JST PA 2.0mm Connector: Complete Guide to Wire-to-Wire Wiring, RC Battery Pigtails, PA vs PH & All Pin Sizes
The JST PA connector is a 2.0mm pitch connector series manufactured by JST (Japan Solderless Terminal). It is one of the most misunderstood connectors in the JST lineup — not because it is complicated, but because two things about it confuse almost everyone who encounters it for the first time.
First: the JST PA series is primarily a Wire-to-Wire connector, not a Wire-to-Board connector like most other JST series. This single fact explains most of the confusion around PA connectors and why they appear in different applications than PH, XH, or ZH connectors.
Second: the Engineer PA-09 crimping tool has nothing to do with the JST PA series. The "PA" in PA-09 refers to the tool manufacturer's internal product code, not to JST's PA connector series. This naming coincidence causes significant confusion in search results and forum discussions.
This guide covers both points in full, along with the complete JST PA part number system, all pin configurations from 2 to 15, RC battery pigtail wiring, how to make PA extension cables, a detailed PA vs PH comparison, and how to crimp PA terminals correctly.
What Is the JST PA Connector?
The JST PA is a 2.0mm pitch crimp connector system designed primarily for Wire-to-Wire connections. Unlike JST PH, XH, ZH, SH, and GH — which are all Wire-to-Board connectors with PCB-mount headers — the PA series is built around connecting two wire harnesses together directly.
Key characteristics:
- 2.0mm pitch — same pitch as JST PH, but different housing geometry and application
- Wire-to-Wire primary design — the PA plug (PAP housing) mates with the PA receptacle (PA housing), not a PCB header
- PCB header available — a through-hole PCB header (B-PA series) exists for Wire-to-Board use, but is less common
- 3A per contact current rating — higher than JST PH (2A) at the same 2.0mm pitch
- Top-latch housing with positive lock
- AWG 22–26 wire gauge range — heavier wire than PH (AWG 24–32)
- 2 to 15 positions available
➡️ Shop JST PA 2.0mm Connectors at Keszoox
What Does "PA" Mean in JST PA?
"PA" in the JST PA series stands for Polyamide — the material used for the connector housing. Polyamide is the technical name for nylon (PA66 specifically), which is the standard housing material for JST connectors in this class. JST uses material-based designations for some of their series, and PA is one of them.
This is also why the JST PA series housings have a slightly different texture and appearance compared to PH or XH housings — the PA66 material is optimized for the higher current and heavier wire gauge applications the PA series targets.
Important clarification: The Engineer PA-09 crimping tool is named after Engineer Co., Ltd.'s internal product numbering system. The "PA" in PA-09 does not refer to JST's PA connector series. The PA-09 is an excellent tool for crimping many JST series terminals (SH, GH, ZH, PH), but it is not specifically designed for or named after the JST PA series.
JST PA Connector Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Pitch | 2.0mm |
| Current rating | 3A per contact |
| Voltage rating | 250V AC/DC |
| Contact resistance (max.) | 10mΩ |
| Insulation resistance (min.) | 1000MΩ |
| Dielectric withstanding voltage | 1000V AC/min |
| Operating temperature | −25°C to +85°C |
| Wire gauge | AWG 22–26 (0.13–0.33mm²) |
| Wire insulation OD | 1.0–1.7mm |
| Pin count | 2–15 positions |
| Housing material | PA66 (Polyamide 66), UL94V-0, natural |
| Contact material | Brass, tin-plated |
| Connection type | Wire-to-Wire (primary) / Wire-to-Board (B-PA header) |
| Locking mechanism | Top latch (press down to release) |
| Mating cycles | 30 minimum |
➡️ Shop JST PA Housings (PAP/PA), Headers (B-PA) & Terminals (SPAL)
JST PA vs JST PH: Same Pitch, Completely Different Purpose
➡️ Shop JST PA 2.0mm | Shop JST PH 2.0mm
This is the most important comparison for anyone choosing between PA and PH. Both use 2.0mm pitch, but they serve fundamentally different purposes and are not interchangeable.
| Feature | JST PA | JST PH |
|---|---|---|
| Pitch | 2.0mm | 2.0mm |
| Primary connection type | Wire-to-Wire | Wire-to-Board |
| Current rating | 3A per contact | 2A per contact |
| Wire gauge | AWG 22–26 (heavier) | AWG 24–32 (finer) |
| PCB header available? | Yes (B-PA, less common) | Yes (B-PH, standard) |
| LiPo battery use | RC battery pigtails, high-drain | Standard small LiPo |
| Housing width (4-pin) | 10.0mm | 10.0mm |
| Mating partner | PA receptacle housing | B-PH PCB header |
| Interchangeable? | No — different housing geometry | |
When to choose PA over PH:
- You need Wire-to-Wire connection (no PCB involved)
- You need higher current capacity (3A vs 2A per contact)
- You are using AWG 22–24 wire (PA terminal handles heavier gauge)
- You are building RC battery pigtails or extension cables
When to choose PH over PA:
- You need to connect a wire harness to a PCB
- You are working with LiPo batteries in maker/Arduino projects
- You need AWG 28–32 fine wire compatibility
- Your board already has a B-PH header
JST PA Part Number System
Plug Housing — PAP Series (Wire-to-Wire Female)
| Part Number | Circuits | Color |
|---|---|---|
| PAP-02V-P | 2 | Natural (off-white) |
| PAP-03V-P | 3 | Natural |
| PAP-04V-P | 4 | Natural |
| PAP-05V-P | 5 | Natural |
| PAP-06V-P | 6 | Natural |
| PAP-07V-P | 7 | Natural |
| PAP-08V-P | 8 | Natural |
| PAP-10V-P | 10 | Natural |
| PAP-12V-P | 12 | Natural |
| PAP-15V-P | 15 | Natural |
Receptacle Housing — PA Series (Wire-to-Wire Male)
| Part Number | Circuits |
|---|---|
| PA-02V-P | 2 |
| PA-03V-P | 3 |
| PA-04V-P | 4 |
| PA-05V-P | 5 |
| PA-06V-P | 6 |
| PA-07V-P | 7 |
| PA-08V-P | 8 |
| PA-10V-P | 10 |
| PA-12V-P | 12 |
| PA-15V-P | 15 |
Crimp Terminals
| Part Number | Type | Wire Gauge | Used In |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPAL-001T-P0.5 | Female socket terminal | AWG 22–26 | PAP plug housing |
| SPAL-002T-P0.5 | Female socket terminal | AWG 22–24 | PAP plug housing (heavier wire) |
| SPAL-001T-P0.5L | Male pin terminal | AWG 22–26 | PA receptacle housing |
➡️ Shop JST PA Housings (PAP/PA) & Terminals (SPAL)
PCB Header — B-PA Series (Wire-to-Board)
| Part Number | Circuits | Type |
|---|---|---|
| B-02B-PA-LF(LF)(SN) | 2 | Through-hole, vertical |
| B-03B-PA-LF(LF)(SN) | 3 | Through-hole, vertical |
| B-04B-PA-LF(LF)(SN) | 4 | Through-hole, vertical |
| B-05B-PA-LF(LF)(SN) | 5 | Through-hole, vertical |
| B-06B-PA-LF(LF)(SN) | 6 | Through-hole, vertical |
➡️ Shop JST PA B-PA PCB Headers
JST PA Pin Configurations: 2 to 15 Pin
| Circuits | Plug (PAP) | Receptacle (PA) | Width (approx.) | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | PAP-02V-P | PA-02V-P | 6.0mm | Power, RC battery pigtail, simple W-to-W |
| 3 | PAP-03V-P | PA-03V-P | 8.0mm | Motor connections, servo extension |
| 4 | PAP-04V-P | PA-04V-P | 10.0mm | Stepper motor, multi-channel power |
| 5 | PAP-05V-P | PA-05V-P | 12.0mm | Multi-signal + power harnesses |
| 6 | PAP-06V-P | PA-06V-P | 14.0mm | Complex wire harnesses |
| 7 | PAP-07V-P | PA-07V-P | 16.0mm | Multi-channel harnesses |
| 8 | PAP-08V-P | PA-08V-P | 18.0mm | High-density wire harnesses |
| 10 | PAP-10V-P | PA-10V-P | 22.0mm | Complex multi-wire assemblies |
| 12 | PAP-12V-P | PA-12V-P | 26.0mm | Large harness assemblies |
| 15 | PAP-15V-P | PA-15V-P | 32.0mm | Maximum density W-to-W harnesses |
➡️ Shop JST PA Pre-Crimped Cable Assemblies — 2 to 15 Pin
JST PA for RC Battery Pigtails
➡️ Shop JST PA Pre-Crimped Pigtail Cable Assemblies
One of the most common real-world applications for the JST PA 2-pin connector is RC battery pigtails — the short wire leads attached to LiPo and NiMH battery packs used in RC cars, boats, and aircraft. The PA series is preferred over PH in high-drain RC applications because of its higher 3A per contact current rating and heavier AWG 22–24 wire compatibility.
Why RC Uses JST PA Instead of JST PH
- Higher current: PA is rated 3A per contact vs PH's 2A — critical for RC motors drawing 5–10A+ through a 2-pin connector
- Heavier wire: PA accepts AWG 22–24, which handles higher current with less voltage drop
- Wire-to-Wire design: RC battery pigtails connect battery to ESC — a Wire-to-Wire application with no PCB involved
- Positive latch: The PA locking tab prevents disconnection under vibration during RC operation
JST PA 2-Pin RC Battery Pigtail Pinout
| Pin | Wire Color (standard) | Function |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Red | Positive (+) |
| 2 | Black | Negative (−) |
Polarity warning: Always verify polarity before connecting. Reversing polarity on a LiPo battery will immediately damage the battery and ESC. The JST PA housing is polarized (keyed) to prevent reversal, but only if both ends use the correct PAP/PA housing pair.
Revolectrix CellPro JST PA Battery Pigtail
The Revolectrix CellPro charger system uses JST PA connectors for its balance lead adapters and battery pigtails. The 10.5-position CellPro pigtail uses a PA-series housing for the balance connector interface. If you are replacing or extending a CellPro pigtail, use PAP-10V-P (plug) and PA-10V-P (receptacle) housings with SPAL-001T-P0.5 terminals on AWG 24–26 wire.
➡️ Shop JST PA 2-pin Battery Pigtail Connectors & Cable Assemblies
How to Make a JST PA Extension Cable
A JST PA extension cable connects two PA assemblies in series to extend the reach of a wire harness. This is a common requirement in RC builds, industrial wiring, and any application where the original cable is too short.
Components Needed
| Component | Part Number | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| PAP plug housing (N-pin) | PAP-0NV-P | 1 |
| PA receptacle housing (N-pin) | PA-0NV-P | 1 |
| Female socket terminals | SPAL-001T-P0.5 | N (one per wire) |
| Male pin terminals | SPAL-001T-P0.5L | N (one per wire) |
| Wire | AWG 22–26, matching original | N wires × desired length |
Assembly Steps
- Cut wire to desired extension length, one wire per circuit
- Strip 1.5–2.0mm of insulation from each wire end
- Crimp SPAL-001T-P0.5 (female socket) terminals onto one end of each wire
- Crimp SPAL-001T-P0.5L (male pin) terminals onto the other end of each wire
- Insert female socket terminals into PAP plug housing, maintaining original pin order
- Insert male pin terminals into PA receptacle housing, maintaining original pin order
- Pull-test all terminals before final assembly
- Connect PAP end to original assembly's PA receptacle; connect PA end to original assembly's PAP plug
➡️ Shop JST PA Pre-Crimped Extension Cable Assemblies
How to Crimp JST PA Connectors
➡️ Shop JST PA Pre-Crimped Cables — No Crimping Needed
Recommended Crimp Tools
| Tool | Price Range | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineer PA-09 | $30–40 | Hobbyist, low volume | Works well for AWG 24–26; use larger die for AWG 22 |
| IWISS SN-2549 | $15–25 | Budget option | Good for AWG 24–26 PA terminals |
| JST YRS-110 | $200+ | Official JST hand tool | Most consistent results for SPAL terminals |
| Ratchet crimper (generic) | $10–20 | Low volume, AWG 22–24 | Acceptable for larger wire gauges |
Note on the Engineer PA-09: Despite the naming coincidence, the PA-09 is not specifically designed for JST PA terminals. It works adequately for AWG 24–26 SPAL terminals, but for AWG 22 wire, a larger crimper may produce better results.
Step-by-Step: How to Crimp JST PA
- Strip 1.5–2.0mm of insulation — slightly more than finer JST series
- Twist conductor strands tightly
- Select SPAL-001T-P0.5 (female socket) for PAP housing, or SPAL-001T-P0.5L (male pin) for PA housing
- Place the terminal in the crimper die at the AWG 24–26 position
- Insert the wire with conductor strands in the front wings and insulation in the rear wings
- Squeeze until the ratchet releases
- Pull-test: the terminal must not move
- Insert female socket terminals into PAP housing from the rear until they click
- Insert male pin terminals into PA housing from the rear until they click
➡️ Full Connector Crimping Guide with step-by-step photos → | Shop JST PA Terminals & Housings
The Engineer PA-09 Tool and JST PA: Clearing Up the Confusion
The Engineer PA-09 is a precision ratchet crimping tool manufactured by Engineer Co., Ltd. (Japan). The "PA-09" designation is Engineer's internal product code — it has no connection to JST's PA connector series.
The PA-09 is excellent for crimping:
- JST SH (1.0mm) — SSHL terminals, AWG 28–32
- JST GH (1.25mm) — SSHL terminals, AWG 28–32
- JST ZH (1.5mm) — SZH terminals, AWG 26–32
- JST PH (2.0mm) — SPH terminals, AWG 24–32
- JST XH (2.5mm) — SXH terminals, AWG 22–28
For JST PA (2.0mm) SPAL terminals on AWG 22–24 wire, the PA-09 works but may not produce optimal results on the heaviest wire gauges. A larger ratchet crimper is recommended for AWG 22 PA wiring.
JST PA Complete Series Comparison
| Series | Pitch | Current | Wire | Connection Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JST SH | 1.0mm | 1A | AWG 28–32 | Wire-to-Board | FPV drones, ultra-compact |
| JST GH | 1.25mm | 1A | AWG 28–32 | Wire-to-Board | Pixhawk/ArduPilot |
| JST ZH | 1.5mm | 1A | AWG 26–32 | Wire-to-Board | Micro servos, sensors |
| JST PH | 2.0mm | 2A | AWG 24–32 | Wire-to-Board | LiPo batteries, Arduino |
| JST PA | 2.0mm | 3A | AWG 22–26 | Wire-to-Wire | RC pigtails, extension cables |
| JST XH | 2.5mm | 3A | AWG 22–28 | Wire-to-Board | 3D printers, RC receivers |
| JST VH | 3.96mm | 10A | AWG 18–22 | Wire-to-Board | Power distribution, motors |
➡️ Wire-to-Board Connector Types: Complete Guide → | 12 Most Common JST Connector Types → | Shop JST PA
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a JST PA connector?
The JST PA is a 2.0mm pitch Wire-to-Wire crimp connector series manufactured by JST. It uses PAP plug housings, PA receptacle housings, and SPAL crimp terminals. Rated for 3A per contact, 250V, AWG 22–26 wire. Common in RC battery pigtails, wire harness extensions, and industrial Wire-to-Wire connections. ➡️ Shop JST PA at Keszoox
What is the JST PA pitch?
The JST PA connector pitch is 2.0mm — the same pitch as JST PH, but PA and PH are not interchangeable due to different housing geometry and different primary applications (Wire-to-Wire vs Wire-to-Board).
JST PA vs JST PH — what's the difference?
JST PA is primarily Wire-to-Wire with 3A per contact and AWG 22–26 wire. JST PH is primarily Wire-to-Board with 2A per contact and AWG 24–32 wire. Both use 2.0mm pitch but are not interchangeable. Use PA for RC pigtails and extension cables; use PH for connecting to PCBs and LiPo batteries in maker projects. ➡️ Shop PA | Shop PH
What does PA mean in JST PA?
"PA" stands for Polyamide — the housing material (PA66 nylon). It is not an abbreviation for a specific application or connector geometry. This is also why the Engineer PA-09 crimping tool name is unrelated to the JST PA series.
Is the Engineer PA-09 for JST PA connectors?
No. The Engineer PA-09 is named after Engineer Co., Ltd.'s internal product code, not after JST's PA connector series. The PA-09 works adequately for JST PA SPAL terminals on AWG 24–26 wire, but is not specifically designed for them. For AWG 22 SPAL terminals, a larger ratchet crimper is recommended.
What is the JST PA connector part number?
Main PA part numbers: PAP-0NV-P (plug housing), PA-0NV-P (receptacle housing), SPAL-001T-P0.5 (female socket terminal AWG 22–26), SPAL-001T-P0.5L (male pin terminal), B-0NB-PA-LF(LF)(SN) (PCB header). N = pin count. ➡️ Shop JST PA Parts
What is the JST PA 2-pin connector part number?
PAP-02V-P (plug housing), PA-02V-P (receptacle housing), SPAL-001T-P0.5 (female terminals), SPAL-001T-P0.5L (male terminals). Used for RC battery pigtails and 2-wire power connections. ➡️ Shop JST PA 2-pin
What is the JST PA 4-pin connector part number?
PAP-04V-P (plug housing), PA-04V-P (receptacle housing), SPAL-001T-P0.5 (female terminals), SPAL-001T-P0.5L (male terminals). Used for stepper motor connections and multi-channel power harnesses. ➡️ Shop JST PA 4-pin
What is the JST PA 5-pin connector part number?
PAP-05V-P (plug housing), PA-05V-P (receptacle housing). Used for multi-signal and power harnesses. ➡️ Shop JST PA 5-pin
How to crimp JST PA connectors?
Use an Engineer PA-09 or IWISS SN-2549 for AWG 24–26; use a larger ratchet crimper for AWG 22. Strip 1.5–2.0mm of insulation. Crimp SPAL-001T-P0.5 (female) for PAP housing, SPAL-001T-P0.5L (male) for PA housing. Pull-test before inserting into housing. See our full crimping guide. ➡️ Shop Pre-Crimped PA Cables
What wire gauge for JST PA connectors?
JST PA accepts AWG 22–26 wire. AWG 24–26 is most common for signal and moderate power. AWG 22–24 for higher current applications (RC motors, power distribution). This is heavier gauge than JST PH (AWG 24–32).
What is a JST PA pigtail?
A JST PA pigtail is a short pre-crimped cable assembly with a PAP or PA housing on one end and bare wire leads on the other, used to add a PA connector to a battery, ESC, or other device. Common in RC applications for battery-to-ESC connections. ➡️ Shop JST PA Pigtail Cable Assemblies
What is JST PA series?
The JST PA series is a family of 2.0mm pitch Wire-to-Wire crimp connectors. The series includes PAP plug housings, PA receptacle housings, SPAL crimp terminals, and B-PA PCB headers. Rated 3A per contact, 250V, AWG 22–26. Used in RC battery pigtails, wire harness extensions, and industrial Wire-to-Wire applications.
What is a JST PA extension cable?
A JST PA extension cable has a PAP plug housing on one end and a PA receptacle housing on the other, allowing two PA assemblies to be connected in series to extend cable length. Made with SPAL-001T-P0.5 (female) and SPAL-001T-P0.5L (male) terminals on AWG 22–26 wire. ➡️ Shop JST PA Extension Cables
What is the JST PA connector material?
The JST PA housing is made from PA66 (Polyamide 66) — a high-performance nylon rated UL94V-0 for flame resistance. The "PA" in the series name refers to this Polyamide material. Contacts are brass with tin plating. The PA66 material provides good chemical resistance and dimensional stability across the −25°C to +85°C operating range.
JST PA eagle library — where to find it?
The JST PA footprint is available in the SparkFun Eagle library (JST.lbr) and the Adafruit Eagle library. Search for "JST-PA" or "B-PA" for the PCB header footprint. For KiCad, search the Connector_JST library for JST_PA. Official JST CAD data is available from jst.com under the PA series product page.
Shop JST PA 2.0mm Connectors at Keszoox
We stock a complete range of JST PA 2.0mm connectors — PAP plug housings, PA receptacle housings, SPAL crimp terminals, B-PA PCB headers, and pre-crimped cable assemblies in all pin counts from 2 to 15, ready to ship worldwide.
- JST PA Plug Housings (PAP-02V-P to PAP-15V-P)
- JST PA Receptacle Housings (PA-02V-P to PA-15V-P)
- JST PA Crimp Terminals (SPAL-001T-P0.5 / SPAL-001T-P0.5L)
- JST PA Pre-Crimped Cable Assemblies (2–10 pin)
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