Forklift connectors and plugs: power, signal and mechanical keying
Distinguish battery-power connectors from signal connectors, then compare the exact housing, contacts, cable size and keying rather than shape alone.
Packaged battery-connector kits labeled 320A male. The label does not establish manufacturer, tested current rating or mating compatibility.
The connector family is more useful than a color or amp label
The listed DT and DTP current figures belong to their manufacturer contact families. The installed circuit still depends on the selected terminal, wire size, populated connector, temperature and applicable datasheet conditions. A family name is not a current-rating approval for an assembled harness.
| Family example | Documented distinction | What to identify on the old connector |
|---|---|---|
| Anderson Power SB | Two-pole genderless battery-power family; housings use mechanical keying | Exact SB series, housing/key code and contact/cable specification; do not assign male/female simply from appearance |
| REMA DIN-style battery connector | Separate DIN current-size families with coding and optional auxiliary contacts | Exact family, housing half, coding pin, contact set and auxiliary arrangement |
| REMA SRE flat-contact family | Same housing design at both mating ends with keyed configurations | Exact family and keying; this does not make it compatible with another maker’s similar housing |
| TE DEUTSCH DT | Size 16 contact family; manufacturer lists 13 A contacts and multiple cavity counts | Housing code, cavity count, contact gender, key and correct wire/contact combination |
| TE DEUTSCH DTP | Size 12 contact family; manufacturer lists 25 A contacts and 2/4-position housings | Exact DTP housing and terminal part numbers; not a DT substitute |
A supplied kit label is an identification clue, not a tested rating
This source photograph shows packaged connector kits labeled “320A male” in the supplied stock record. It does not establish Anderson, REMA or TE manufacture, a verified operating-current rating or a compatible mate.
Use the actual housing markings, mating face and contact details to identify the family. Ask for separate housing and terminal references where available; terminal size and cable cross-section must agree.
Supplied packaging reference only: “320A male”. Manufacturer, connector family, mating half, cable size and verified electrical ratings remain to confirm. View full photo
Power and signal connections need different evidence
| Field | Send or record | Not enough by itself |
|---|---|---|
| Circuit | Battery power, charger output, motor power, light, sensor or control signal | The truck brand or a generic plug description |
| Housing and keying | Both halves, housing numbers, colors, latch and mechanical key positions | Matching color or similar external shape |
| Gender and contacts | Pin/socket contacts or genderless design, cavity count and terminal references | Calling every battery housing male or female |
| Electrical rating | Required voltage, continuous/peak current where known, and manufacturer datasheet | A 320A label without its model and test conditions |
| Wire size | Cable marking in mm² or AWG, insulation diameter and terminal barrel size | Choosing a contact solely by the connector housing |
| Auxiliary/signal function | Populated cavity positions, documented pinout and pilot/interlock/communication use | Equal pin count or a physically fitting plug |
| Sealing and installation | Seal, strain relief, mounting and required environment | Assuming all members of a family share the same sealing rating |
Compare both mating halves before an order
Send clear front and side photos of the disconnected connector, readable housing/terminal markings and the cable marking, plus the truck or charger nameplate. Photograph only when the equipment has been safely isolated according to its service instructions.
Do not trim keys, force mismatched housings, bridge pilot contacts or swap pin positions to make a candidate fit. A physical connection does not establish polarity, communication compatibility or safe current capacity. If the connector number is unknown, photos and the circuit function are enough to begin an assisted inquiry.
Ask about the part you need
A part number is optional. Start with the information you have.
Related parts and selection information
Technical references
Manufacturer references describe particular products or families. They do not establish Authpart stock or compatibility with your truck.