What are EN3645 and EN3646 Connectors?
What are EN3645 and EN3646 Connectors?
Meet the Connector: EN3645 and EN3646 Connectors
EN3645 and EN3646 connectors are named for European technical standards (EN). They are similar to MIL-DTL-38999 Series III and MIL-DTL-26482, respectively. They have additional requirements, specifically in terms of performance under lightning strikes and resistance to fluids.
Scoop-proof EN3645 connectors were created for broad use in a wide range of challenging applications and rugged environments. The EN3646 connector, designed for commercial aerospace applications, is a bayonet-style, quick release connector and a low-profile, lightweight version of its MIL-DTL counterpart. EN3646 connectors guarantee a proper and effective sealing at the connector interface and between the connector and cables due to its front and rear silicone elastomers parts. A variety of keying options are available based on shell size and EN selection.

RS supplies the Souriau-Sunbank EN3645 D38999 connector. Features include very high resistance to harsh environmental factors such as shock and temperature extremes.
Design Notes
Lightning strikes requirements: An EN3645 connector can handle up to 15kA E compared to up to 10kA for a MIL-DTL-38999 Series III connector.
Styles: Threaded or bayonet
Standards: EN3645 & EN3646, MIL-DTL-38999, MIL-DTL-26482, ASNE (American Society of Naval Engineers). Variations of the EN3646 are Airbus approved. EN3646 connectors are also compliant with HE302 and VG95328 specifications.
Mounting types: Cable, wall-front mount-thru holes
Shell type: Jam nut or square (standard and large) flange receptacle, plug, and dummy receptacle. Solder mount receptacle is available in hermetic version.

Deutsch DTS series EN3645 aluminum connectors from TE Connectivity
Mating cycles: 500
Contacts: Gold plated crimp, quadrax, and PC tail
Shell material specifications: Several shell materials are available including passivated stainless steel for harsh environments, lightweight aluminum shells for environmentally sealed versions. Composite shells offer light weight and corrosion resistance. Plating materials include black anodized, nickel, olive drab, and cadmium.

Mouser Electronics supplies EN3645 connectors from the Amphenol Socapex 38999 series.
Shielding: Grounding fingers and 100% metal-to-metal bottoming provide excellent EMI shielding and electrostatic discharge protection (EDP)
Locking mechanism: Threaded (self-locking) or bayonet
Sealing: Silicone elastomer seal O-ring
Temperature range: -65 °C to 125 °C (-85 °F to 257 °F)
Markets and Applications
Military and Aerospace, Transportation, Industrial
Commercial aviation, military avionics, ground vehicles, battlefield communication C5ISR, marine and offshore equipment, medical instrumentation, defense and military ground personnel, and industrial connector applications
Suppliers
Amphenol Socapex (available from Mouser Electronics), TE Connectivity (Deutsch), Souriau-Sunbank by Eaton (available from RS), Air Electro Inc., Conesys
Related products
Like this article? Check out our other Meet the Connector articles, our Military and Aerospace Market Page, and our 2024 Article Archives.
Subscribe to our weekly e-newsletters, follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook, and check out our eBook archives for more applicable, expert-informed connectivity content.
- AyontEX Alloy Chosen for NASA Telescope Mirror Prototype - April 22, 2025
- Humidity and Moisture Sensors Product Roundup - April 22, 2025
- What are Precision RF Connectors? - April 15, 2025