NEMA TS-2 Traffic Controller Cabinet Standard and Connector Pinout
Introduction
NEMA TS-2 is the North American standard for traffic controller cabinets. The 37-pin connector between the controller and the cabinet is the key physical interface. This guide covers the standard and the pinout.
NEMA TS-2 Standard Scope
TS-2 was published by NEMA in 1992 and updated in 2003. It defines:
- Cabinet size (P-base, Type 1, Type 2, Type 3)
- Connector pinout between controller and cabinet (37-pin)
- Operating voltage (120V AC nominal)
- Temperature range (-30 to +74°C operating)
- Humidity (95% non-condensing)
- Vibration and shock
- Documentation requirements
NEMA TS-2 controllers are interchangeable across vendors; the same controller can plug into cabinets from different manufacturers.
The 37-Pin Connector
The 37-pin connector (MS3102A-36-10P or equivalent) on the rear of the controller carries:
- Power: 120V AC and ground
- Logic: 24V DC for controller electronics
- Inputs: 16 detector channels, 8 preemption channels, 4 priority channels
- Outputs: 16 phase outputs, 8 pedestrian outputs, 4 overlap outputs
- Serial: 2 RS-232 ports for central communication
GAOQIAO TS-2 controllers ship with the connector wired per the TS-2 standard, ready to plug into any TS-2 cabinet.
Cabinet Sizes
NEMA TS-2 defines four cabinet sizes:
- P-base: pole-mount, small intersections
- Type 1: base-mount, 1-2 phase intersections
- Type 2: base-mount, 2-4 phase intersections
- Type 3: base-mount, 4-8 phase intersections (most common)
The cabinet contains the controller, the conflict monitor, the detector rack, the power supply and the output panel.
Environmental Specs
NEMA TS-2 specifies:
- Temperature: -30 to +74°C operating, -40 to +85°C storage
- Humidity: 95% non-condensing at 38°C
- Vibration: 1g at 5-30 Hz, per NEMA test method
- Shock: 10g peak, 11 ms half-sine
GAOQIAO TS-2 controllers meet all of the above. Independent test reports are available on request.
Featured Products
GAOQIAO supplies TS-2 compatible controllers for North American projects. See the NEMA TS-2 vs ATC comparison and compatibility checklist.
Conclusion
NEMA TS-2 is the legacy North American standard. GAOQIAO supplies TS-2 and ATC compatible controllers. Send us your cabinet type and we will return a matching controller package.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a TS-2 controller in an ATC cabinet?
No, the connector pinout is different. A TS-2 controller needs a TS-2 cabinet, and an ATC controller needs an ATC cabinet.
What is the maximum number of phases for a TS-2 cabinet?
Up to 8 phases in a Type 3 cabinet. Larger intersections use multiple cabinets or upgrade to ATC.
Is TS-2 still the right choice for new installations?
For retrofits into legacy cabinets, yes. For new installations, ATC 5.2b is the modern default.
Relevant GAOQIAO products
These public GAOQIAO catalogue pages are related to the guide. Open them for the representative description, then confirm the latest drawing and configuration before ordering.
- Traffic signal controllersWired and solar controllers with 6, 22, 44 and 56 output options.
- LED traffic signal heads200mm, 300mm and 400mm signal heads with MUTCD, EN12368, GB14886 compliance.
- Signal polesVertical, signal arm and double-arm poles for any intersection geometry.
- Spare parts and accessoriesSpare LED modules, lenses, visors, surge arrestors and anchor bolts.