JST EH Connector: Complete Guide to 2.5mm Low-Profile Wire-to-Board Specs, Part Numbers & PCB Layout
The JST EH connector is one of the most versatile 2.5mm pitch wire-to-board connectors in the JST lineup — yet it receives almost no practical documentation online. What makes the EH stand out is a combination of features that no other JST 2.5mm connector offers simultaneously: a low-profile top entry design (3.8mm thick, 8.1mm tall), top entry and side entry header options on the same housing, ten housing colors for complex multi-connector assemblies, a low insertion force terminal variant for high-cycle applications, and compatibility with PCB thicknesses from 0.8mm to 1.6mm.
This guide covers everything: complete electrical specifications, all EHR housing part numbers from 2P to 15P in ten colors, all header variants (standard top/side entry, Type A extended post, radial taping TS/TV4), all four SEH terminal variants including the low insertion force types, PCB layout dimensions for both top and side entry, and a direct EH vs XH comparison.
What Is the JST EH Connector? Key Features
The JST EH series is a 2.5mm pitch wire-to-board crimp connector designed for high-density PCB applications requiring design flexibility. The system consists of a wire-side housing (EHR receptacle) loaded with SEH crimp contacts, mating with a PCB-mounted header (B-EH or B-EH-A).
Four features distinguish the EH from other JST 2.5mm wire-to-board connectors:
1. Low-profile top entry design
The EH header is only 3.8mm thick and 8.1mm tall — significantly lower profile than the JST XH header. This makes the EH the preferred choice for high-density PCB designs where vertical clearance is constrained.
2. Top entry and side entry in one system
The same EHR wire housing mates with both top entry headers (B-EH, B-EH-A) and side entry headers (S-EH). This gives designers the flexibility to choose wire routing direction — perpendicular to the PCB (top entry) or parallel to the PCB (side entry) — without changing the wire harness.
3. Ten housing colors
EHR housings are available in natural (white), black, red, blue, yellow, green, orange, brown, purple, pink, and gray. No other JST 2.5mm wire-to-board connector offers this range. This enables color-coded multi-connector assemblies where mis-mating prevention is critical.
4. Low insertion force terminal option
The SEH-001T-P0.6L (and related L-suffix variants) is a low insertion force contact designed for easier insertion and withdrawal in high-cycle applications. Use the standard SEH-001T-P0.6 for vibration-prone applications; use the L-suffix for high-cycle mating/unmating.
➡️ Browse all JST EH assemblies: JST EH 2.5mm Connector Kits and Cable Assemblies at Keszoox
JST EH Electrical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Pitch | 2.5mm |
| Connector type | Wire-to-board crimp (disconnectable) |
| Current rating | 3A AC/DC (AWG #22) |
| Voltage rating | 250V AC/DC |
| Temperature range | -25°C to +85°C (including temperature rise under rated current) |
| Contact resistance (initial) | 10mΩ max. |
| Contact resistance (after environmental test) | 20mΩ max. |
| Insulation resistance | 1,000MΩ min. |
| Withstanding voltage | 800V AC for 1 minute |
| Applicable wire gauge | AWG #32 to AWG #22 |
| Conductor cross-section | 0.032 to 0.33 mm² |
| Insulation O.D. | φ0.5mm to φ1.9mm |
| Applicable PCB thickness | 0.8mm to 1.6mm |
| Header profile (top entry) | 3.8mm thick, 8.1mm height |
| Housing material | PA 66, natural (white) — 10 colors available |
| Contact material | Phosphor bronze, tin-plated |
| RoHS compliance | Yes (RoHS2) |
| Circuit count range | 2 to 15 circuits |
Note on withstanding voltage: The EH is rated at 800V AC/minute — the same as the JST SCN board-in connector, and lower than the XH (1,500V AC). This reflects the EH’s low-profile contact geometry optimized for high-density PCB applications. Do not use the EH in applications requiring 1,500V isolation.
Note on PCB thickness: The EH accepts PCB thicknesses from 0.8mm to 1.6mm — a wider range than many wire-to-board connectors, compatible with both standard 1.6mm FR4 boards and thinner 0.8mm or 1.0mm boards used in compact consumer electronics.
JST EH Crimp Terminals: Standard and Low Insertion Force
The EH series uses four SEH crimp terminal variants — two standard types and two low insertion force (L-suffix) types. All are phosphor bronze, tin-plated.
| Part Number | Type | Wire Gauge (AWG) | Conductor (mm²) | Insulation O.D. (mm) | Qty/Reel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SEH-001T-P0.6 | Standard (normal type) | #30 to #22 | 0.05 to 0.33 | 1.0 to 1.9 | 9,000 |
| SEH-003T-P0.6L | Low insertion force | #32 to #28 | 0.032 to 0.08 | 0.5 to 1.1 | 10,000 |
| SEH-002T-P0.6L | Low insertion force | #30 to #26 | 0.05 to 0.13 | 0.5 to 1.3 | 9,000 |
| SEH-001T-P0.6L | Low insertion force | #30 to #22 | 0.05 to 0.33 | 0.9 to 1.9 | 9,000 |
Standard vs Low Insertion Force — how to choose:
- SEH-001T-P0.6 (standard): Use for general applications, vibration-prone environments, or where maximum contact retention force is required.
- SEH-001T-P0.6L (low insertion force, AWG #30–#22): Use for high-cycle mating/unmating. Crimp height differs from standard — do not mix standard and L-suffix contacts in the same housing.
- SEH-003T-P0.6L (low insertion force, AWG #32–#28): Use for fine wire applications requiring low insertion force.
- SEH-002T-P0.6L (low insertion force, AWG #30–#26): Intermediate wire range for low insertion force applications.
Crimping equipment:
- SEH-001T-P0.6: AP-K2N machine, MKS-L dies, APLMK SEH001-06 applicator
- SEH-003T-P0.6L: AP-K2N machine, MKS-L-10 dies, APLMK SEH003-06L applicator
- SEH-002T-P0.6L / SEH-001T-P0.6L: AP-K2N machine, MKS-L dies, respective APLMK applicator
EHR Housing Part Numbers: 2P to 15P in Ten Colors
The EHR receptacle housing accepts SEH crimp contacts. Housing material: PA 66, natural (white). Available in ten colors — the widest color range of any JST 2.5mm wire-to-board connector.
Color suffix codes: Blank = Natural (white) | K = Black | R = Red | E = Blue | Y = Yellow | M = Green | O = Orange | N = Brown | PL = Purple | PK = Pink | H = Gray
| Circuits | Model No. (Natural) | Dim A (mm) | Dim B (mm) | Qty/Bag |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | EHR-2 | 2.5 | 7.0 | 2,000 |
| 3 | EHR-3 | 5.0 | 9.5 | 2,000 |
| 4 | EHR-4 | 7.5 | 12.0 | 2,000 |
| 5 | EHR-5 | 10.0 | 14.5 | 2,000 |
| 6 | EHR-6 | 12.5 | 17.0 | 2,000 |
| 7 | EHR-7 | 15.0 | 19.5 | 1,000 |
| 8 | EHR-8 | 17.5 | 22.0 | 1,000 |
| 9 | EHR-9 | 20.0 | 24.5 | 1,000 |
| 10 | EHR-10 | 22.5 | 27.0 | 1,000 |
| 11 | EHR-11 | 25.0 | 29.5 | 1,000 |
| 12 | EHR-12 | 27.5 | 32.0 | 1,000 |
| 13 | EHR-13 | 30.0 | 34.5 | 1,000 |
| 14 | EHR-14 | 32.5 | 37.0 | 1,000 |
| 15 | EHR-15 | 35.0 | 39.5 | 1,000 |
To order a colored housing: append the color suffix to the base part number. Examples: EHR-4K (4P black), EHR-6R (6P red), EHR-3E (3P blue), EHR-5Y (5P yellow), EHR-8M (8P green), EHR-2O (2P orange), EHR-10N (10P brown), EHR-12PL (12P purple), EHR-3PK (3P pink), EHR-7H (7P gray).
Color selection strategy for multi-connector assemblies:
- Use distinct colors for connectors with different functions (power, signal, control, sensor) to prevent mis-mating during assembly and field service
- Red for power positive, black for ground, blue/yellow/green for signal channels is a common convention
- Natural (white) is the default for single-connector or non-critical applications
- Document color assignments in the assembly BOM and wiring diagram — color alone is not a substitute for position 1 marking verification
JST EH Header Part Numbers
Standard Header (B-EH): Top Entry and Side Entry
| Circuits | Top Entry | Side Entry | Dim A (mm) | Dim B (mm) | Top Entry Qty/Box | Side Entry Qty/Box |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | B2B-EH | S2B-EH | 2.5 | 7.5 | 1,000 | 1,000 |
| 3 | B3B-EH | S3B-EH | 5.0 | 10.0 | 1,000 | 1,000 |
| 4 | B4B-EH | S4B-EH | 7.5 | 12.5 | 1,000 | 1,000 |
| 5 | B5B-EH | S5B-EH | 10.0 | 15.0 | 1,000 | 1,000 |
| 6 | B6B-EH | S6B-EH | 12.5 | 17.5 | 1,000 | 500 |
| 7 | B7B-EH | S7B-EH | 15.0 | 20.0 | 1,000 | 500 |
| 8 | B8B-EH | S8B-EH | 17.5 | 22.5 | 500 | 500 |
| 9 | B9B-EH | S9B-EH | 20.0 | 25.0 | 500 | 500 |
| 10 | B10B-EH | S10B-EH | 22.5 | 27.5 | 500 | 500 |
| 11 | B11B-EH | S11B-EH | 25.0 | 30.0 | 500 | 250 |
| 12 | B12B-EH | S12B-EH | 27.5 | 32.5 | 500 | 250 |
| 13 | B13B-EH | S13B-EH | 30.0 | 35.0 | 250 | 250 |
| 14 | B14B-EH | S14B-EH | 32.5 | 37.5 | 250 | 250 |
| 15 | B15B-EH | S15B-EH | 35.0 | 40.0 | 250 | 250 |
Header Type A (B-EH-A): Extended Post for Improved Workability
The Type A header has a post length of 3.3mm on the mating side — longer than the standard B-EH post. This extended post improves mating workability, making it easier to align and seat the EHR housing during assembly. Available in top entry only, 2P to 15P.
| Circuits | Model No. | Dim A (mm) | Dim B (mm) | Qty/Box |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | B2B-EH-A | 2.5 | 7.5 | 1,000 |
| 3 | B3B-EH-A | 5.0 | 10.0 | 1,000 |
| 4 | B4B-EH-A | 7.5 | 12.5 | 1,000 |
| 5 | B5B-EH-A | 10.0 | 15.0 | 1,000 |
| 6 | B6B-EH-A | 12.5 | 17.5 | 1,000 |
| 7 | B7B-EH-A | 15.0 | 20.0 | 1,000 |
| 8 | B8B-EH-A | 17.5 | 22.5 | 500 |
| 9 | B9B-EH-A | 20.0 | 25.0 | 500 |
| 10 | B10B-EH-A | 22.5 | 27.5 | 500 |
| 11 | B11B-EH-A | 25.0 | 30.0 | 500 |
| 12 | B12B-EH-A | 27.5 | 32.5 | 500 |
| 13 | B13B-EH-A | 30.0 | 35.0 | 250 |
| 14 | B14B-EH-A | 32.5 | 37.5 | 250 |
| 15 | B15B-EH-A | 35.0 | 40.0 | 250 |
Radial Taping Headers (TS and TV4 Types)
| Circuits | TS Type | TV4 Type | Dim A (mm) | Dim B (mm) | Qty/Box |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | B2B-EH-TS | — | 2.5 | 7.5 | 1,400 |
| 3 | B3B-EH-TS | B3B-EH-TV4 | 5.0 | 10.0 | 700 |
| 4 | B4B-EH-TS | B4B-EH-TV4 | 7.5 | 12.5 | 700 |
| 5 | B5B-EH-TS | B5B-EH-TV4 | 10.0 | 15.0 | 700 |
| 6 | B6B-EH-TS | B6B-EH-TV4 | 12.5 | 17.5 | 700 |
| 7 | B7B-EH-TS | B7B-EH-TV4 | 15.0 | 20.0 | 700 |
| 8 | B8B-EH-TS | B8B-EH-TV4 | 17.5 | 22.5 | 700 |
PCB Layout: Top Entry vs Side Entry
The EH system supports two wire routing directions from the same EHR housing. Choosing the correct header type at the PCB design stage determines wire exit direction and affects board-level clearance requirements.
Top Entry (B-EH / B-EH-A):
- Wire exits perpendicular to the PCB surface (upward)
- Header footprint: pitch 2.5mm, hole diameter φ0.9mm (+0.05/-0.00)
- Header body: 3.8mm above PCB surface; total mated height 8.1mm
- Use when vertical wire clearance is available above the PCB
Side Entry (S-EH):
- Wire exits parallel to the PCB surface (horizontally)
- Same EHR housing mates with S-EH header — no wire harness change required
- Same PCB hole pattern as top entry (pitch 2.5mm, φ0.9mm)
- Use when vertical clearance is limited but horizontal wire routing is available
PCB design notes:
- PCB hole pitch tolerance: ±0.05mm cumulative — use a single drill operation
- PCB thickness: 0.8mm to 1.6mm — verify header post length matches your PCB thickness
- For PCBs made of hard material (fiberglass/FR4), consider a larger hole diameter per JST recommendation
JST EH vs JST XH: Choosing the Right 2.5mm Wire-to-Board Connector
The EH and XH are both 2.5mm pitch wire-to-board connectors with 3A/250V ratings — but they serve different design priorities. They are not interchangeable.
| Feature | JST EH | JST XH |
|---|---|---|
| Pitch | 2.5mm | 2.5mm |
| Current rating | 3A AC/DC | 3A AC/DC |
| Voltage rating | 250V AC/DC | 250V AC/DC |
| Temperature range | -25°C to +85°C | -25°C to +85°C |
| Withstanding voltage | 800V AC/min | 1,500V AC/min |
| Wire gauge range | AWG #32 to #22 | AWG #28 to #22 |
| PCB thickness | 0.8mm to 1.6mm | Standard 1.6mm |
| Header profile | Low profile (3.8mm × 8.1mm) | Standard profile |
| Entry direction | Top entry + Side entry | Top entry only |
| Housing colors | 10 colors | 1 color (natural) |
| Low insertion force option | Yes (L-suffix terminals) | No |
| Extended post option | Yes (Type A header) | No |
| Radial taping option | Yes (TS/TV4) | No |
| Best for | High-density PCB, fine wire, multi-connector color coding, automated assembly | General wire-to-board, Arduino, 3D printers, prototyping |
Choose EH when: low-profile header required, fine wire (AWG #32–#28) needed, side entry wire routing required, 10-color housing for mis-mating prevention, low insertion force for high-cycle applications, or automated PCB assembly with radial taping headers.
Choose XH when: higher withstanding voltage (1,500V) required, standard prototyping/Arduino application, or wider ecosystem of pre-made cables needed.
➡️ JST XH 2.5mm Complete Guide →
JST EH in the 2.5mm Connector Ecosystem
| Series | Type | Pitch | Wire Range | Colors | Side Entry | Low-Force Option | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JST EH | Wire-to-board | 2.5mm | #32–#22 | 10 | Yes | Yes | High-density PCB, fine wire, color coding |
| JST XH | Wire-to-board | 2.5mm | #28–#22 | 1 | No | No | General W-B, Arduino, 3D printers |
| JST XA | W-W + W-B | 2.5mm | #28–#20 | 1 | No | No | Appliances, glow wire certified |
| JST SM | Wire-to-wire | 2.5mm | #28–#22 | 2 | N/A | No | Wire harness, panel mount, arm lock |
| JST SCN | Board-in | 2.5mm | #28–#22 | 4 | N/A | No | No PCB header, consumer electronics |
➡️ Wire-to-Board Connector Types: Complete Guide → | Common JST Connector Types → | JST SM Wire-to-Wire Guide →
How to Select the Right JST EH Connector
- Confirm wire gauge — AWG #32–#28: use SEH-003T-P0.6L (low force) or SEH-002T-P0.6L. AWG #30–#22: use SEH-001T-P0.6 (standard) or SEH-001T-P0.6L (low force).
- Choose entry direction — Wire exits perpendicular to PCB: top entry (B-EH or B-EH-A). Wire exits parallel to PCB: side entry (S-EH).
- Choose header type — Standard post: B-EH / S-EH. Extended post for easier mating: B-EH-A. Automated PCB assembly: B-EH-TS (round leads) or B-EH-TV4 (rectangular leads).
- Determine circuit count — 2P to 15P for housing and standard headers. Radial taping headers: 2P to 8P (TS) or 3P to 8P (TV4).
- Choose housing color — Select from 10 colors using suffix codes. Natural (white) for single-connector; color-coded for multi-connector assemblies.
- Verify PCB thickness — 0.8mm to 1.6mm. Confirm header post length is appropriate for your PCB thickness.
- Decide standard vs low insertion force — High-cycle mating or fine wire: use L-suffix terminals. Vibration-prone or maximum retention: use standard SEH-001T-P0.6.
➡️ Shop JST EH assemblies: JST EH 2.5mm Connector Kit with 22AWG Pre-Crimped Cables | JST EH 2.5mm Single-Headed Cable 2–12P, 22AWG UL1007 | JST EH 2.5mm Same-Side-Head Cable 2–12P, 22AWG UL1007 | JST EH 2.5mm Reverse-Side-Head Cable 2–12P, 22AWG UL1007
Common Applications
- Consumer electronics — Low-profile header (3.8mm × 8.1mm) suits compact PCB designs in smartphones, tablets, wearables, and portable audio equipment
- High-density PCB assemblies — Fine wire support (AWG #32) and 10-color housing enable complex multi-connector assemblies on dense boards
- Automated PCB manufacturing — Radial taping headers (TS/TV4 types) are compatible with pick-and-place assembly for high-volume production
- Industrial instrumentation — Side entry header allows horizontal wire routing in panel-mounted instruments where vertical clearance is limited
- Medical devices — Low insertion force terminals reduce connector wear in equipment requiring frequent cable disconnection for cleaning or reconfiguration
- Multi-board assemblies — Color-coded EHR housings prevent mis-mating in assemblies with multiple identical-pitch connectors on the same board
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the JST EH connector?
The JST EH is a 2.5mm pitch wire-to-board crimp connector rated for 3A AC/DC and 250V AC/DC, operating from -25°C to +85°C. It features a low-profile header (3.8mm × 8.1mm), top entry and side entry options, 10 housing colors, and a low insertion force terminal variant. Wire range: AWG #32 to #22. PCB thickness: 0.8mm to 1.6mm. RoHS2 compliant. ➡️ Shop JST EH at Keszoox
What is the difference between JST EH and JST XH?
Both are 2.5mm pitch, 3A/250V wire-to-board connectors, but the EH has a lower profile header, supports finer wire (AWG #32 vs #28), offers side entry in addition to top entry, has 10 housing colors vs 1, includes a low insertion force terminal option, and supports radial taping headers for automated assembly. The XH has a higher withstanding voltage (1,500V vs 800V). Not interchangeable. ➡️ JST XH Complete Guide
What part number is a 4-pin JST EH connector?
Housing: EHR-4 (natural/white). Header top entry: B4B-EH. Header side entry: S4B-EH. Header Type A: B4B-EH-A. Terminal (standard): SEH-001T-P0.6. Terminal (low force): SEH-001T-P0.6L. ➡️ Shop JST EH
What are the JST EH housing colors?
Ten colors: Natural/white (no suffix), black (K), red (R), blue (E), yellow (Y), green (M), orange (O), brown (N), purple (PL), pink (PK), gray (H). Example: EHR-4K = 4-pin black housing. All colors share identical electrical specifications.
What is the difference between SEH-001T-P0.6 and SEH-001T-P0.6L?
Both cover AWG #30–#22, but the L-suffix is a low insertion force contact with a different crimp height. The standard SEH-001T-P0.6 provides higher contact retention force and is preferred for vibration-prone applications. The SEH-001T-P0.6L reduces insertion/withdrawal force for high-cycle mating. Do not mix standard and L-suffix contacts in the same housing — crimp heights differ.
What is the JST EH Type A header?
The B-EH-A header has a post length of 3.3mm on the mating side — longer than the standard B-EH post. This extended post improves mating workability during manual assembly. Available in top entry only, 2P to 15P. Electrically identical to the standard B-EH header.
Can the JST EH be used with automated PCB assembly?
Yes. The radial taping header variants — B-EH-TS (round leads, 2–8P) and B-EH-TV4 (rectangular leads, 3–8P) — are packaged on tape for pick-and-place automated assembly.
What PCB thickness does the JST EH support?
The JST EH header supports PCB thicknesses from 0.8mm to 1.6mm — wider than many wire-to-board connectors. Compatible with standard 1.6mm FR4 boards and thinner 0.8mm or 1.0mm boards used in compact consumer electronics.
➡️ JST XH Guide → | JST XA Guide → | JST SM Guide → | JST SCN Guide → | Wire-to-Board Types → | JST Connector Types → | Shop JST EH →