SP13 SP16 SP17 SP20 SP21 Aviation Connector IP68 – 2–12 Pin Waterproof Plug Socket

Description

SP Series Aviation Connector IP68 – SP13 / SP16 / SP17 / SP20 / SP21, 2–12 Pin Panel Mount

SP-series aviation connectors (also known as GX or circular waterproof connectors) are a widely adopted industrial circular connector format offering IP68 waterproof sealing, screw-lock coupling, and solder or crimp termination. The SP designation indicates the shell diameter: SP13 = 13mm shell, SP16 = 16mm shell, SP17 = 17mm shell, SP20 = 20mm shell, SP21 = 21mm shell. Each shell size supports multiple pin counts, with larger shells accommodating more pins or higher-current contacts. These connectors are used in industrial equipment, marine electronics, outdoor lighting, stage lighting, and custom cable assemblies worldwide.

Shell Size & Pin Count Reference

SP13: 2, 3, 4 pin — small shell, low pin count, compact installations
SP16: 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 pin — most common size for general-purpose use
SP17: 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 pin — similar to SP16, different thread pitch
SP20: 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 12 pin — larger shell for higher pin counts or heavier gauge wire
SP21: 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 12 pin — heavy-duty variant with reinforced coupling ring

Key Specifications

IP Rating: IP68 (mated) — continuous water immersion beyond 1m depth (depth/duration per manufacturer spec)
Coupling: Screw-lock (threaded coupling ring) — vibration resistant
Termination: Solder cup (standard) or crimp (variant dependent)
Contact Material: Copper alloy, gold-plated
Housing Material: Zinc alloy (metal) or PA66 nylon (plastic variant)
Current Rating: 5A per pin (SP13/SP16), 10A per pin (SP20/SP21) — verify per variant
Voltage Rating: 250V AC/DC
Operating Temperature: -25°C to +85°C
Mating Cycles: 500+ rated

SP Series vs M12 vs XLR — Which Connector Do You Need?

SP series (this product): IP68, screw-lock, solder termination, 2–12 pin. Best for custom cable assemblies, outdoor equipment, and applications requiring high waterproofing with flexible pin counts. Lower cost than M12 or military-spec connectors.
M12 circular: IEC-standardized, push-to-connect or screw coupling, crimp termination, 3–12 pin. Best for industrial automation with standardized sensor/actuator wiring (Sick, Balluff, Turck). Higher cost, better ecosystem support.
XLR (3-pin): Audio/AV standard. Not waterproof (standard XLR). Used for microphones, DMX lighting control, balanced audio. Not suitable for power or industrial signal applications.
GX16 / GX20: Alternative naming for the same SP-series connector family. GX16 = SP16, GX20 = SP20. The GX designation is used by some Chinese manufacturers; SP is the more common international designation.

What Questions Does This Product Answer?

"What is the difference between SP16 and GX16?" — They are the same connector. GX16 and SP16 both refer to a 16mm shell circular connector with screw-lock coupling. The naming varies by manufacturer.
"How do I solder an SP connector?" — Use a temperature-controlled soldering iron at 350–380°C. Tin each solder cup first, then insert the pre-tinned wire and apply heat briefly. Do not overheat — excessive heat melts the plastic insulator inside the shell. Use heat-shrink tubing over each solder joint before assembling the backshell.
"Can SP connectors be used underwater?" — Yes, when mated and with the coupling ring fully tightened. IP68 rating applies to the mated pair only. An unmated socket must be capped with a dust/water protection cap to maintain the IP rating.
"What is the maximum wire gauge for SP20?" — SP20 solder cups typically accept up to 1.5mm² (16AWG) per pin. For heavier gauge wire, use SP21 or a connector with crimp contacts rated for the required wire size.

Typical Applications

Industrial equipment: Panel bulkhead connectors, machine control cables, sensor extension leads
Marine & outdoor: Navigation light wiring, bilge pump connections, outdoor camera power/signal
Stage & event lighting: DMX signal cables, LED fixture power connections, truss wiring
Robotics & drones: Motor power connections, payload interface connectors, battery disconnect plugs
Custom cable assemblies: Test equipment leads, medical device cables, scientific instrument connections