Understanding the different JST connector types available in India — including PH, XH, ZH, and SM series — is essential for anyone working on electronics projects, drone builds, battery packs, or PCB designs. JST (Japan Solderless Terminal) connectors are one of the most widely used connector families in hobbyist and professional electronics, yet their seemingly similar appearances hide important differences in pitch, current capacity, and application. This guide covers everything you need to know.
Table of Contents
- JST Connector Basics
- JST PH Series (2.0mm pitch)
- JST XH Series (2.5mm pitch)
- JST ZH Series (1.5mm pitch)
- JST SH Series (1.0mm pitch)
- JST SM Series (2.5mm pitch, weatherproof)
- Quick Comparison Table
- Where to Buy in India
- Frequently Asked Questions
JST Connector Basics
JST connectors are polarised wire-to-wire or wire-to-board connectors characterised by their pitch (centre-to-centre pin spacing), current rating, and locking mechanism. The connector series name (PH, XH, ZH, SM, etc.) defines the mechanical interface — two connectors of the same series but different pitch will not mate.
Key parameters to understand:
- Pitch: Centre-to-centre distance between pins. Ranges from 0.8mm (micro) to 3.0mm (heavy-duty) in JST series.
- Current rating: Maximum continuous current per contact. Smaller pitch = lower current capacity.
- Housing colour: Not standardised across JST series — do not rely on colour to identify connector type.
- Lock direction: Some series lock from top (XH), others from side. Critical for cable routing in tight enclosures.
JST PH Series (2.0mm pitch)
The JST PH is one of the most popular series for small lithium battery packs, RC receivers, and small electronics modules. You will recognise it as the standard connector on most 3.7V LiPo batteries used in quadcopters, portable devices, and Raspberry Pi UPS modules.
- Pitch: 2.0mm
- Current rating: 2A per contact
- Voltage rating: 250V AC
- Positions available: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 positions
- Wire gauge: 26-32 AWG
- Common uses: LiPo batteries (1S), servo extensions, balance connectors, UART connections on small boards
Caution: The 2-pin JST PH (used on LiPo batteries) looks very similar to JST XH 2-pin. Check the pitch with a ruler or calipers before ordering crimping tools or replacement connectors.
JST XH Series (2.5mm pitch)
The JST XH is extremely common in Chinese electronics, Arduino sensor modules, battery balance leads, and RC equipment. It is the default connector on many Arduino starter kits and sensor modules sold in India.
- Pitch: 2.5mm
- Current rating: 3A per contact
- Voltage rating: 250V AC
- Positions available: 2 to 20 positions
- Wire gauge: 22-28 AWG
- Common uses: Balance leads for 2S-6S LiPo batteries, sensor connections, I2C/UART/SPI connectors on modules, LCD displays
JST ZH Series (1.5mm pitch)
The JST ZH series is the go-to connector for compact portable devices, wearables, and laptop components.
- Pitch: 1.5mm
- Current rating: 1A per contact
- Voltage rating: 50V DC
- Positions available: 2 to 15 positions
- Wire gauge: 28-32 AWG
- Common uses: Small LiPo batteries (Adafruit LiPo charger compatible), displays, compact sensor modules, camera connections
The ZH 4-pin is specifically used by Nintendo Switch game cartridges and many Garmin GPS devices. Adafruit’s LiPo battery charger breakouts also use JST ZH 2-pin.
JST SH Series (1.0mm pitch)
The JST SH is the smallest practical JST series, used in ultra-compact devices where space is the primary constraint.
- Pitch: 1.0mm
- Current rating: 0.5A per contact (1.0A for 2-pin)
- Positions available: 2 to 20 positions
- Wire gauge: 30-36 AWG
- Common uses: STEMMA QT (Adafruit), Qwiic (SparkFun) I2C ecosystem, drone/RC receiver signal cables, wearable electronics, hearing aids, small camera modules
The STEMMA QT / Qwiic connector is a standardised JST SH 4-pin (GND, 3.3V, SDA, SCL) now adopted by hundreds of sensor modules. This standardised I2C connector is increasingly popular in India for rapid sensor prototyping.
JST SM Series (2.5mm pitch, weatherproof)
The JST SM series is a crimp-style wire-to-wire connector designed for outdoor and LED strip lighting applications. It differs from PH/XH/ZH series in that it mates end-to-end (no housing) and is not polarised by default — polarity must be maintained by wire routing convention.
- Pitch: 2.5mm (also 3.96mm in some variants)
- Current rating: 3A per contact
- Positions available: 2, 3, 4, 5 positions
- Common uses: LED strip connections, RGB LED wiring, WS2812B/WS2815 LED strips, solar garden light connections
Quick Comparison Table
| Series | Pitch | Current | AWG | Primary Use in India |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JST SH | 1.0mm | 0.5-1A | 30-36 | STEMMA QT, Qwiic I2C sensors |
| JST ZH | 1.5mm | 1A | 28-32 | Small LiPo batteries, compact devices |
| JST PH | 2.0mm | 2A | 26-32 | LiPo battery packs, RC, Arduino projects |
| JST XH | 2.5mm | 3A | 22-28 | LiPo balance leads, sensor modules |
| JST SM | 2.5mm | 3A | 22-28 | LED strips, outdoor lighting |
| JST VH | 3.96mm | 10A | 18-22 | Power connectors, motor connections |
Where to Buy in India
- Zbotic.in: Wide range of Arduino cables and connectors for projects
- Robu.in: Good stock of JST PH, XH, ZH pre-made cables and crimp kits
- Amazon India: JST connector packs, crimp tools
- Evelta.in: Specialises in JST crimp terminals and housings in bulk
- Sunrom Technologies (Pune): Wide JST series selection, good for prototype quantities
- Rajiv Gandhi Electronics Market (Delhi): Wholesale JST connectors from Chinese suppliers
Typical Indian prices: Pre-made JST PH cables (2-pin, 15cm) — Rs 15-25 each. Crimp tool kit — Rs 800-2,000 depending on quality. JST XH connector kits (housing + terminals, 10 connectors per size) — Rs 200-500.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I identify a JST connector without documentation?
Measure the pitch with calipers or a ruler: 1.0mm = SH, 1.5mm = ZH, 2.0mm = PH, 2.5mm = XH or SM, 3.96mm = VH. Count the pins and measure housing dimensions if needed for exact identification.
Can I use a JST PH in place of JST XH?
No — they have different pitches (2.0mm vs 2.5mm) and will not mate. Even though both may have similar housing colour, forcing incompatible connectors together risks damage to the pins and housing.
What crimping tool do I need for JST connectors in India?
The Engineer PA-09 or PA-21 crimp tools (available in India for Rs 1,500-3,000) work with JST PH, XH, ZH, and SH terminals. For SH 1.0mm, you need either a micro crimp tool or pre-crimped wire assemblies. Chinese no-name crimp tools available for Rs 300-500 work but require more practice.
Are JST connectors rated for outdoor use?
Standard JST PH/XH/ZH connectors are not weatherproof. For outdoor use (garden LEDs, weather stations, outdoor sensors), use JST SM series or upgrade to IP67-rated connectors like M8/M12 circular connectors. Apply dielectric grease to standard JST connectors for temporary outdoor use.
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