuits, depending on contact size, layout, and voltage class.
• Versatile termination options – Available with factory-installed solder contacts, rear-insertable crimp contacts, PCB tails, coax, thermocouple contacts, and hermetic feedthrough variants to simplify harness design and system integration.
• Rugged shell and inserts – Aluminum alloy shells paired with resilient synthetic rubber inserts and grommets deliver mechanical robustness, high dielectric strength, and effective moisture barrier performance.
• Environmental sealing and IP67 protection – When properly assembled with appropriate accessories, PT connectors support environmental sealing up to IP67 and are suited for outdoor or washdown environments.
• Multiple finishes, including RoHS options – Finishes such as olive drab cadmium, black zinc alloy, electroless nickel, gray zinc nickel, and anodic coatings provide options for corrosion protection, conductivity, and environmental compliance.
• Intermateable with other 26482-style connectors – PT connectors are intermateable/intermountable with many other MIL-DTL-26482 Series I designs used across industrial, transportation, and aerospace platforms.
• Long service life – Typical mating life of 500+ cycles supports maintenance and servicing in equipment that may be repeatedly connected and disconnected over its lifetime.

Typical Applications

PT Series connectors are used anywhere a rugged, compact solution like industrial mini 26482 versatile circular connectors are needed for combined power and signal in constrained spaces. Typical applications include:

• Factory automation and robotics – Motor drive connections, I/O modules, sensors, feedback encoders, and control cabinets in high-vibration environments.
• Industrial machinery and machine tools – Harsh-duty industrial equipment, process lines, and packaging systems requiring quick serviceability and dense wiring.
• Rail and mass transit – Vehicle control electronics, braking systems, signaling, and onboard diagnostics, where shock, vibration, and contaminants are present.
• Energy and power systems – Gensets, power distribution equipment, switchgear, and auxiliary control panels in conventional or alternative energy installations.
• Instrumentation and monitoring – Data acquisition modules, portable test equipment, and field-deployable sensors that demand compact, sealed connectors.
• Communications and signaling – Industrial radios, traffic control systems, and other mixed power/signal electronics based on MIL-DTL-26482 style interfaces.
• Oil, gas, and petrochemical – Skid equipment, pumps, and control systems requiring reliable sealing against dust, moisture, and process contaminants.

Technical Details

The following summary highlights the core performance characteristics for the PT Series. Refer to the full catalog and datasheet for complete configuration, service class, and insert arrangement information.

Electrical Performance

• Service rating and voltage: Operating voltages and service ratings follow MIL-DTL-26482 guidelines, supporting both low-level signals and moderate power circuits.
• Current rating: Current per contact depends on contact size and layout, supporting typical industrial load, control, and signal requirements.
• Number of contacts: Layouts from 1 to 61 contacts across a wide range of insert arrangements.
• Insulation resistance: High insulation resistance under standard test conditions supports low-leakage performance.
• Dielectric withstanding voltage: Tested per service rating and altitude in accordance with the MIL-DTL-26482 specification.

Mechanical Specifications

• Coupling mechanism: 3-point bayonet coupling with positive detents for quick connect/disconnect and tactile feedback.
• Shell sizes: Shell sizes typically span from 8 to 24, covering a broad spectrum of contact counts and wire gauges.
• Shell styles: Wall mount receptacle, cable receptacle, box receptacle, straight plug, jam nut receptacle, and right-angle plug options.
• Mating life: 500 mating cycles minimum when used within specified environmental and mechanical limits.
• Contact terminations: Solder and crimp contacts, plus options for PCB, coaxial, thermocouple, and hermetic terminations depending on series variant.
• Wire size support: Contact systems typically support wire ranges suitable for both power and signal circuits in industrial equipment.

Materials & Finishes

• Shell material: Aluminum alloy shells and hardware provide high strength with low weight.
• Shell finishes: Black zinc alloy, electroless nickel, gray zinc nickel, anodic coatings, and olive drab cadmium (plus additional finishes in some variants).
• Contacts: Machined brass or copper alloy contacts, typically gold plated to reduce contact resistance and corrosion.
• Insert and grommet: Resilient synthetic rubber or similar materials for inserts and rear sealing grommets to maintain electrical spacing and environmental sealing.

Environmental Performance

• Operating temperature: Typical range from -55 °C to +125 °C, supporting outdoor and high-duty-cycle industrial environments.
• Ingress protection: When properly assembled with appropriate backshells and accessories, many PT configurations can achieve IP67-level sealing.
• Corrosion resistance: Shell finishes are selected to support corrosion performance suitable for industrial and transportation environments.
• Compliance: Many configurations support RoHS and REACH requirements; consult specific part documentation for details.

Related harsh-environment connector platforms

For complementary solutions, explore:

• • TS1 Series high-current power connectors for eMobility and heavy equipment applications.
  • Floating Mate Connector Series for blind-mate rack and panel power connections.