Deans / T-Plug is a high current connector commonly used in RC cars, designed as a replacement for the previous standard white Tamiya connector.
Whilst the Tamiya connector was rated for around 15A, the Deans connector is rated for around 60A. Since current loads in RC cars are not continuous, it's suitable for ESCs up to 100A, or up to 150A where two connectors are fitted.
Amass, the leading manufacturer of RC connectors, have improved the design with much better heat resistance thanks to nylon reinforced plastic for easier soldering and higher current capacity, a clip-on wire cover to avoid the need for heat shrink, and a connector that's easier to grip when disconnecting. This design is backwards compatible.
Female connectors with internal contacts are for Batteries
Male connectors with external contacts are for Electronics Speed Controllers (ESC) or Chargers
Instructions
-It's highly recommended to connect a male and female connector together when soldering to improve heat resistance and prevent contacts moving if plastic overheats (care must be taken not to short circuit a battery if the solder tabs on the male connector are exposed. Consider adding a cap)
-Requires a soldering Iron rated 40w or higher, ideally 60w or higher, preferably temperature controlled.
-Maximum wire size is 12awg with the wire cap/cover, or 10awg but you may need to use heatshrink instead of the cap.
-Connector contacts and wires must be properly tinned and held in place before soldering.
-When soldering, apply the iron to the wire and apply solder to it not the connector tab. Maximum heat time 10-15 seconds per tab, if using a low power iron, allow to cool fully in between soldering each tab.
-Wire cap is best fitted buy pushing in between the wires using the shank of a small screwdriver. For Male connectors, do not push onto the contacts as they will recede into the plastic housing, instead place the housing on the edge of a surface or use thin-nose pliers to clip on the cap.
-Connectors are not designed to be re-usable once wire cap is removed (using a small flat-bladed screwdriver between it and the connector body) it may not clip back on. Heatshrink can be used instead.
Note: For continuous current (i.e. non-RC) applications, the manufacturer rating is 36A)
Deans is a trademark of WS Deans, original inventor of this connector.