PLS20 / WS20 / TP20 Aviation Connector – 20mm, 2–12 Pin Male & Female Circular Plug Socket, Metal Shell, IP67

PLS20 / WS20 / TP20 series aviation circular connectors with 20mm opening diameter, metal shell construction, and IP67 waterproof rating. These designations refer to the same connector family — PLS20 (plug), WS20 (socket), TP20 (panel mount) — covering the complete connector set for a given application. The metal shell (zinc alloy, nickel-plated) provides superior mechanical robustness and EMI shielding compared to plastic-body GX series connectors, making this series suitable for high-vibration industrial machinery and outdoor equipment where connector body integrity is critical.

Series Designation Reference

• PLS20: Plug (male housing, cable-mount). The connector half that is inserted into the socket.
• WS20: Socket (female housing, cable-mount or panel-mount). The connector half that receives the plug.
• TP20: Panel-mount socket. Fixed to a panel via a rear nut; the PLS20 plug connects to it.
• The “20” suffix refers to the 20mm opening diameter — the same size as GX20 connectors.

Key Specifications

• Opening Diameter: 20mm
• Pin Configurations: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12 pin (select above)
• IP Rating: IP67
• Current Rating: 5–10A per contact (pin count dependent)
• Voltage Rating: 250V AC/DC
• Shell Material: Zinc alloy, nickel-plated
• Contact Material: Copper alloy, gold-plated

Metal Shell vs Plastic Body Aviation Connectors

• Plastic body (GX series): Zinc alloy or nylon housing. Lower cost. Adequate for most industrial and outdoor applications. GX20 and PLS20/WS20 are similar in size and pin count.
• Metal shell (PLS20/WS20, this product): Full metal shell construction. Higher mechanical strength — resists cracking from impact and overtightening. Provides EMI shielding when the shell is grounded. Heavier. Preferred for high-vibration machinery, military-adjacent applications, and environments with significant mechanical stress on the connector.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are PLS20/WS20 connectors compatible with GX20 connectors?

PLS20/WS20 and GX20 connectors have the same 20mm opening diameter but may have different thread pitches and contact geometries depending on the manufacturer. Do not assume interchangeability — verify dimensional compatibility before mixing connector types in the same system. For guaranteed compatibility, use PLS20 plugs with WS20 sockets from the same manufacturer.

How do I ground the metal shell for EMI shielding?

Connect the metal shell to the cable shield (braid) and to the equipment chassis ground. On the cable side: connect the cable braid to the shell via the cable entry clamp or a dedicated ground contact in the connector. On the equipment side: ensure the panel-mount socket (TP20) is electrically connected to the equipment chassis through the mounting nut. A properly grounded metal shell provides 360° EMI shielding around the connector mating interface.

What is the maximum pin count for PLS20/WS20 connectors?

The standard range for 20mm aviation connectors is 2–12 pins. For higher pin counts (14–15 pins), some manufacturers offer extended versions. For applications requiring more than 12 circuits in a single connector, consider M23 circular connectors (up to 19 pins) which provide a standardized, higher pin count option with better accessory availability.

Typical Applications

• Industrial machinery: High-vibration sensor and actuator connections requiring metal shell robustness
• Agricultural equipment: Outdoor multi-circuit connections on tractors and implements
• Marine: Deck equipment connections requiring EMI shielding
• Military-adjacent: Field equipment connections requiring robust metal shell construction
• Stage & entertainment: Multi-circuit outdoor equipment connections

Package Contents

PLS20/WS20/TP20 aviation connector (type and pin count as selected). O-ring, cable entry seals, and coupling nut included.