A NATO plug (NATO slave connector) is a rugged 2-pole connector to the German defence standard VG 96917. It is used for jump-starting, battery charging and external power supply of vehicles with 12 V or 24 V systems – in military, fire service, ambulance, trucks, trailers, agricultural and construction machinery.
The components at a glance
| NATO socket | Connector permanently mounted on the vehicle (2-pole), usually with protective cap and seal. |
| NATO plug | Counterpart on the cable; plugged into the socket and screwed or locked. |
| NATO coiled cable | Spiral cable with two plugs, e.g. 4 m working length – to connect two vehicles. |
| Jump lead | NATO plug to battery clamps (red/black) – for jump-starting batteries without a NATO socket. |
| Rubber seal | Seals the cable outlet of the socket against water and dirt. |
35 mm² or 50 mm² – what is the difference?
| 35 mm² | 50 mm² | |
|---|---|---|
| Cable cross-section | up to 35 mm² | up to 50 mm² |
| Rated current (manufacturer data, plug) | 135 A | 300 A |
| Voltage | 12 V / 24 V | 12 V / 24 V |
| Typical use | jump-starting and supply for medium loads, standard on many trucks | high currents, large batteries, heavy commercial and military vehicles |
Important: plug, socket and cable must match the same cross-section. If in doubt, choose the larger one.
Technical features of our NATO products
- 2-pole, for 12 V and 24 V systems
- Tested to VG 96917
- Contacts can be soldered or crimped (pins or sockets depending on version)
- Coiled cable: copper conductor, polyurethane sheath, working temperature −40 °C to +80 °C, resistant to oil, grease, cold and UV
- Housing made of metal/aluminium or rugged plastic
How to choose the right product
- Check the cross-section of your existing cable or socket (35 mm² or 50 mm²).
- For a fixed installation on the vehicle: NATO socket + rubber seal.
- To connect two vehicles: NATO coiled cable with two plugs.
- For batteries without NATO socket: jump lead with battery clamps.
- Volumes for workshops, fleets or resellers: request a B2B quote.
Matching products
- NATO plug 35 mm²
- NATO plug 50 mm² (300 A)
- NATO socket 35 mm²
- NATO socket 50 mm²
- NATO coiled cable 35 mm², 4 m
- NATO coiled cable 50 mm², 4 m
- NATO connection set 35 mm²
- Jump lead with NATO plug
- Rubber seal for NATO socket
- All NATO products
Frequently asked questions
What does VG 96917 mean?
VG 96917 is a German defence equipment standard describing the 2-pole NATO connector for vehicle power supply and jump-starting. Plugs and sockets to this standard share a uniform mating face.
Does every NATO plug fit every NATO socket?
Plugs and sockets to VG 96917 are designed for a standardised mating face and fit each other. Also make sure the cable cross-section matches (35 mm² or 50 mm²).
Does the NATO plug work with 12 V and 24 V?
Yes. Our NATO plugs, sockets and coiled cables are suitable for 12 V and 24 V systems.
What current can a NATO plug carry?
According to the manufacturer data of our plugs: 135 A at 35 mm² and 300 A at 50 mm².
Can I jump-start with a NATO cable?
Yes. A NATO coiled cable connects two vehicles that both have a NATO socket. For vehicles without NATO socket, use a jump lead with battery clamps.
Do I have to solder or crimp the contacts?
Both are possible – the contacts of our NATO plugs and sockets can be soldered or crimped.
Do you supply larger quantities to companies?
Yes. We prepare B2B quotes with volume pricing for workshops, resellers, fleets and public authorities. Shipping from Germany across the EU.
Volume demand? Request a B2B quote
We prepare individual quotes with volume pricing for workshops, vehicle builders, resellers and fleets.