Plugs
Plugs for trucks and trailers are a fundamental component of every electrical connection system between a tractor unit and its trailer. In professional practice, the selection of the correct plug is governed by the applicable standard, the connection type and the technical requirements of the installation. Dekoff supplies a comprehensive range of plugs that comply with the most widely used international standards in the truck and trailer industry, meeting the daily requirements of workshops, trailer manufacturers and body builders.
The most commonly referenced standard for braking system connections is ISO 7638. This standard defines the electrical interface for ABS and EBS systems between a tractor and a trailer. An EBS plug trailer version conforming to ISO 7638 is available in both a 7-pin and a 5-pin configuration. The 7-pin plug truck variant is used in full EBS installations where additional data signals are transmitted alongside the power supply. The 5-pin version is intended for simpler ABS applications without data communication. Both configurations are waterproof and certified for use under ADR/GGVS conditions, which is mandatory for the transport of dangerous goods.
For trailer lighting systems, different standards apply. ISO 1185 is the relevant standard governing the 7-pin plug truck for lighting circuits on trailers. This connector has been the industry standard for rear lights, indicators and brake lights for decades. It is available with screw contacts for straightforward workshop installation and removal, and in metal housings for applications requiring higher mechanical durability.
Beyond the 7-pin format, ISO 12098 covers 15-pin connections. A plug manufactured to ISO 12098 is used in more complex trailer electrical systems where additional functions are electrically controlled, such as fully specified semi-trailers with multiple lighting circuits, hydraulic functions and supplementary signal paths. The 15-pin plug provides the necessary connection capacity within a single standardised connector.
NATO plugs represent a distinct category. The NATO plug is standardised under VG 96917 and configured as a 2-pin connector. This standard prescribes the dimensions, contact materials and mechanical properties applicable within NATO vehicle electrical standardisation. These plugs are available for cable conductors of 50mm² and 70mm², with or without a locking ring, and in versions featuring a rubber housing for maximum mechanical protection. The Erich Jaeger plug in NATO configuration meets the VDA 72594 C specification and is designed for heavy military or industrial vehicle applications.
For high-current direct current connections in the truck and trailer sector, traction plugs conforming to DIN 43589 are used. The Rema plug 160A is a widely adopted connector for charging current applications using cable conductors of 35mm² or 50mm². Depending on the application, these plugs are available with solder contacts or with crimp contacts. Solder contacts provide a permanent, low-resistance connection, while crimp contacts can be fitted in the workshop without specialised tooling. For higher current ratings of 200A, versions with 50mm² crimp contacts based on the same DIN 43589 standard are also available.
The Erich Jaeger plug is a frequently used solution in the truck and trailer industry for 13-pin connections conforming to ISO 11446. These plugs are available with screw contacts or with a strain relief and are used on tractor units and trailers where a more comprehensive lighting and signalling arrangement is required. The 13-pin configuration combines multiple functions in a single connection and in modern installations replaces the combination of a 7-pin lighting connector and a separate supplementary socket.
In the daily practice of a commercial vehicle workshop or trailer manufacturer, it is essential that plugs are straightforward to install, comply with the applicable standards and are robust enough for prolonged use in demanding environments. Whether the requirement is for an EBS plug trailer on a new refrigerated semi-trailer, a NATO plug for a military vehicle or a Rema plug 160A for an electrically driven trailer component, the applicable standard defines the minimum technical requirements and the installer selects the configuration that best suits the installation. Dekoff supplies plugs that meet these requirements and are ready for immediate use in professional truck and trailer electrical installations.