Home / How to Select a Push-Pull Self-Locking Connector
ENGINEERING BLOG / 2026.10.17

How to Select a Push-Pull Self-Locking Connector

A practical engineering workflow for choosing B, S, F, K, T, W or P Series connectors by interface, environment, contact layout and installation.

A push-pull connector should be selected from the equipment interface outward. Start with the mating pair and electrical function, then apply the mechanical, environmental and service requirements. A connector that looks correct can still differ in shell size, insert orientation, keying, contact layout or panel geometry.

Short answer: define the mating interface, contact count, load, mounting style, sealing, cable diameter and termination before choosing a series or part number.

1. Choose the family by operating environment

LMConn documentation groups general-purpose metal push-pull formats with sealed, compact, underwater-oriented and plastic-shell alternatives. B Series is a broad starting point for metal push-pull equipment connections. F and K families address sealed configurations. T Series focuses on compact packaging, W Series on wet-environment projects and P Series on lightweight plastic construction. S Series covers multipole, single-contact and coaxial arrangements.

Family names narrow the search; they do not replace a model drawing. Protection levels apply only to the stated configuration and normally depend on the complete mated pair, cable gland, panel installation and assembly procedure.

2. Lock the electrical definition

  • State signal, data, coaxial or power duty.
  • List every circuit, contact count and spare-contact requirement.
  • Record maximum working voltage and current per circuit.
  • Define conductor size, shield path and termination method.
  • Provide the required contact-face pin map.

Do not select only from total contact count. Mixed power and signal circuits, coaxial contacts and shield termination can change the appropriate insert and cable construction.

3. Verify the physical installation

Confirm plug or receptacle, cable mount or panel mount, front or rear mounting, straight or elbow cable exit, panel thickness and rear clearance. Check hand access for mating and release. For a right-angle connector, define clocking from the mating face on the controlled drawing.

Cable outside diameter must fall inside the specified gland or collet range. Also check bend radius and strain relief so the cable does not load the connector during use.

4. Prepare a quotation-ready request

Mating evidence Existing part number, drawing or clear contact-face photographs.
Electrical Pinout, current, voltage, protocol and shielding.
Mechanical Mounting, orientation, panel details, cable OD and length.
Environment Temperature, water, dust, vibration, chemicals and mating frequency.
Commercial Prototype quantity, annual demand, schedule and required documents.

LMConn can review a standard connector or a complete cable assembly. Final supply should be controlled by an approved drawing that identifies both mating compatibility and project-specific wiring.

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