MIL-DTL-5015 vs MIL-DTL-26482 Connectors:
Differences, Part Numbers and Cable Assembly Selection
A procurement and engineering guide to choosing between 5015 threaded circular connectors and 26482 miniature bayonet connectors, identifying common military part-number families and preparing a complete custom cable-assembly RFQ.
Topic: 5015 vs 26482|Updated: July 2026|Reading time: 16–20 min
What is the main difference between MIL-DTL-5015 and MIL-DTL-26482?
5015-family connectors are generally larger threaded circular connectors with a broad range of contact sizes, including configurations suited to heavier power and control wiring. MIL-DTL-26482 connectors are miniature, quick-disconnect circular connectors that normally use a three-point bayonet coupling and are often selected when compact size, faster mating and smaller multi-contact wiring are important.
Neither family should be selected from the standard number or contact count alone. The correct cable assembly depends on the existing equipment interface, complete connector part number, shell size, insert arrangement, pin or socket contacts, wire gauge, electrical load, environmental conditions and required backshell or overmold construction.
Send the complete marking, clear mating-face photos, the mating connector or equipment interface, pinout, cable length and required quantity. Premier Cable can review whether the project requires a 5015-family, MIL-DTL-26482 or cross-family cable assembly before quotation.
Key Takeaways
- Standard 5015 interfaces use threaded coupling; standard MIL-DTL-26482 interfaces use quick three-point bayonet coupling.
- 5015 generally offers larger contact options; 26482 commonly uses size 20, 16 and 12 contacts in a more compact connector family.
- MS310X, MS340X and MS345X identify different 5015 termination families; MS311X, MS312X and MS347X identify common 26482 families.
- A plug can contain socket contacts, and a receptacle can contain pin contacts. Plug/receptacle and pin/socket describe different features.
- Two connectors with the same number of contacts are not automatically mechanically or electrically interchangeable.
- For an installed equipment interface, the first task is identification-not choosing whichever standard appears better on paper.
- A useful RFQ includes both connector ends, insert arrangements, pin mapping, wire specification, length datum, environment, tests and quantities.
Contents
01 · MIL-DTL-5015 vs MIL-DTL-26482 at a Glance
The table below summarizes the normal selection direction. It is not a substitute for the specification sheet of the exact connector. Electrical ratings, sealing, temperature, vibration and mating durability vary by series, class, contact arrangement and manufacturer.
| Selection Factor | 5015 Family / SAE AS50151 | MIL-DTL-26482 |
|---|---|---|
| General construction | Circular threaded AN-type connector family | Miniature, environment-resisting, quick-disconnect circular connector |
| Typical coupling | Threaded coupling nut | Three-point bayonet coupling |
| Normal project priority | Larger conductors, broad power/control arrangements and an existing threaded interface | Compact packaging, faster mating and multi-contact signal/control wiring |
| Common contact sizes | Typically size 16 through size 0, depending on family and insert | Commonly size 20, 16 and 12 |
| Common solder family | MS3100 through MS3108 family | MS3110 through MS3116 family, Series I |
| Common crimp families | MS340X front-release and MS345X rear-release families | MS312X Series I front-release and MS347X Series II rear-release families |
| Part-number examples | MS3106A18-1P, MS3106A18-1S | MS3116F10-7P, MS3116F10-7S |
| Interchangeability | Mates only with the matching 5015-compatible shell, insert and contact configuration | Requires the correct 26482 series, shell, insert, contact and keying configuration |
Start here when the equipment already uses an MS310X/MS340X/MS345X-type interface or when the project needs larger contact options and threaded coupling.
Start here when the equipment uses an MS311X/MS312X/MS347X-type interface or when compact size and quick bayonet mating are primary mechanical requirements.
02 · What Is a MIL-DTL-5015 / SAE AS50151 Connector?
The 5015 family is a long-established group of circular threaded electrical connectors used for electronic, electrical-power and control circuits. The family includes solder-contact, front-release crimp and rear-release crimp versions. The broad insert-arrangement range and availability of larger contacts make it useful for equipment interfaces that combine rugged mechanical retention with power or control wiring.
Buyers commonly search for MIL-C-5015, MIL-DTL-5015, 5015 connector or an MS part number such as MS3106. For current standardization, however, MIL-DTL-5015 was canceled on December 23, 2009 and superseded by SAE AS50151. The older terms remain widely used for legacy interfaces, commercial product families, replacement cables and search identification.
Common 5015 part-number families
| Family | Contact Termination | Procurement Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| MS310X | Fixed solder contacts | Common legacy solder family; includes wall, box, cable and plug shell styles |
| MS340X | Removable crimp, front release | Requires the correct contacts, insertion/removal tooling and rear accessory |
| MS345X | Removable crimp, rear release | Later rear-release family used where maintainable crimp termination is preferred |
MS3106A18-1P
Straight cable plug shell style
Service-class designation
Shell size and insert arrangement
Pin contacts
Identification rule: do not order from "MS3106 10-pin" alone. The service class, shell size, insert arrangement, contact type and alternate insert position can change the required mating interface and cable construction.
03 · What Is a MIL-DTL-26482 Connector?
MIL-DTL-26482 defines two series of miniature, environment-resisting, quick-disconnect circular connectors. Standard interfaces use a three-point bayonet coupling for rapid positive mating and multiple key/keyway features to control polarization. Compared with the 5015 family, 26482 is normally selected when a smaller connector envelope and faster connection are important.
The phrase "26482 connector" is not specific enough for production. A buyer must identify Series I or Series II, solder or crimp termination, shell style, service class, shell size, insert arrangement, contact type and alternate position. The current MIL-DTL-26482 specification is active and dated March 5, 2024.
Series I and Series II part-number families
| 26482 Family | Common Military Numbers | Contact System | RFQ Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Series I solder | MS3110–MS3116 family | Fixed solder contacts | Confirm solder-cup wiring, rear clamp and sealing class |
| Series I crimp | MS3120–MS3126 family | Rear-insertable, front-release crimp contacts | Confirm contact part number and removal tooling |
| Series II crimp | MS3470–MS3476 family | Rear-insertable, rear-release crimp contacts | Confirm class, finish, grommet, accessories and contact qualification |
MS3116F10-7P
Series I solder straight plug
Service-class designation
Shell size and insert arrangement
Pin contacts
04 · Six Main Differences Between 5015 and 26482
Threaded Coupling vs Three-Point Bayonet Coupling
A standard 5015 plug uses a coupling nut that is rotated along the receptacle thread until the connector reaches the specified mated position. A standard 26482 plug engages three bayonet studs and normally reaches the mated position with a short partial turn.
Allow access to rotate the coupling nut and verify the required backshell, cable clamp and anti-rotation arrangement.
Allow hand clearance for the bayonet rotation and confirm that the studs, keys and coupling nut are fully engaged.
Do not assume that threaded automatically means superior vibration performance or that bayonet automatically means frequent-service suitability. Shock, vibration, durability and self-locking performance must be checked for the exact product and installation.
Connector Size, Weight and Installation Space
MIL-DTL-26482 is defined as a miniature connector family and normally provides a more compact interface for smaller contact systems. The 5015 family extends to larger shells and contacts and is often physically heavier when configured for larger conductors or high circuit counts.
The comparison must be made between actual connector drawings. Check flange size, coupling diameter, overall mated length, rear accessory length, cable exit direction, minimum bend radius and the space required for assembly or removal. Pin count by itself does not predict connector size.
Contact Sizes, Current and Wire Gauge
The 5015 family generally offers a broader range of large power-contact options, commonly from size 16 through size 0 depending on the connector family and insert. MIL-DTL-26482 commonly uses size 20, 16 and 12 contacts. This makes 26482 useful for compact signal and control harnesses, while 5015 can accommodate substantially larger conductors in suitable arrangements.
A seven-contact insert may use seven small signal contacts, a mixture of contact sizes or another arrangement entirely. The insert-arrangement table and project derating rules are more important than the total number of cavities.
Solder Contacts vs Removable Crimp Contacts
Both connector standards include more than one termination family. MS310X and MS311X parts normally use fixed solder contacts. MS340X, MS345X, MS312X and MS347X families use removable crimp contacts with different insertion and removal directions.
| Selection Question | Solder Family | Crimp Family |
|---|---|---|
| Production process | Controlled soldering, insulation support and cleaning | Qualified contacts, calibrated crimp tooling and pull-force control |
| Field service | Contact is not normally removed from the insert | Individual contacts may be removed with the correct tool |
| Overmolded cable | Solder joints can be protected by inner molding and strain relief | Overmolding reduces later access even when removable contacts are used |
The termination method should follow the approved connector design and service strategy. It is not correct to describe every 5015 as soldered or every 26482 as crimped.
Polarization, Keying and Mating Control
A standard 5015 interface normally uses a major key and keyway, with alternate insert rotations available for some arrangements. MIL-DTL-26482 uses multiple keys and keyways and also offers alternate insert positions. These features prevent cross-mating only when the mating halves are correctly specified.
"P" means plug and "S" means receptacle.
"P" means pin contacts and "S" means socket contacts. Plug/receptacle describes the shell style.
A straight cable plug can therefore contain socket contacts, and a wall receptacle can contain pin contacts. Both the shell style and contact type must be stated.
Typical Application Priorities
5015 is commonly evaluated when:
- Larger conductors or high-power contact options are required.
- The equipment already has an MS310X, MS340X or MS345X interface.
- A threaded coupling is acceptable or required.
- Connector size and mating speed are not the main constraints.
- The cable combines power, control or mixed circuit functions.
26482 is commonly evaluated when:
- Panel and harness space are limited.
- Faster bayonet mating is preferred.
- The equipment uses an MS311X, MS312X or MS347X interface.
- A compact multi-contact signal or control harness is required.
- Rear-release crimp serviceability is required in a Series II design.
Application labels are not selection rules: 5015 is not limited to ground equipment, and 26482 is not limited to aircraft. The installed interface and controlled performance requirements take priority over broad industry descriptions.
05 · Are MIL-DTL-5015 and MIL-DTL-26482 Interchangeable?
No. A 5015 connector and a 26482 connector are not mechanically interchangeable merely because they have the same number of contacts, similar contact genders or a visually similar circular shell. Their coupling systems, shell dimensions, keys, inserts and part-number systems are different.
Before confirming a mating pair, verify all of the following:
5015, 26482 Series I or Series II
Plug, wall, box, jam-nut or cable receptacle
The mechanical shell designation
Cavity pattern and contact sizes
Pin or socket; solder or crimp
Normal or alternate insert rotation
Finish, sealing and rear construction
The actual equipment-side connector
MS3106A18-1P and MS3116F10-7P belong to different standards and have different shell sizes and insert arrangements. They are examples for part-number reading, not substitutes.
A point-to-point 5015-to-26482 cable can be evaluated when both mating interfaces, voltage, current, contact sizes, pin mapping, shielding and environmental requirements are defined.
Adapter-cable boundary: a cable can route compatible electrical circuits between two different connector families. It does not make the connectors mechanically interchangeable and does not perform voltage, current or protocol conversion unless active electronics are separately designed into the system.
06 · How to Choose Between 5015 and 26482
For a new design, connector selection should begin with system requirements. For a replacement or mating cable, selection begins with the connector already installed on the equipment. The following process prevents a general comparison article from overriding the actual interface.
Identify the Existing Equipment Interface
Record the complete marking. Photograph the mating face and side profile. Identify whether the installed component is a plug or receptacle and whether it contains pins or sockets.
Define Every Electrical Circuit
Specify continuous and peak current, voltage, conductor gauge, circuit count, signal function, shielded pairs, grounding and any spare circuits.
Check Mechanical Space
Check panel cutout, coupling diameter, mating length, backshell envelope, cable bend radius and hand or tool access for installation.
Define the Operating Environment
State temperature, moisture, immersion, dust, oils, fuels, salt spray, vibration, shock, altitude, mating cycles and indoor or outdoor exposure.
Select Termination and Rear Hardware
Choose solder or crimp contacts, straight or right-angle backshell, cable clamp, shield termination, heat-shrink boot, potting or molded strain relief.
Confirm Qualification and Documentation
State whether the connector must be QPL-listed, original-brand, commercial compatible or customer-approved, and define the required test reports and traceability.
| Project Condition | Initial Selection Direction | What Must Still Be Verified |
|---|---|---|
| Existing MS3106/MS3102 interface | 5015 family | Class, shell/insert, contact type, rotation and rear accessory |
| Existing MS3116/MS3112 interface | 26482 Series I | Solder or crimp family, shell/insert, service class and mating half |
| Existing MS3476/MS3472 interface | 26482 Series II | Rear-release contacts, class, finish, grommet and accessory |
| New design with large power conductors | Evaluate 5015 first | Current derating, voltage spacing, temperature rise and connector size |
| New compact multi-contact control harness | Evaluate 26482 first | Contact density, wire size, sealing, mating cycles and bayonet access |
07 · Information Required for a Custom 5015 or 26482 Cable Assembly Quote
A complete RFQ allows the cable supplier to identify the mating interface, select the correct wire and rear construction, prepare a drawing and define inspection. A request containing only "5015 cable" or "7-pin 26482 cable" usually requires several clarification rounds.
| Required Information | Example | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Connector at End A | MS3106A18-1P | Defines family, shell style, insert and contact gender |
| Connector at End B | MS3116F10-7S, terminal lugs or open end | Defines the opposite interface and cable breakout |
| Mating connector | Equipment receptacle part number and photos | Allows compatibility to be checked before production |
| Pinout | A-to-1, B-to-2, C-to-3 or drawing-defined mapping | Prevents assumptions about straight-through wiring |
| Cable length and datum | 2,000 mm between connector reference planes | Avoids disagreement over whether connector bodies are included |
| Wire and cable construction | 10 × 18 AWG, overall shield, PUR jacket | Controls current, diameter, flexibility and environmental resistance |
| Electrical requirements | 28 VDC, 8 A continuous on specified circuits | Supports contact and conductor selection and derating review |
| Shield and grounding | Overall braid bonded to both connector shells | Defines EMI and ground-path construction |
| Backshell or overmold | Straight clamp, heat-shrink boot or one-piece molded strain relief | Controls cable support, envelope and environmental protection |
| Operating environment | −40°C to +85°C, vibration, oil exposure | Determines material and validation requirements |
| Testing | 100% continuity, short-circuit and hipot test | Defines measurable acceptance criteria |
| Documentation | Drawing, inspection report, COC and material traceability | Prevents commercial-compatible parts from being mistaken for qualified parts |
| Quantity | 5 prototypes and 500 production pieces | Affects tooling, connector sourcing, MOQ and production method |
Need a 10-pin military connector cable, 2 meters. Please quote.
MS3106A18-1P to open end, 2,000 mm measured from connector rear datum to wire tips, ten 18 AWG conductors, customer pinout attached, overall braid bonded to the connector shell, black PUR jacket, molded strain relief, −40°C to +85°C, 100% continuity and hipot test, 5 prototypes and 500 production units.
When the part number is unreadable
Provide a straight front-face photo, side view, coupling close-up, shell outside diameter, number and approximate size of contacts, key position, equipment model, mating connector and any available dimensional drawing. A photograph alone may narrow the family but may not prove the exact insert arrangement or service class.
08 · Common RFQ Mistakes
Providing only the contact count
The phrase "7-pin military connector" does not identify the standard, shell size, insert arrangement, contact size, keying or mating half.
Confusing plug/receptacle with pin/socket
A cable plug may have sockets. Asking for a "female plug" without a part number or face photo can create ambiguity.
Omitting the insert arrangement
Shell size alone does not define the cavity pattern. The number after the shell size is required to identify the insert.
Requesting a 5015-to-26482 cable without a pin map
Different contact counts, sizes and circuit functions mean that straight-through wiring must never be assumed.
Assuming "MIL-SPEC type" means qualified
Commercial-compatible, original-brand and QPL-qualified connectors are different sourcing requirements and can have very different costs and lead times.
Leaving the length datum undefined
State whether length is measured tip-to-tip, between connector rear faces, between reference planes or to stripped wire ends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MIL-DTL-5015 the same as SAE AS50151?
MIL-DTL-5015 was canceled in 2009 and superseded for current standardization by SAE AS50151. The terms MIL-C-5015 and MIL-DTL-5015 remain common commercial and legacy-interface descriptions. A project requiring current qualification should state the exact standard, slash sheet, QPL or approved-source requirement.
Is MIL-DTL-26482 smaller than a 5015 connector?
MIL-DTL-26482 is a miniature connector family and is generally more compact for comparable small-contact applications. Actual size must be compared using the dimensional drawings for the selected shell styles, insert arrangements and backshells.
Which connector is better for high current?
5015 generally offers larger contact options and is often the first family evaluated for high-current circuits. The final choice must use the current rating and derating data for the exact contact, wire, insert arrangement, ambient temperature and number of loaded circuits.
Which connector is faster to connect?
The three-point bayonet coupling used by standard MIL-DTL-26482 connectors normally mates and unmates faster than the threaded coupling used by standard 5015 connectors.
Can a plug contain socket contacts?
Yes. Plug and receptacle describe the connector shell style. Pin and socket describe the electrical contacts. A cable plug may contain either pin or socket contacts when a valid mating configuration exists.
Are MIL-DTL-26482 Series I and Series II interchangeable?
The current specification states that the two series are intermateable when using power contacts and are not intermateable when using shielded contacts. When intermated, Series I minimum performance applies. The exact insert, contact type, keying, class and accessory must still be checked.
Can Premier Cable build a 5015-to-26482 adapter cable?
A passive adapter cable can be evaluated when both connector interfaces, pin mapping, voltage, current, wire gauge, shielding, environmental conditions and test requirements are defined. The cable does not mechanically convert one connector into the other and does not perform active protocol or voltage conversion.
Can the connector rear section be overmolded?
A custom cable may use an overmolded strain relief when the selected connector and rear geometry support the molding design. The mold must not obstruct coupling, keying, required service features or dimensional limits, and the cable-to-connector sealing level must be defined separately.
What should I send if the part number is unreadable?
Send clear front, side and coupling photos; shell diameter; contact count and approximate contact sizes; key orientation; equipment model; mating connector; cable function and any drawing or previous purchase record. Physical samples provide the strongest basis when markings and drawings are unavailable.
What information is required for an accurate quotation?
Provide the complete connector numbers at both ends, mating interface, pinout, voltage, current, conductor sizes, cable length and datum, shielding, backshell or overmold, environment, tests, documentation and prototype and production quantities.
Need a 5015, 26482 or 5015-to-26482 Cable Assembly?
Send the connector part numbers, mating-interface photos, pinout, cable length, wire requirements and quantity. Premier Cable can review connector compatibility and prepare a custom cable drawing and quotation for prototype or production requirements.
How This Guide Was Prepared
This guide was prepared from the DLA ASSIST/QuickSearch records for MIL-DTL-5015, SAE AS50151 and MIL-DTL-26482, together with Amphenol technical reference material for 5015 and 26482 connector families. It is written for connector identification, preliminary cable-assembly selection and RFQ preparation.
Published family-level characteristics are not a substitute for the latest controlled connector drawing, insert-arrangement table, slash sheet, QPL/QPD status, wire specification, accessory drawing or system derating analysis. Final production should follow the customer-approved drawing and applicable validation plan.
