DuPont connectors are a family of low-cost, versatile electrical connectors commonly used in electronics prototyping, hobbyist projects, and low-current applications. Originally developed by DuPont (now part of TE Connectivity), these connectors are characterized by their 0.1" (2.54mm) pitch spacing and simple friction-fit connection mechanism.

DuPont connectors feature:

• 2.54mm (0.1") pitch spacing (compatible with standard breadboards)
• Simple friction-fit mating mechanism
• No locking mechanism (relies on friction)
• Low-cost construction
• Easy field assembly
• Wide variety of housing configurations
• Operating temperature: -55°C to +105°C
• Voltage rating: Up to 250V AC/DC
• Current rating: 3A per contact (depending on wire gauge)

The most common type, featuring plastic housings with friction-fit contacts.

Pre-assembled wire-to-wire connections with DuPont terminals.

Male pin strips designed to mate with DuPont housings.

Female socket strips, often used on PCBs.

1
o

1  2
o  o

1  2  3
o  o  o

1  2  3  4
o  o  o  o

1  2  3  4  5
o  o  o  o  o

1  2  3  4  5  6
o  o  o  o  o  o

1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8
o  o  o  o  o  o  o  o

1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10
o  o  o  o  o  o  o  o  o  o

1  2
o  o
o  o
3  4

1  2  3
o  o  o
o  o  o
4  5  6

1  2  3  4
o  o  o  o
o  o  o  o
5  6  7  8

1  2  3  4  5
o  o  o  o  o
o  o  o  o  o
6  7  8  9  10

1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8
o  o  o  o  o  o  o  o
o  o  o  o  o  o  o  o
9  10 11 12 13 14 15 16

• Red: Power/VCC (+3.3V, +5V, +12V)
• Black: Ground/GND
• Yellow: Data/Signal lines
• White: Data/Signal lines
• Blue: Data/Signal lines
• Green: Data/Signal lines
• Orange: Clock signals
• Purple: Control signals

1. Strip wire 2-3mm from end
2. Insert wire into crimp terminal
3. Crimp using appropriate tool (or needle-nose pliers)
4. Ensure good mechanical and electrical connection
5. Insert terminal into housing until it clicks

1. Insert crimped terminals into housing
2. Ensure proper orientation (key tab alignment)
3. Push until terminal locks in place
4. Verify terminals cannot be pulled out
5. Check pin 1 orientation

1. Insert pin header through PCB holes
2. Ensure proper alignment and seating
3. Solder all pins from component side
4. Trim excess pin length if needed

• Breadboard connections
• Arduino/Raspberry Pi projects
• Sensor interfacing
• Development board connections

• LED strips and modules
• Servo motor connections
• Switch and button interfaces
• Display connections (LCD, OLED)

• Learning electronics basics
• STEM education kits
• Science fair projects
• Robotics clubs

• IoT sensor nodes
• Battery-powered projects
• Small embedded systems
• Wearable electronics

• Low cost and widely available
• Easy to assemble without special tools
• Compatible with standard 0.1" pitch components
• Variety of configurations available
• Suitable for prototyping and temporary connections
• No special crimping tools required (can use pliers)

• No locking mechanism (connections can come loose)
• Limited current capacity (3A maximum)
• Not suitable for high-vibration environments
• No environmental sealing
• Contact resistance can increase over time
• Not recommended for production applications

• Loose connections: Ensure terminals are fully inserted and crimped properly
• Intermittent contact: Check for oxidation or bent pins
• Wrong pin assignment: Verify pin 1 orientation and numbering
• High resistance: Clean contacts with isopropyl alcohol

• Use multimeter for continuity testing
• Check voltage drops across connections
• Verify proper crimping with gentle pull test
• Inspect for bent or damaged pins

• JST Connectors: Locking mechanism, better reliability
• Molex KK Series: More robust construction
• Hirose DF13: Micro-pitch for compact applications

• JST XH (2.5mm pitch): Slightly smaller spacing
• JST PH (2.0mm pitch): Compact option
• Molex PicoBlade (1.25mm pitch): Ultra-miniature

• Store in anti-static bags when possible
• Keep housings and terminals separated until use
• Avoid bending pins excessively
• Protect contacts from contamination
• Use proper orientation when mating/unmating

• Color-code wire sets for easy identification
• Keep common sizes (2, 3, 4, 5-pin) readily available
• Maintain stock of both male and female jumper wires
• Store in organized compartmented boxes