Common JST Connector Types & Their Applications: A Complete Guide
JST connectors are among the most widely used wire-to-board connectors in electronics. From tiny drone sensors to high-current motor drivers, different JST series are optimized for different applications. This guide covers the most common JST connector types, their key specs, and where each one is used in the real world.
What Is a JST Connector?
JST stands for Japan Solderless Terminal, the company that originally developed these connectors. Today, "JST connector" broadly refers to any connector following JST's design standards — including many compatible third-party versions. JST connectors are characterized by their pitch (pin-to-pin spacing), locking mechanism, and current rating. For a step-by-step identification method, see our JST connector identification guide.
JST Connector Types Overview
| Series | Pitch | Current | AWG | Mount | Primary Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SH | 1.0mm | 1A | 28–32 | SMD | Drones, wearables, laptops |
| GH | 1.25mm | 1A | 28–32 | SMD | Flight controllers, FPV |
| ZH | 1.5mm | 1A | 26–32 | Through-hole | 3D printers, IoT modules |
| PH | 2.0mm | 2A | 24–32 | Through-hole | LiPo batteries, Arduino |
| XH | 2.5mm | 3A | 22–28 | Through-hole | 3D printers, RC vehicles |
| EH | 2.5mm | 3A | 22–30 | Through-hole | Slim PCB applications |
| SM | 2.5mm | 3A | 22–28 | Wire-to-wire | LED strips, lighting |
| PA | 2.0mm | 3A | 22–28 | Through-hole | Automotive, high-temp |
| VH | 3.96mm | 10A | 18–22 | Through-hole | Power supply, motors |
JST SH — 1.0mm Pitch
The JST SH is the smallest commonly used JST series. Its 1.0mm pitch makes it ideal for ultra-compact, weight-sensitive applications.
- Current: 1A per contact
- Wire: AWG 28–32
- Mount: SMD
- Locking: Friction lock or side latch
Best for: FPV drones, Pixhawk/ArduPilot telemetry, laptop internals, wearables, compact IoT sensors.
Shop JST SH 1.0mm Connectors →
JST GH — 1.25mm Pitch
The JST GH is extremely popular in the drone and robotics community, particularly for flight controller connections. It features a positive side latch for secure connections.
- Current: 1A per contact
- Wire: AWG 28–32
- Mount: SMD
- Locking: Side latch
Best for: Flight controllers (Pixhawk, Betaflight), FPV drones, GPS modules, telemetry systems.
Shop JST GH 1.25mm Connectors →
JST ZH — 1.5mm Pitch
The JST ZH bridges the gap between the ultra-compact SH/GH and the more common PH series. It is one of the smallest through-hole JST connectors.
- Current: 1A per contact
- Wire: AWG 26–32
- Mount: Through-hole
- Locking: Positive latch
Best for: 3D printer sensor connections, compact IoT modules, camera modules.
Shop JST ZH 1.5mm Connectors →
JST PH — 2.0mm Pitch
The JST PH is one of the most popular JST series worldwide. Its 2.0mm pitch strikes a balance between compact size and ease of handling, making it the go-to choice for hobbyist electronics. See our detailed JST PH vs SH comparison for more.
- Current: 2A per contact
- Wire: AWG 24–32
- Mount: Through-hole
- Locking: Standard positive latch
Best for: LiPo battery packs, Arduino sensor wiring, small robots, RC hobby electronics.
Shop JST PH 2.0mm Connectors →
JST XH — 2.5mm Pitch
The JST XH is the workhorse of the JST family for DIY and maker projects. Its 2.5mm pitch is easy to work with by hand, and it supports up to 3A per contact. For full specs and FAQ, see our JST XH Connector Complete Guide.
- Current: 3A per contact
- Wire: AWG 22–28
- Mount: Through-hole
- Locking: Standard positive latch
Best for: 3D printer wiring (Creality, Prusa), RC battery packs, DIY electronics, stepper motor connections.
Shop JST XH 2.5mm Connectors →
JST EH — 2.5mm Pitch (Slim)
The JST EH shares the same 2.5mm pitch as XH but has a significantly slimmer housing profile. It is not interchangeable with XH despite the same pitch.
- Current: 3A per contact
- Wire: AWG 22–30
- Mount: Through-hole
- Locking: Positive latch
Best for: Space-constrained PCB designs, industrial control boards.
Shop JST EH 2.5mm Connectors →
JST SM — 2.5mm Pitch (Wire-to-Wire)
The JST SM is unique in that it is a wire-to-wire connector only — there is no PCB mount version. It is the most popular connector for LED strip connections worldwide.
- Current: 3A per contact
- Wire: AWG 22–28
- Mount: Wire-to-wire only
- Locking: Positive latch
Best for: LED strips, LED lighting systems, wire extension harnesses.
Shop JST SM 2.5mm Connectors →
JST VH — 3.96mm Pitch
The JST VH is the largest commonly used JST series, rated for up to 10A per contact. It is designed for high-current power applications. See our full JST VH Connector Guide for complete specs.
- Current: 10A per contact
- Wire: AWG 18–22
- Mount: Through-hole
- Locking: Positive latch
Best for: Power supply connections, motor drivers, industrial equipment, high-current battery systems.
Shop JST VH 3.96mm Connectors →
How to Choose the Right JST Connector Type
| Application | Recommended Series |
|---|---|
| FPV drone / flight controller | GH (1.25mm) or SH (1.0mm) |
| LiPo battery (small) | PH (2.0mm) |
| LiPo battery (large / RC) | XH (2.5mm) |
| Arduino sensor wiring | PH (2.0mm) or XH (2.5mm) |
| 3D printer wiring | XH (2.5mm) or ZH (1.5mm) |
| LED strip connection | SM (2.5mm) |
| High current / motor / power | VH (3.96mm) |
| Wearable / ultra-compact | SH (1.0mm) |
| Slim PCB design | EH (2.5mm) |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Same pitch ≠ interchangeable: XH and EH both use 2.5mm pitch but are NOT compatible
- Exceeding current rating: Always check the rated current per contact, not just total connector rating
- Wrong wire gauge: Each series has a rated AWG range — using out-of-spec wire damages contacts
- JST-compatible vs genuine JST: Third-party clones may have slightly different tolerances
Related Guides
- 📌 How to Identify JST Connectors: Pitch, Series & Pin Count Guide
- 📌 JST Connector Models Explained: How to Choose the Right Series
- 📌 JST XH Connector: Complete Guide & FAQ
- 📌 JST VH Connector: Complete Guide to Types, Pinout & Specs
- 📌 JST PH vs SH: Key Differences & Which to Choose
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common JST connector type?
The JST PH (2.0mm) and JST XH (2.5mm) are the most widely used series in hobbyist and maker electronics. PH is dominant in battery and sensor applications, while XH is the standard for 3D printers and RC vehicles.
Are all JST connectors compatible with each other?
No. JST connectors are only compatible within the same series. Different series have different pitches, housing shapes, and locking mechanisms. Even connectors with the same pitch (e.g. XH and EH at 2.5mm) are not interchangeable.
How do I identify which JST connector type I have?
Measure the pitch with a digital caliper, compare the housing shape, and count the pins. Our JST identification guide walks you through the full process step by step.
Where can I buy JST connectors?
Browse our JST Connector collection for all major series including SH, GH, ZH, PH, XH, EH, SM, and VH. Pre-crimped cables and connector kits available. Ships worldwide with no minimum order quantity.