Connector Types
From 2000 to 2012, all UK supplied OptiMates were fitted with TM (AKA “KET”) connectors. In 2012, the SAE connector was introduced.
The easiest way to distinguish between the two is to look inside the rubber casing. The TM version has a white connector, while SAE versions are black. See picture below showing TM71 (early and late) and O1 (SAE71) connectors.
Ring terminals – OptiMate offers permanent battery leads with ring terminals for the following battery fasteners:
M6 / 1/4” – powersport batteries with square posts, Lithium LFP deep cycle batteries, most Japanese, Korean and European made cars.
M8 / 5/16” – American made batteries or vehicles, deep cycle batteries.
M10 / 3/8” – Deep cycle and heavy truck batteries.
OptiMate Dual ring technology allows fitment to two different sizes.
M6-8 / 1/4″ – 5/16”, found on the O-01 permanent battery lead.
M8-10 / 5/16” – 3/8”, found on the O-11 permanent battery lead.
SAE – OptiMate 2-pin SAE connectors fit all other standard SAE 2-pin connectors. It is a commonly used battery charger connector.
AUTO socket / plug – 12V power outlet socket used in automotive, marine, truck and some Japanese and American motorcycle brands.
Size: diameter of 21-22mm / ± 7/8”.
Standard: J563 / SAE563.
Security of connection is average – the spring-loaded blades of the plug applies pressure to the inside of the socket barrel. Some sockets have slots that match up with the plug’s blades, improving connection.
BIKE socket / plug – 12V power outlet socket used on European made motorcycles. Also known as a DIN, Hella or Powerlet connector.
Size: diameter of 12mm / ± 1/2″.
Standard: ISO / DIN4165.
Security of connection is high – the dual pincer blades within the socket grips the bevelled (positive) pin of the plug, further aided by the spring loaded negative (ground) terminal of the plug applying pressure against the inside of the socket barrel.
DC2.5 plug / socket – A commonly used heated gear / apparel in-line axial connector.
Size: barrel diameter of 5.5mm with pin diameter of 2.5mm.
Security of connection is provided by spring-loaded blades within the jack’s plug that presses against the pin of the receiver. The connection can be easily broken if pulled apart, an advantage for heated gear applications.
DC2.1 plug / socket – A lesser used heated gear / apparel in-line axial connector. Also used in security / camera applications.
Size: barrel diameter of 5.5mm with pin diameter of 2.1mm.
NOTE: Although the DC2.1 is identical in design to the DC2.5, they are not interchangeable.
OBDII – Diagnostic connector in automotive / truck applications. Low current (< 2 Amps) charging & maintenance is acceptable.
TM / KET – a legacy connector used in OptiMate battery chargers up to 2012.
Ducati (Euro4) – Diagnostic connector in Ducati motorcycles. Models from 2021 will use the Euro 5 motorcycle connector. Up to 5A charging & maintenance is acceptable.
MV Agusta (Euro 4) – Diagnostic connector in MV Agusta motorcycles. Models from 2021 will use the Euro 5 motorcycle connector. Up to 5A charging & maintenance is acceptable.
Moto Euro 5 – Diagnostic connector used in most European made motorcycles from model year 2021. Up to 5A charging & maintenance is acceptable.
Battery clips connect directly to the battery terminals. This method is safest if the battery is out of the vehicle. OptiMate clips are designed to securely connect to square, round and flat terminals.
Panel mount connection.
OptiMate Converter Leads
O7 - converter lead to connect a TM71 lead (fitted to a vehicle’s battery) to an SAE charger or accessory
O17 - converter lead to connect an O1 (SAE71) lead (fitted to a vehicle’s battery) to a TM charger or accessory