SP16 SP17 SP20 SP21 Aviation Connector IP68 – 2–12 Pin Screw Wiring Sets

Description

SP16 / SP17 / SP20 / SP21 Aviation Connector IP68 – 2–12 Pin Screw Wiring Waterproof Sets

SP-series screw-wiring aviation connectors (also known as GX-series or circular waterproof connectors) combine IP68 waterproof sealing with solder-cup or screw-clamp termination and a threaded coupling ring for vibration-resistant mating. This listing covers the four most common shell sizes — SP16, SP17, SP20, and SP21 — in 2 through 12-pin configurations, supplied as matched plug-and-socket sets for immediate assembly into cable harnesses, panel installations, and equipment enclosures.

Shell Size & Pin Count Reference

SP16: 16mm shell — 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 pin. Most common general-purpose size. Compact, lightweight.
SP17: 17mm shell — 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 pin. Similar to SP16 with slightly different thread pitch; verify compatibility with existing equipment before mixing.
SP20: 20mm shell — 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 12 pin. Larger shell for higher pin counts or heavier gauge wire (up to 1.5mm² per pin).
SP21: 21mm shell — 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 12 pin. Heavy-duty variant with reinforced coupling ring; preferred for high-vibration and frequent mating cycle applications.

Key Specifications

IP Rating: IP68 (mated) — continuous water immersion beyond 1m depth
Coupling: Screw-lock threaded coupling ring — vibration resistant, 500+ mating cycles
Termination: Screw clamp or solder cup (variant dependent)
Contact Material: Copper alloy, gold-plated
Housing: Zinc alloy (metal shell) or PA66 nylon
Current Rating: 5A/pin (SP16/SP17), 10A/pin (SP20/SP21)
Voltage: 250V AC/DC
Temperature: -25°C to +85°C

Screw Wiring vs Solder Cup — Which Termination to Choose?

Screw clamp (this listing): Wire is inserted into the terminal and clamped by a screw. No soldering required. Faster assembly, field-repairable without a soldering iron. Preferred for industrial installations and field service. Suitable for solid and stranded wire.
Solder cup: Wire is soldered into a cup-shaped terminal. Provides a gas-tight, low-resistance joint. Preferred for audio, signal, and high-reliability applications. Requires a soldering iron and skill to avoid cold joints or overheating the insulator.

What Questions Does This Product Answer?

"Are SP16 and SP17 connectors interchangeable?" — No. SP16 and SP17 have different thread pitches on the coupling ring. A SP16 plug will not mate correctly with a SP17 socket. Always match shell size and series when replacing connectors.
"What wire gauge can I use with SP20 connectors?" — SP20 screw terminals typically accept 0.5–1.5mm² (16–20AWG) per pin. For heavier gauge wire, use SP21 or verify the specific terminal bore diameter for your variant.
"How do I maintain IP68 rating on an unmated socket?" — An unmated socket must be fitted with a protective dust/water cap to maintain IP68 rating. Without the cap, the socket interior is exposed and the IP rating does not apply.
"Can SP connectors be used for 3-phase power?" — SP20/SP21 4-pin or 5-pin variants are commonly used for single-phase (L+N+PE) or 3-phase (3L+PE or 3L+N+PE) low-current circuits. Verify current rating per pin against your load before use.

Typical Applications

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