DuPont Connector (2.54mm): Complete Guide to Crimping, Male vs Female, Wire Size & Arduino Wiring
The DuPont connector is the most common connector in hobbyist electronics, Arduino projects, and breadboard prototyping. If you've ever connected a sensor to an Arduino, wired a Raspberry Pi GPIO header, or built a prototype circuit, you've used a DuPont connector — probably without knowing its name.
This guide answers the questions that product pages and datasheets never address: what "DuPont" actually means and why it's not an official name, how to tell male from female connectors, how to crimp them correctly (with and without a tool), what wire gauge to use, whether you need to solder them, and how they compare to JST connectors for different applications. Ready to source? Shop DuPont 2.54mm connectors at Keszoox.
What Is a DuPont Connector? (And Why That Name Is Complicated)
The term "DuPont connector" is an informal industry nickname, not an official product name. It refers to a family of 2.54mm pitch (0.1 inch) wire-to-board and wire-to-wire connectors that became ubiquitous in electronics through their use on Arduino boards, Raspberry Pi GPIO headers, and breadboard jumper wires.
The name comes from Berg Electronics, which was acquired by DuPont in the 1970s. Berg manufactured the original 2.54mm pitch connector system that became the standard for PCB headers. DuPont later sold the connector division, which eventually became part of Amphenol. Today, no company officially sells a connector called "DuPont" — but the name stuck in the maker community because it was printed on early connector packaging.
The correct technical name is a 2.54mm pitch crimp connector, also sold under names like: Dupont-style connector, 0.1" pitch connector, jumper wire connector, M20 series connector (Harwin designation), or KF2510 (common Chinese manufacturer designation). All are compatible with standard 2.54mm pin headers used on Arduino Uno, Nano, Mega, Raspberry Pi, and virtually every hobbyist development board.
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DuPont Connector Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Pitch | 2.54 mm (0.1 inch) |
| Current rating | 3A per contact (typical) |
| Voltage rating | 250V AC (typical) |
| Operating temperature | −25°C to +85°C |
| Wire gauge | AWG 22–28 (AWG 26–28 most common) |
| Contact material | Brass, tin-plated or gold-plated |
| Housing material | Nylon, UL94V-0 |
| Pin count | 1–40+ positions (single or double row) |
| Mating cycles | 30 minimum |
| PCB header compatibility | Standard 2.54mm (0.1") pin headers |
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DuPont Male vs Female Connector: What's the Difference?
The terms "male" and "female" refer to the metal contact inside the housing, not the housing shape itself.
Female DuPont connector: Has a socket (tube-shaped) crimp terminal inside the housing. The socket receives a male pin. Female connectors plug onto pin headers — the kind found on Arduino boards, Raspberry Pi GPIO, and breadboard adapter boards. Most common use: jumper wires that connect to Arduino/Raspberry Pi headers.
Male DuPont connector: Has a pin (blade-shaped) crimp terminal inside the housing. The pin inserts into a female socket. Most common use: custom cable assemblies, wire-to-wire connections, breadboard jumper wires (male pins fit breadboard holes).
Quick Reference: Which Do I Need?
| Scenario | Connector Type |
|---|---|
| Connecting wire to Arduino pin header | Female DuPont |
| Connecting wire to Raspberry Pi GPIO | Female DuPont |
| Wire-to-wire connection (both ends) | Female on one end, Male on other |
| Connecting to a female header on a shield | Male DuPont |
| Breadboard jumper wire | Male DuPont (fits breadboard holes) |
➡️ Shop DuPont Female & Male Connector Housings and Terminals | Shop Pre-Crimped DuPont Jumper Wires
DuPont Connector Pin Counts: 1 to 40 Pin
| Configuration | Common Use |
|---|---|
| 1-pin (single) | Individual signal or power wire |
| 2-pin | Power (VCC/GND), simple sensors |
| 3-pin | Servo signal (GND/VCC/Signal), RGB LED |
| 4-pin | I2C (GND/VCC/SDA/SCL), UART |
| 5-pin | Multi-signal sensor modules |
| 6-pin | SPI, multi-channel sensors |
| 8-pin | LCD modules, multi-channel ADC |
| 10-pin | JTAG debug headers, LCD displays |
| 40-pin | Raspberry Pi GPIO ribbon cable |
| 2×N double row | JTAG, ISP programming headers |
➡️ Shop DuPont Housings — 1 to 40 Pin Configurations
How to Crimp DuPont Connectors
What Crimping Tool Do I Need for DuPont Connectors?
| Tool | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Engineer PA-09 | $30–40 | Best overall for hobbyists |
| IWISS SN-28B | $15–25 | Budget option, dedicated DuPont dies |
| Preciva PR-3254 | $20–30 | Good for beginners |
| Generic ratchet crimper | $10–15 | Acceptable for low-volume work |
Step-by-Step: How to Crimp DuPont Connectors
- Strip 2.0–2.5mm of insulation from the wire end
- Twist conductor strands tightly
- Select the correct terminal: female socket for connecting to pin headers, male pin for connecting to female sockets
- Place the terminal in the crimper die — conductor wings in the front position, insulation wings in the rear
- Insert the wire so conductor strands fill the front wings and insulation sits in the rear wings
- Squeeze until the ratchet releases
- Pull-test: tug the wire firmly — it should not move
- Insert the terminal into the housing from the rear until it clicks
How to Crimp DuPont Connectors Without a Tool
- Strip 2.0–2.5mm of insulation
- Hold the terminal with fine-tipped needle-nose pliers or tweezers
- Fold the conductor wings around the wire strands one at a time, pressing firmly inward
- Fold the insulation wings around the wire insulation
- Use a second pair of pliers to squeeze each wing closed tightly
- Pull-test before inserting into housing — discard any terminal that moves
Honest assessment: Tool-free crimping on 2.54mm terminals is significantly easier than on smaller JST series (SH, GH, PH) because the terminals are larger. For anything that will be handled repeatedly or used in a finished product, use a proper crimper or buy pre-crimped jumper wires.
➡️ Full Connector Crimping Guide with step-by-step photos | Shop Pre-Crimped DuPont Jumper Wires
What Wire Size (Gauge) for DuPont Connectors?
| Wire Gauge | Current Capacity | Best For | Fits DuPont Terminal? |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWG 22 | ~5A | Power wiring, motor connections | Yes (tight fit) |
| AWG 24 | ~3.5A | General purpose, power + signal | Yes |
| AWG 26 | ~2A | Signal wiring, most Arduino projects | Yes (ideal) |
| AWG 28 | ~0.8A | Low-current signal wiring | Yes |
| AWG 30 | ~0.5A | Very fine signal wiring | Marginal |
Most commercially available DuPont jumper wires use AWG 26–28 wire. For motor wiring or any connection carrying more than 1A, use AWG 24 or thicker. AWG 24 works well with DuPont connectors and is a good choice for applications that carry both signal and moderate power (up to ~3A).
Do I Need to Solder DuPont Connectors?
No — DuPont connectors are crimp connectors, not solder connectors. The metal terminal is mechanically crimped onto the wire, creating a gas-tight connection that does not require solder. Soldering a crimp terminal is generally discouraged because solder wicks up the wire strands, making the wire rigid and prone to breaking at the joint under vibration. A properly crimped connection is more reliable than a soldered one.
How to Connect DuPont Connectors to Arduino
DuPont connectors are the native connector for Arduino boards. The standard Arduino Uno, Nano, Mega, and Leonardo all use 2.54mm pin headers that mate directly with female DuPont connectors.
- Digital I/O pins: Use female DuPont single-pin or multi-pin connectors. Signal wires typically use AWG 26–28.
- Power pins (5V, 3.3V, GND): Use female DuPont connectors. For higher current draws, use AWG 24–26.
- I2C (SDA/SCL): Use a 4-pin female DuPont housing (GND/VCC/SDA/SCL) for a clean single-connector I2C connection.
- UART (TX/RX): Use a 4-pin female DuPont housing (GND/VCC/TX/RX).
- Servo signal: Use a 3-pin female DuPont housing (GND/VCC/Signal) — matches standard servo connector pitch.
How to Connect Wire to DuPont Female Connector for Arduino
- Crimp a female DuPont socket terminal onto each wire
- Insert each terminal into the housing in the correct pin order
- Push the housing onto the Arduino pin header — the locking tab will click when fully seated
- To remove, press the locking tab and pull the housing straight back
➡️ Shop DuPont Female Connector Kits for Arduino Projects | Shop Pre-Crimped DuPont Jumper Wire Assemblies for Arduino
How to Wire a Motor with DuPont Connectors
DuPont connectors can be used for motor connections in low-current applications (stepper motors, small DC motors, servo signal wires), but with important caveats: current limit is ~3A per contact (use AWG 22–24 for motor power); DuPont friction-lock can loosen under sustained vibration (consider a zip tie or hot glue for moving applications); 4-pin DuPont connectors are commonly used for stepper motor coil connections on 3D printer driver boards and CNC controllers.
➡️ Shop DuPont 4-pin Connectors for Stepper Motor Wiring
DuPont Connector vs JST: Which Should You Use?
| Feature | DuPont (2.54mm) | JST XH (2.5mm) | JST PH (2.0mm) | JST SH (1.0mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pitch | 2.54 mm | 2.5 mm | 2.0 mm | 1.0 mm |
| Current rating | 3A | 3A | 2A | 1A |
| Wire gauge | AWG 22–28 | AWG 22–28 | AWG 24–32 | AWG 28–32 |
| Locking | Friction (weak) | Positive latch | Positive latch | Side latch |
| PCB header type | Through-hole | Through-hole | Through-hole | SMD only |
| Arduino compatible? | Yes — native | No | No | No |
| Breadboard compatible? | Yes | No | No | No |
| Vibration resistance | Low | High | High | High |
| Best for | Prototyping, Arduino, breadboard | 3D printers, RC | LiPo batteries | FPV drones |
Use DuPont when connecting to Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or any standard 2.54mm pin header, for breadboard prototyping, or when you need to reconfigure connections frequently. Use JST when you need a positive locking connection, vibration resistance, or compact size for LiPo batteries, FPV builds, and production electronics.
➡️ Shop DuPont Connectors | Wire-to-Board Connector Types: Complete Guide
How to Remove DuPont Connector Terminals
- Look into the open end of the housing — you will see a small plastic retention tab on each terminal
- Insert a fine-tipped tool (a bent paperclip, dental pick, or dedicated extraction tool) to depress the retention tab
- While holding the tab depressed, pull the wire from the rear of the housing
- The terminal will slide out cleanly
DuPont Connector Part Numbers & Housing Names
| Component | Description | Common Name |
|---|---|---|
| Female crimp socket | Wire-side female terminal | DuPont female terminal / socket |
| Male crimp pin | Wire-side male terminal | DuPont male terminal / pin |
| Single-row housing | 1–40 pin single-row plug | DuPont housing / shell |
| Double-row housing | 2×N pin double-row plug | DuPont double-row housing |
| Pin header (male) | PCB-mount 2.54mm male header | 2.54mm pin header / berg strip |
| Female header | PCB-mount 2.54mm female header | 2.54mm female header / socket strip |
➡️ Shop DuPont 2.54mm Connector Kits — Housings, Terminals & Pin Headers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a DuPont connector? A DuPont connector is an informal name for a 2.54mm (0.1 inch) pitch crimp connector widely used in Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and breadboard prototyping. The name comes from DuPont's acquisition of Berg Electronics in the 1970s. Today, "DuPont connector" refers to any 2.54mm pitch crimp housing and terminal compatible with standard 2.54mm pin headers.
What is the DuPont connector pitch? The DuPont connector pitch is 2.54mm (0.1 inch) — the same as standard Arduino pin headers, Raspberry Pi GPIO headers, and breadboard hole spacing, which is why DuPont connectors are universally compatible with these platforms.
DuPont connector male vs female — what's the difference? A female DuPont connector has a socket (tube-shaped) terminal that receives a male pin — used to connect wires to Arduino/Raspberry Pi pin headers. A male DuPont connector has a pin (blade-shaped) terminal that inserts into a female socket. The terms refer to the metal contact, not the housing shape.
How do I crimp DuPont connectors? Use an Engineer PA-09 or IWISS SN-28B crimper. Strip 2.0–2.5mm of insulation, place the terminal in the die with conductor wings forward and insulation wings rear, insert the wire, and squeeze until the ratchet releases. Pull-test before inserting into the housing.
How do I crimp DuPont connectors without a tool? Strip 2.0–2.5mm of insulation, hold the terminal with needle-nose pliers, and fold the conductor wings around the wire strands individually, then fold the insulation wings around the insulation. Pull-test before inserting into the housing. Feasible for DuPont (larger than JST) but less consistent than a proper crimper.
What wire size for DuPont connectors? AWG 26–28 for signal wiring. AWG 24–26 for power connections up to 3A. AWG 22–24 for motor connections. Avoid AWG 30 or thinner — the terminal may not crimp reliably.
Can I use AWG 24 wire for DuPont connectors? Yes — AWG 24 works well with DuPont connectors, fits the terminal correctly, and is a good choice for connections carrying both signal and moderate power (up to ~3A).
Do I need to solder DuPont connectors? No. DuPont connectors are crimp connectors — the terminal is mechanically crimped onto the wire without solder. Soldering is not recommended as it makes the wire rigid and prone to breaking at the joint.
DuPont connector vs JST — which should I use? Use DuPont for Arduino, Raspberry Pi, breadboard prototyping, and any 2.54mm pin header application. Use JST for positive locking, vibration resistance, or compact size.
What is a DuPont connector kit? A DuPont connector kit includes female and male crimp terminals, single-row housings in multiple pin counts (1–10 pin), and sometimes 2.54mm pin headers. All components needed to build custom jumper wire assemblies.
What is the DuPont connector housing 2.54mm name? The housing is called a DuPont housing or DuPont shell in hobbyist terminology. The correct technical name is a 2.54mm pitch crimp housing. Common manufacturer designations include KF2510 (Chinese manufacturers) and M20 series (Harwin).
Who makes DuPont connectors? No company officially makes a connector called "DuPont" today. The style originated with Berg Electronics (acquired by DuPont, then Amphenol). Compatible 2.54mm crimp connectors are manufactured by Amphenol, Harwin (M20 series), Molex, and dozens of manufacturers under generic designations. All are compatible with standard 2.54mm pin headers.
Are DuPont connectors reliable? DuPont connectors use a friction-lock mechanism — they stay connected through friction rather than a positive latch like JST connectors. For static prototyping, they are highly reliable. For moving applications or production electronics, they are less suitable. The most common reliability issue is poor crimping, not the connector design itself.
Shop DuPont 2.54mm Connectors at Keszoox
Keszoox stocks a complete range of DuPont-compatible 2.54mm crimp connectors — female and male terminals, single-row and double-row housings in 1–40 pin configurations, 2.54mm pin headers, and pre-crimped jumper wire assemblies, ready to ship worldwide.
- DuPont 2.54mm Female & Male Connector Housings and Terminals
- DuPont 2.54mm Pre-Crimped Jumper Wire Assemblies
- DuPont Connector Kits — Housings, Terminals & Pin Headers
Related guides: How to Crimp Connectors: Step-by-Step Guide | JST XH 2.5mm Complete Guide | JST PH 2.0mm Complete Guide | Wire-to-Board Connector Types: Complete Guide