Trailer connectors in military organizations

A number of standards specific to military organizations exist for trailer connectors, the electrical connectors between vehicles and the trailers they tow that provide a means of control for the trailers. These can be found on surplus equipment sold for civilian use.

NATO

Trailer connector according to NATO STANAG 4007

NATO uses a 12-pin connector[NATO 1][NATO 2] according to STANAG 4007.[1] However, note that there are often deviations from the standard depending on which country it is applied, which means that the table below may not be accurate.

NrSTANAG 4007
A Blackout - Disconnect power to all normal lighting.

Only specially designed lamps according to STANAG 4381[2] is allowed, but shall only be activated if terminal C is active.

B Left Turn Signal
C Blackout marker lights according to STANAG 4381[2]
D Ground[NATO 3]
E Tail lamps, clearance lamps/outline marker lamps and registration plate lamp
F Blackout stop lights according to STANAG 4381[2]
H Rear fog lamps
J Right Turn Signal
K +24V or +12V[NATO 4]; via ignition lock OR permanent[NATO 5].
L Ground[NATO 3]
M Stop lamps
N Reversing lamps, control current to block surge brakes when reversing.

The following supplementary information exists for the connector:

  1. Maximum current per pin is 15A.
  2. Total maximum current is 30A, which is solved by dual ground pin (D and L).
  3. 1 2 Positive Ground is permitted provided that the vehicle is labeled.
  4. Rated voltage is 24V, although 12V is permitted provided that the vehicle is labeled.
  5. Behavior of pin K may vary from vehicle to vehicle.

Some documentation indicates that the terminal A, C and H must be interconnected,[3] this will conflict with the definition of Blackout and Convoy modes according to STANAG 4007 when these pins have different purposes. To clarify:

Swedish Armed Forces

Connector on Swedish Defense vehicles

This is physically the same connector as the NATO connector, but with completely different wiring.[4] This means that if you aren't careful and mix this up with the STANAG 4007 wiring you run the risk short circuits and blown fuses.

NrSwedish Armed Forces
A Tail lamps, clearance lamps/outline marker lamps and registration plate lamp left side.
B Tail lamps, clearance lamps/outline marker lamps and registration plate lamp right side.
C Stop lamps
D Left Turn Signal
E Right Turn Signal
F Blackout marker lights
H Blackout stop lights
J +24V or +12V[SE 1]; via ignition lock OR permanent[SE 2].
K Ground
L Reversing lamps, control current to block surge brakes when reversing.
M Spare[SE 2]
N Spare[SE 2]

The following supplementary information exists for the connector:

  1. Rated voltage is normally 24V, although 12V is permitted provided that the vehicle is labeled.
  2. 1 2 3 Behavior of pin J may vary from vehicle to vehicle.

References

  1. "NATO STANAG 4007".
  2. 1 2 3 "NATO STANAG 4381".
  3. Elliott, Clive. "NATO Trailer Socket" (PDF).
  4. "Tolvpoligt hylstag för släpfordonsbelysning".

Symbol Guide

ExampleDescription
Socket
Pin
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