micro-fit 3.0 vs mini-fit jr. vs deutsch DTM.

micro-fit 3.0 and mini-fit jr. are Molex's dual-row crimp connectors, one on a 0.118 in (3.00 mm) pitch[1] and one on 0.165 in (4.20 mm)[2]. deutsch DTM is TE's sealed connector with size 20 contacts[5]. the gauges we build overlap at 20 AWG, so the choice is about space, current and water more than about wire.

the short version: micro-fit 3.0 when board space is tight, mini-fit jr. when current matters, DTM when the harness can get wet.

updated 2026-09-14 · every figure is cited: 6 sources · priced builds

At a glance

side by side.

Micro-Fit 3.0, Mini-Fit Jr. and Deutsch DTM compared
molex micro-fit 3.0molex mini-fit jr.deutsch DTM
pitch0.118 in (3.00 mm)[1]0.165 in (4.20 mm)[2]—
current per contact, 20 AWG6.5 A with 2 circuits to 4 A* with 24 circuits, wire to wire, 30 °C rise[1]7 A with 2–3 circuits to 5 A with 12–24 circuits, brass terminals, 30 °C rise[2]7.5 A, all circuits energized[4]
wire, maker's range18–30 AWG[1]16–28 AWG[2]16–22 AWG in TE's rating table[4]
voltage600 V AC or DC[1]600 V AC or DC[2]250 V DC[4]
sealingnone given[1]none given[2]IP68 and IP6K9K, inline plug and receptacle, with rear protection, such as a backshell[4]
we build20–24 AWG · 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12 pins · ships in 8 business days18–24 AWG · 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 pins · ships in 8 business days20 AWG · 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12 pins · ships in 12 business days

Molex rates current per circuit and lowers it as circuits are added; * marks values Molex gives as interpolated. TE gives one DTM figure with every circuit energized. the full tables, by gauge, are in current rating by wire gauge.

When to use each

space, current, or water.

micro-fit 3.0 packs circuits the tightest of the three, on a 0.118 in (3.00 mm) pitch[1]. the price is current per contact, which Molex takes from 6.5 A with 2 circuits to 4 A* with 24 circuits on 20 AWG[1]. good for signals, sensors and modest power on a crowded board.

mini-fit jr. is the power connector of the Molex families we build: on 18 AWG with brass terminals Molex rates 9 A with 2–3 circuits to 6 A with 12–24 circuits[2]. the terminals we crimp are brass[3], which Molex rates for −40 to +80 °C including the temperature rise[2], so keep a hot enclosure in mind.

deutsch DTM is the one to use outdoors, on a vehicle or anywhere it can get wet: TE rates the inline connectors IP68 and IP6K9K inline plug and receptacle, with rear protection, such as a backshell[4], and each contact carries 7.5 A on 20 AWG[4]. it tops out at 12 cavities[4]. we build it at 20 AWG only: our contacts are nickel, and TE's crimp specification says 0.22–0.35 mm² (22–24 AWG) can only be used with gold finish contacts[6].

neither Molex product specification gives a sealing or IP rating[1][2], so put micro-fit and mini-fit jr. inside an enclosure.

need more current in a sealed connector? DT and DTP are DTM's bigger siblings: see deutsch DT vs DTM vs DTP.

Build one

the same 4-pin build in each family, priced.

each row opens the configurator with that build loaded: change the pin count, length, gauge or pinout there and it reprices.

price each, by quantity, shipping free
buildships inqty 1, eachqty 10, eachqty 50, eachconfigure
molex micro-fit 3.0 4-pin cable, 12 in (305 mm)8 days$40.00order minimum$14.23$13.48configure
molex micro-fit 3.0 4-pin pigtail, 12 in (305 mm) flying leads8 days$40.00order minimum$11.32$10.73configure
molex mini-fit jr. 4-pin cable, 12 in (305 mm)8 days$40.00order minimum$14.04$13.30configure
molex mini-fit jr. 4-pin pigtail, 12 in (305 mm) flying leads8 days$40.00order minimum$11.02$10.44configure
deutsch DTM 4-pin cable, 12 in (305 mm)12 days$40.00order minimum$26.35$24.97configure
deutsch DTM 4-pin pigtail, 12 in (305 mm) flying leads12 days$40.00order minimum$16.49$15.62configure

each · free UPS 2-day shipping · $40 order minimum (a smaller order is charged $40) · lead times are business days. these are example builds, priced the way checkout prices them: change anything in the configurator and it reprices the result the same way.

Questions

short answers.

what's the difference between micro-fit 3.0 and mini-fit jr.?
size and current. micro-fit 3.0 is on a 0.118 in (3.00 mm) pitch and mini-fit jr. on 0.165 in (4.20 mm). at 20 AWG, Molex rates mini-fit jr. at 7 A per circuit with 2–3 circuits (brass terminals) and micro-fit 3.0 at 6.5 A with 2 circuits (wire to wire), both at a 30 °C temperature rise.
which is sealed?
only DTM. TE rates inline DTM connectors IP68 and IP6K9K with rear protection, such as a backshell. Molex's product specifications for micro-fit 3.0 and mini-fit jr. give no sealing or IP rating.
which carries the most current per contact?
at 18 AWG, mini-fit jr.: 9 A with 2–3 circuits (brass, 30 °C rise). at 20 AWG it's DTM, 7.5 A with all circuits energized, against 7 A for mini-fit jr. and 6.5 A for micro-fit 3.0 at their smallest circuit counts.
which gauges and sizes do you build?
molex micro-fit 3.0: 20, 22, 24 AWG, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12 pins; molex mini-fit jr.: 18, 20, 22, 24 AWG, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 pins; deutsch DTM: 20 AWG, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12 pins.

Sources

where every figure comes from.

ratings are the manufacturer's, under the conditions each document states; check the current revision before you design to a number. what we build (gauges, sizes, lead times, prices) comes from our own catalog.

  1. PS-43045 Rev R (2025-11-14), Micro-Fit (3.0) Dual Row Connectors product specification, §1.0 scope, §4.1 voltage, §4.3 current derating · Molex
  2. PS-5556-001 Rev H2 (2026-06-22), Mini-Fit Jr. Connector System product specification, §1.0 scope, §4.1 voltage, table 3 maximum current rating, §4.4 temperature · Molex
  3. 55560000-SD, Mini-Fit Jr. female crimp terminal sales drawing (39-00-0038): material and plating chart · Molex
  4. 108-151010 Rev F, DTM Series Connector System (product specification), §3.2 ratings · TE Connectivity
  5. DTM04-4P product page: contact size, insulation diameter range · TE Connectivity
  6. 114-151004 Rev E1, DEUTSCH Size 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 Solid Contacts (application specification), note L · TE Connectivity

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