ISO 12098:2020

Overview

ISO 12098:2020 defines the dimensional, electrical and test requirements for the 15‑pole connector used for the electrical connection between towing and towed road vehicles with a 24 V nominal supply voltage. Applicable to equipment other than braking systems and running gear, the standard covers plug and socket dimensions, a park socket for safe storage of the plug, contact allocation and terminal sizes, tests and adaptation rules for interfacing with 7‑pole connectors.

Keywords: ISO 12098:2020, 15‑pole connector, 24 V, trailer connector, towing and towed vehicles, park socket, contact allocation.

Key Topics and Requirements

• Dimensions and mechanical design
  • Plug, socket and park socket dimensions are specified; unspecified details are left to the manufacturer.
  • Covers locking lever space, cover opening angle (≥120°) and sealing-ring mounting.
• Contact allocation and designation
  • Fixed contact functions (e.g., indicators, stop lights, fog, reversing, permanent +24 V).
  • Contacts 14 and 15 allocated to CAN_H and CAN_L for non‑braking data interchange (ISO 11992‑1/‑3).
  • Contact numbers must be permanently marked on socket cover and terminal faces.
• Terminal conductor sizes
  • Contacts 1,2,3,5,6,7,8,10,11,12,14,15: 1.5 mm² nominal cable.
  • Contacts 4,9,13: 2.5 mm² nominal cable.
• Tests and performance
  • Conformity testing is via ISO 4091 requirements, with specific rules for mismating and connection forces.
  • Mismating: cannot mate with pins/tubes of ISO 7638‑1 / ISO 7638‑2 connectors without excessive force.
  • Connection/disconnection force limit: ≤100 N (per ISO 4091).
• Adaptation with 7‑pole connectors
  • Annex A specifies Type A/B adapter wiring and mechanical compatibility with ISO 1185 (24 N) and ISO 3731 (24 S).
  • Caution: adapters must consider effects from connecting certain 24 S contacts (contacts 4 and 6).

Applications and Who Uses It

• Vehicle OEMs (tractors, trailers) for standardized electrical interfaces.
• Connector and cable harness manufacturers designing compliant plug/socket assemblies.
• Fleet operators and aftermarket suppliers (adapters, park sockets) ensuring safe interchangeability.
• Test laboratories and certification bodies for compliance verification.
• Systems integrators implementing vehicle CAN connections for non‑braking equipment.

Practical benefits include safer, interchangeable trailer connections, reduced risk of electrical mismatches, standardized data lines for equipment interoperability, and defined mechanical storage (park socket) for disconnected plugs.

Related Standards

• ISO 1185 - 7‑pole connector (24 N)
• ISO 3731 - 7‑pole connector (24 S)
• ISO 4091 - Definitions, tests and requirements for towing/towed connectors
• ISO 11992‑1 / ‑3 - CAN data interchange for towing/towed vehicles
• ISO 7638‑1 / ‑2 - Connectors for braking systems and running gear

For procurement, design or compliance checks, reference ISO 12098:2020 alongside the related ISO documents listed above.