ISO 10487-1-1992 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 10487-1:1992 — Passenger car radio connections — Part 1: Dimensions and general requirements (PDF). Defines the physical dimensions, general requirements and contact allocation for the multi‑pole connectors and antenna socket positions used to connect car radios to vehicle wiring harnesses; intended for both permanently fitted and extractable (removable) head units.

Abstract

This part of ISO 10487 specifies the mechanical dimensions and the general requirements for the standardized multi‑pole connector(s) used on passenger‑car radio head units, and the positions of antenna socket(s). It establishes the contact allocation and basic interface features required so that radios and vehicle harnesses can be matched reliably across manufacturers.

General information

• Status: Published (confirmed at most recent systematic review).
• Publication date: 19 November 1992 (Edition 1).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 43.040.15 (Car informatics; on‑board computer systems / vehicle electrical interfaces).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (1992).
• Number of pages: 3 pages (concise technical specification).

Scope

Specifies the mechanical interface (dimensions and connector outline), basic contact allocation and the positions for antenna sockets for passenger‑car radio connections. The standard applies to the multi‑pole connector assembly that permits connection between the vehicle harness and the radio head unit, covering both permanently installed and removable radio units. It does not define detailed electrical performance tests (those are addressed in the companion part dealing with performance requirements).

Key topics and requirements

• Standardized connector outline and pin layout for the radio/vehicle interface.
• Defined positions for antenna sockets and for multi‑block connectors used in typical head units.
• Contact allocation (pin functions) for power, permanent battery feed, ignition/switched feed, ground, antenna control, illumination and other common signals (as specified in the pin assignment tables).
• Mechanical tolerances and general installation/fit requirements to ensure interchangeability of radios and harnesses.
• Reference to companion part(s) for electrical and performance requirements (e.g., environmental, contact resistance, mechanical durability tests).

Typical use and users

Used by automotive OEM engineering teams, head unit manufacturers, wiring‑harness suppliers, aftermarket car radio manufacturers and installers. Typical uses include mechanical and electrical design of radio head units and vehicle harnesses, production verification of connector fit and pin allocation, and aftermarket device compatibility checks.

Related standards

Companion and related documents include ISO 10487‑2 (performance requirements for the same connector family) and other vehicle audio and installation standards such as ISO 7736 (radio mounting dimensions / dashboard opening). National adoption documents and national standards bodies often publish localized editions or selling copies of ISO 10487 parts.

Keywords

ISO 10487, car radio connector, multi‑pole connector, antenna socket, pin allocation, automotive audio interface, head unit, vehicle harness, ISO 7736, automotive connector dimensions

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 10487‑1:1992 is the international standard that defines the mechanical dimensions, general requirements and contact allocation for the multi‑pole connectors and antenna socket positions used to connect passenger‑car radio head units to vehicle wiring harnesses.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers connector outlines, pin positions and contact allocation for power, ground, speakers/outputs (where applicable), antenna connections and commonly used control feeds, plus general mechanical requirements to ensure plug‑and‑socket compatibility between radios and vehicle harnesses. Electrical performance and test requirements are covered in the companion part (ISO 10487‑2).

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), radio/head unit designers, wiring harness suppliers, aftermarket radio vendors and car audio installers use this standard to ensure mechanical and functional compatibility.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The document was published 19 November 1992 (Edition 1). It has been subject to ISO systematic reviews and was confirmed in a review process (confirmed in 2020), and is treated as the current text of Part 1 unless a formal revision or replacement has been issued since that confirmation.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes. ISO 10487 is a multi‑part standard; Part 1 covers dimensions and general requirements, and Part 2 covers performance requirements. Other related standards (for example those covering mounting dimensions and installation) are commonly used alongside ISO 10487.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Car radio connector, ISO 10487, multi‑pole connector, antenna socket, pin allocation, automotive audio interface, head unit dimensions.