Common JST Connector Types & Their Applications

JST connectors, or Japan Solderless Terminals, are essential in electronics for their reliability and versatility. Whether you’re working on consumer electronics, automotive systems, or industrial equipment, there’s a JST connector designed for your needs. At Zeakka Electronics, we supply high-quality alternatives to these popular connectors, ensuring you get the best fit for your project at competitive prices. In this post, we’ll explore the most common JST connector types, their specifications, applications, and how Zeakka’s alternatives can meet your requirements.

Common Types of JST Connectors

Below, we’ve listed the most popular JST connector types, ordered by pitch size from smallest to largest. For each, we’ve included Zeakka’s alternative product, complete with a link to our product page for easy reference.

• SH ( pitch: 1.0mm / 0.039 inch) 
• GH (pitch: 1.25mm / 0.049 inch)
• ZH (pitch: 1.50mm / 0.059 inch)
• PH (pitch: 2.0mm / 0.079 inch)
• PA (pitch: 2.0mm / 0.079 inch)
• XH (pitch: 2.50mm / 0.098 inch)
• EH (pitch: 2.50mm / 0.098 inch)
• SM (pitch: 2.50mm / 0.098 inch)
• RCY (pitch: 2.50mm / 0.098 inch)
• VH (pitch: 3.96mm / 0.156 inch)

JST SH Connector

According to JST, it’s the world’s first 1.0mm pitch crimp style connector. It’s a single row wire to board connector system. 2-20pin. Compact and low profile design.

• Zeakka Alternative: 1002
• Pitch: 1.0 mm
• Current Rating: 1 A
• Wire Gauge Compatibility: Typically 28 AWG
• Applications: Miniaturized electronics, high-density circuit boards in medical instruments, and RC models.
• Why It’s Great: Perfect for tiny, space-sensitive applications.

Part numbers:

JST GH Connector

JST GH is a single row wire to board connector system. 2-15pin. Developed for to PDP, LCD or small electronics equipments.

• Zeakka Alternative: 1253
• Pitch: 1.25 mm
• Current Rating: 1 A
• Wire Gauge Compatibility: 28–32 AWG
• Applications: Compact, low-power devices like robotics.
• Why It’s Great: A niche option for lightweight, precise connections.

Part numbers:

JST ZH Connector

JST ZH is a single row wire to board connector system. 2-13 pin. 

• Zeakka Alternative: 1501
• Pitch: 1.5 mm
• Current Rating: Up to 2 A
• Wire Gauge Compatibility: 26–30 AWG
• Applications: Small electronic devices, battery connections, and wire-to-board setups.
• Why It’s Great: Balances size and power for versatile use.

Part numbers:

JST PH Connector

JST PH is a single row wire to board connector system. 2-16 pin. 

• Zeakka Alternative: 2002
• Pitch: 2.0 mm
• Current Rating: Up to 2 A
• Wire Gauge Compatibility: 24–30 AWG
• Applications: Small electronic devices like battery packs, internal wiring in consumer electronics, and high-density wire-to-board connections.
• Why It’s Great: Its compact size makes it a go-to for space-constrained designs.

Part numbers:

JST PA Connector

JST PA is a single row wire to board connector system. 2-16 pin. 

• Zeakka Alternative: 2001
• Pitch: 2.0 mm
• Current Rating: Up to 3 A
• Wire Gauge Compatibility: 22–28 AWG
• Applications: Automotive systems, industrial equipment, and wire-to-board connections.
• Why It’s Great: Designed for higher reliability in demanding environments.

Part numbers:

JST XH Connector

JST XH is a single row wire to board connector system. 1-20 pin. 

• Zeakka Alternative: 2501
• Pitch: 2.5 mm
• Current Rating: Up to 3 A
• Wire Gauge Compatibility: 22–30 AWG
• Applications: Automotive systems, VCRs, car stereos, and other higher-current setups.
• Why It’s Great: Its robust design ensures durability in tough conditions.

Part numbers:

JST EH Connector

JST EH is a single row wire to wire connector system. 2-15 pin.

• Zeakka Alternative: 2503
• Pitch: 2.5 mm
• Current Rating: Up to 3 A
• Wire Gauge Compatibility: 22–28 AWG
• Applications: Industrial machinery, power supplies, and wire-to-board connections.
• Why It’s Great: Reliable and widely used in various industries.

Part numbers:

JST SM Connector

JST SM is a single row wire to wire connector system. 2-18 pin.

• Zeakka Alternative: 2505
• Pitch: 2.5 mm
• Current Rating: Up to 3 A
• Wire Gauge Compatibility: 24–30 AWG
• Applications: LED lighting, communication modules, and wire-to-wire configurations.
• Why It’s Great: Versatile and easy to assemble, especially for custom projects.

Part numbers:

JST RCY Connector

JST RCY is a space-saving and low-profile 2.5 mm pitch wire-to-wire connector.

• Zeakka Alternative: 2509
• Pitch: 2.5 mm
• Current Rating: Up to 3 A
• Wire Gauge Compatibility: 22–28 AWG
• Applications: Power connections in consumer electronics and industrial equipment.
• Why It’s Great: Simple and effective for quick disconnects.

Part numbers:

JST VH Connector

JST VH is a single row wire to wire connector system. 2-11 pin.

• Zeakka Alternative: 3961
• Pitch: 3.96 mm
• Current Rating: Up to 10 A
• Wire Gauge Compatibility: 18–22 AWG
• Applications: High-power applications like appliances and industrial machinery.
• Why It’s Great: Handles higher currents with ease.

Part numbers:

Each of these connectors—and their Zeakka alternatives—offers unique advantages depending on your project’s requirements. From ultra-compact designs to high-power applications, there’s a solution for every need.

How to Choose the Right Connector

Selecting the best connector involves balancing several factors. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

1. Space Constraints

• What to Consider: How much room do you have? Smaller pitches save space.
• Best Picks: SH (1.0 mm) or GH (1.25 mm) for tight spots; PH or PA (2.0 mm) for slightly larger areas.

2. Current Requirements

• What to Consider: How much power will flow through? Match the connector’s rating to your needs.
• Best Picks: VH (10 A) for high power; XH, EH, SM, or RCY (3 A) for moderate; ZH, PH, or GH (1–2 A) for lower demands.

3. Environmental Conditions

• What to Consider: Will it face heat, moisture, or vibration? Check for durability and compliance.
• Best Picks: PA or XH for rugged environments; SM for versatile industrial use.

4. Ease of Assembly

• What to Consider: Are you building custom cable assemblies? Wire-to-wire options simplify the process.
• Best Picks: SM or RCY for wire-to-wire setups; PH, XH, or EH for wire-to-board.

For custom projects, Zeakka Electronics offers tailored solutions, including discrete-wire cable assemblies and custom flat ribbon cable assemblies, ensuring your connectors fit perfectly with your cables.

Maintenance and Best Practices

To ensure your connectors perform reliably over time, follow these tips:

• Use Proper Tools: Invest in quality crimping tools to avoid damaging contacts, especially for smaller connectors like SH and GH.
• Prevent Misinsertion: Choose connectors with locking features for secure connections.
• Store Smart: Keep connectors in dry, corrosion-free conditions, particularly for harsh environments.

These practices will help extend the life of your connectors and prevent common issues.