MS3474L18-11S RECEP CONNECTOR

MS3474L18-11S — 11-Way Olive MS3474 Bayonet-Coupling Receptacle (Socket Contacts)

The MS3474L18-11S is a 11-way olive-drab cadmium-plated aluminium MS3474 circular mil-spec receptacle connector fitted with socket (female) contacts. Built to MIL-DTL-26482 Series I, this connector is designed for high-reliability motorsport wiring harness applications where a robust, sealed circular connector is required at a bulkhead, panel, or chassis junction point. The 11-way insert arrangement provides enough circuits for typical sensor cluster, ECU sub-connector, and instrument interface applications without the bulk and weight of larger shell sizes.

MS3474 / MS3470 Series — Mil-Spec Circular Connector Overview

The MS3474 and MS3470 connector families are manufactured to MIL-DTL-26482, the military standard for miniature circular electrical connectors. Both series use the same shell sizing and contact insert arrangements, making them inter-compatible in terms of contact accessories and wiring tooling. The key distinction is the coupling mechanism: MS3474 uses bayonet-coupling coupling while MS3470 uses threaded coupling. Both series accept size 16 and size 20 contacts (depending on insert arrangement) and are rated for use in environments subject to vibration, fluid exposure, and thermal cycling — exactly the conditions present in a motorsport vehicle.

Bayonet-Coupling Coupling — MS3474

The bayonet coupling mechanism provides fast, quarter-turn mating and unmating, which is a significant advantage in motorsport environments where rapid connector engagement under time pressure is required — for example, during pit stops, harness removal for engine access, or quick-change component swaps.

Shell Size 18 — 11-Way Insert

Shell size 18 is used for high circuit-count applications. The MS3474L18-11S is suited to main engine harness bulkheads, PDM connectors, and complex sensor cluster interfaces. The 11-way insert arrangement provides enough circuits for typical sensor cluster, ECU sub-connector, and instrument interface applications without the bulk and weight of larger shell sizes. The insert arrangement code -11S defines the exact contact pattern and gender; always cross-reference your harness schematic’s connector assignment against the full insert arrangement drawing to confirm pin-out before crimping the harness.

Olive-Drab Cadmium-Plated Aluminium Shell Finish

Olive-drab aluminium shell connectors are the traditional military-specification finish and are widely used in motorsport for their proven corrosion resistance and availability. The cadmium plating provides excellent galvanic protection and is compatible with standard MS connector accessories including backshells and strain reliefs. The L-suffix finish designation is carried through all accessories in the MS connector ecosystem, ensuring a consistent finish across the complete connector assembly including backshell and accessories.

Socket (Female) Contacts

The socket (female) receptacle carries the contact arrangement with recessed socket contacts, providing mechanical protection for the contact faces when the connector is unmated. In motorsport practice, the socket receptacle is typically wired to the chassis or harness side of the connection where the connector may be exposed to contamination when the mating plug is disconnected. Contacts for this insert arrangement are size 16 or size 20 depending on the specific arrangement — consult the connector datasheet to confirm the correct contact part number and crimp tooling for your wire gauge.

Compatible Accessories

This receptacle is compatible with MS3420, MS3437, and equivalent Series I backshell accessories for strain relief and environmental sealing. Appropriate dust caps and protective covers are available for both mated and unmated connector storage and transport.

Available from Arctic Performance Parts

Arctic Performance Parts stocks a comprehensive range of MS3474 and MS3470 circular connectors in both olive-drab and black finishes, across all major shell sizes and insert arrangements. We supply professional harness builders, motorsport workshops, and performance enthusiasts across Scandinavia with genuine mil-spec connector components and the technical knowledge to specify them correctly. Lead time is 1–2 weeks for quantities beyond current stock levels.