JST VH Connector Model Numbers Explained: B2P, B3P, B4P, B5P, VHR & How to Crimp
Introduction
The JST VH is a 3.96mm pitch wire-to-board connector rated at 7A / 250V — the highest-current standard JST series. It is widely used in power supply wiring, motor connections, battery management systems (BMS), industrial control panels, and high-current PCB applications. Despite its popularity, the JST VH model numbering system — with suffixes like LF, SN, FB, FBB, TW, and B — confuses many engineers and procurement teams.
This guide, based on the official JST VH datasheet, decodes every part of the model number, explains the complete product family (BxP-VH headers, VHR-xN housings, SVH-21T contacts), covers both the quick-connect and crimp wiring methods, and provides a full pin-count reference table from 2 to 10 circuits.
🛒 Shop JST VH 3.96mm Connectors at Keszoox →
JST VH Official Specifications
According to the official JST VH connector datasheet, the VH series is specified as follows:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Pitch | 3.96mm |
| Current Rating | 7A AC/DC (based on φ1.0mm solid wire) |
| Voltage Rating | 250V AC/DC |
| Temperature Range | -25°C to +105°C (including temperature rise) |
| Contact Resistance | Initial: 10mΩ max. / After environmental test: 20mΩ max. |
| Insulation Resistance | 1,000MΩ min. |
| Withstanding Voltage | 1,500 VAC for 1 minute (no breakdown or flashover) |
| Applicable Wire | Solid copper wire, conductor φ0.8–1.0mm, insulation O.D. φ1.1–1.3mm |
| PCB Thickness | 1.6mm |
| Mating Type | Wire-to-Board, Quick-connect (no crimping tool required for VHR) |
| Housing Material | PA (Polyamide), natural white or black |
| Contact Material | Copper alloy, tin-plated (SN) or tin-lead plated |
| RoHS | Compliant (LF-SN variants) |
| Pin Count Range | 2 to 10 circuits |
Key advantage of the VH Quick-connect type: The VHR housing has pre-installed contacts. Stripped solid wire is pushed directly into the slot — no crimping tool or special equipment required. This makes it the preferred choice for field wiring, prototyping, and on-site harness assembly.
JST VH Model Number Decoder
The JST VH product family consists of three components: the PCB header (BxP-VH), the wire-side housing (VHR-xN), and the crimp contact (SVH-21T). Each has its own part number structure.
1. PCB Header: BxP-VH-[suffix]
Format: B – [pin count] – P – VH – [suffix]
- B = Board mount (PCB header, solders onto PCB)
- Number = number of circuits: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
- P = Pole (position count)
- VH = VH series, 3.96mm pitch
Complete suffix reference:
| Suffix | Meaning | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| (none) | Standard, tin-lead plated, white | Legacy designs, non-RoHS |
| -B | Black housing | When black color is required |
| -LF | Lead-Free resin (RoHS compliant) | EU / CE-marked products |
| -SN | Tin (Sn) plated contacts | RoHS-compliant contact finish |
| -LF-SN | Lead-free + tin-plated (full RoHS) | All new designs — recommended |
| -FB | Flange base (mounting ears) | Panel or chassis mounting |
| -FB-B | Flange base, black housing | Panel mount, black |
| -FBB | Flange base, black (alternate code) | Same as FB-B |
| -TW | Top-wire entry | When wire must enter from top |
Part number examples:
- B2P-VH — 2-pin header, standard (legacy)
- B3P-VH-B — 3-pin header, black housing
- B4P-VH-LF-SN — 4-pin header, RoHS compliant → most common modern variant
- B5P-VH-FB-B — 5-pin header, flange base, black
- B3P-VH-FBB — 3-pin header, flange base, black (alternate code)
- B3P-VH-TW — 3-pin header, top-wire entry
- B2P3-VH-LF-SN — dual-row 3-pin variant, RoHS compliant
2. Socket Housing: VHR-xN
Format: VHR – [pin count] – N
- VHR = VH series housing with pre-installed contacts (Quick-connect type)
- Number = number of circuits: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
- N = Natural color (white PA housing)
The VHR housing is the wire-side connector. It mates with the BxP-VH PCB header. Because contacts are pre-installed, no separate contact ordering or crimping tool is required for solid wire applications.
Examples: VHR-2N (2-pin), VHR-3N (3-pin), VHR-4N (4-pin) … VHR-10N (10-pin)
3. Crimp Contact: SVH-21T-P1.1
Format: SVH – [type] – P[wire diameter]
- SVH = VH series crimp contact
- 21T = contact type (standard box contact)
- 41T = contact type (heavy-duty variant)
- P1.1 = applicable wire conductor diameter φ1.1mm max.
According to the JST datasheet, the SVH-21T-P1.1 contact is made from copper alloy with tin plating, rated for conductor size φ0.8–1.0mm. The contact uses a proven box contact design that provides secure, low-resistance mating with the PCB header pins.
Note: SVH contacts are only needed when building custom harnesses with standard VH housings and stranded wire. For Quick-connect VHR housings, contacts are pre-installed — order VHR-xN only.
Complete JST VH Pin Count Reference Table
| Pins | Socket (VHR) | Header Standard | Header RoHS (LF-SN) | Header Black | Header Flange |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | VHR-2N | B2P-VH | B2P-VH-LF-SN | B2P-VH-B | B2P-VH-FB-B |
| 3 | VHR-3N | B3P-VH | B3P-VH-LF-SN | B3P-VH-B | B3P-VH-FB-B |
| 4 | VHR-4N | B4P-VH | B4P-VH-LF-SN | B4P-VH-B | B4P-VH-FB-B |
| 5 | VHR-5N | B5P-VH | B5P-VH-LF-SN | B5P-VH-B | B5P-VH-FB-B |
| 6 | VHR-6N | B6P-VH | B6P-VH-LF-SN | B6P-VH-B | B6P-VH-FB-B |
| 7 | VHR-7N | B7P-VH | B7P-VH-LF-SN | B7P-VH-B | B7P-VH-FB-B |
| 8 | VHR-8N | B8P-VH | B8P-VH-LF-SN | B8P-VH-B | B8P-VH-FB-B |
| 9 | VHR-9N | B9P-VH | B9P-VH-LF-SN | B9P-VH-B | B9P-VH-FB-B |
| 10 | VHR-10N | B10P-VH | B10P-VH-LF-SN | B10P-VH-B | B10P-VH-FB-B |
Dual-row variant: B2P3-VH-LF-SN is a 2-row, 3-pin variant. If you see B2P3 in a part number, the "2" refers to 2 rows, not 2 pins.
LF and SN Suffix: What They Mean and Why They Matter
- LF (Lead-Free): Housing resin and all materials comply with the EU RoHS Directive — no lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), hexavalent chromium (Cr6+), PBB, or PBDE. Required for any product sold in the EU, UK, or under CE marking.
- SN (Tin / Stannum plated): Contact surface finish is matte tin (Sn), replacing older tin-lead (SnPb) plating. Provides equivalent conductivity and solderability with full RoHS compliance.
- B4P-VH-LF-SN is the correct specification for any new PCB design: 4-pin, lead-free housing, tin-plated contacts, fully RoHS compliant.
Procurement note: Always specify LF-SN when ordering. Part numbers without these suffixes may ship with tin-lead plated contacts, which are restricted in many markets.
How to Wire a JST VH Connector (Quick-Connect Method)
The JST VH Quick-connect type (VHR-xN housing) is designed for tool-free field wiring with solid wire. No crimping tool, no separate contacts needed.
- Select wire: Use solid copper wire, conductor φ0.8–1.0mm (AWG 18–20), insulation O.D. φ1.1–1.3mm.
- Strip the wire: Strip 8–10mm of insulation from the wire end.
- Insert the wire: Push the stripped solid wire straight into the contact slot of the VHR housing. The pre-installed SVH contact grips the wire mechanically via the box contact spring.
- Verify insertion: Gently tug the wire. It should hold firmly without slipping.
- Repeat for all circuits: Insert all wires in the correct pin order. Pin 1 is marked on the housing body.
- Mate the connector: Push the VHR housing onto the BxP-VH PCB header until the latch clicks.
⚠️ Critical: The Quick-connect VHR housing requires solid wire only. Stranded wire will not lock reliably and may cause intermittent connections or pull-out failures. For stranded wire, use the standard crimping method below.
How to Crimp JST VH Connectors (Standard Housing Method)
For stranded wire or custom harness applications, use standard VH housings with SVH-21T-P1.1 crimp contacts:
- Select contact: SVH-21T-P1.1 for conductor φ0.8–1.0mm (AWG 18–20).
- Strip the wire: Strip 3–4mm of insulation. Use stranded copper wire AWG 18–22.
- Position in crimping tool: Place the SVH contact in the correct die of a JST-compatible ratchet crimping tool (JST YRS-1590 or equivalent).
- Insert wire and crimp: Insert the stripped wire end into the contact. Squeeze the tool fully until the ratchet releases. Both conductor barrel and insulation barrel must be crimped.
- Inspect the crimp: All conductor strands must be fully captured. No strands should protrude from the front of the contact.
- Insert into housing: Push the crimped contact into the VH housing from the rear until it clicks.
- Verify retention: Tug gently on the wire. The contact should not move.
JST VH vs JST XH: Which Should You Choose?
The JST VH and JST XH are the two most commonly confused JST series. Here is a direct comparison:
| Specification | JST VH | JST XH |
|---|---|---|
| Pitch | 3.96mm | 2.5mm |
| Current Rating | 7A | 3A |
| Voltage Rating | 250V | 250V |
| Wire AWG | 18–20 (solid or stranded) | 22–28 (stranded) |
| Connector Size | Larger | Smaller / more compact |
| Quick-connect | Yes (VHR housing) | No |
| Best For | Power supply, motors, BMS, >3A | 3D printers, RC, signal, ≤3A |
Rule of thumb: If your application requires more than 3A per circuit, choose JST VH. If 3A is sufficient and board space is limited, JST XH is the more compact choice. The two series are not cross-compatible.
🛒 Shop JST XH 2.5mm Connectors → | 🛒 Shop JST VH 3.96mm Connectors →
Common JST VH Applications
- Power supply wiring: AC/DC output connections, 12V/24V/48V rail distribution on PCBs
- Motor wiring: DC motor, stepper motor, and servo power connections
- Battery management systems (BMS): Cell balancing leads and main power connections in lithium battery packs
- Industrial control panels: PLC I/O wiring, relay coil connections, sensor power rails
- 3D printer heated beds: High-current bed heater connections (use multiple VH circuits in parallel for currents above 7A)
- LED driver wiring: High-power LED strip and driver power input connections
- HVAC and appliance control: Fan motor, compressor, and heater element wiring
- Robotics and automation: Servo power buses, actuator wiring, solenoid valve connections
How to Choose the Right JST VH Variant
- Solid wire + field wiring + no tools: → VHR-xN (Quick-connect, pre-installed contacts)
- Stranded wire + factory harness: → Standard VH housing + SVH-21T-P1.1 + crimping tool
- RoHS / EU / CE compliance required: → Always specify LF-SN (e.g. B4P-VH-LF-SN)
- Black housing needed: → Add -B suffix (e.g. B3P-VH-B or B4P-VH-LF-SN-B)
- Panel or chassis mounting: → Add -FB or -FBB suffix (e.g. B4P-VH-FB-B)
- Top-entry wire routing: → Add -TW suffix (e.g. B3P-VH-TW)
- 2-pin power connector: → VHR-2N + B2P-VH-LF-SN
- 4-pin motor connector: → VHR-4N + B4P-VH-LF-SN
- High pin count / BMS: → VHR-8N to VHR-10N + matching header
Where to Buy JST VH Connectors
Keszoox stocks the complete JST VH 3.96mm connector range — VHR-xN housings (2–10 pin), BxP-VH PCB headers (standard, LF-SN, black, flange), SVH-21T-P1.1 crimp contacts, and pre-crimped AWG 20 cable assemblies. All products are RoHS compliant (LF-SN), in stock, and ship worldwide.
🛒 Shop JST VH 3.96mm Connectors at Keszoox →
Related JST Connector Guides
- 📌 12 Most Common JST Connector Types: SH, GH, PH, XH, VH & More
- 📌 JST Connector Models Explained: SH, GH, ZH, PH, XH & More
- 📌 JST VH Connector: Complete Guide to Types, Pinout & Specs
Frequently Asked Questions
What does B2P-VH mean?
B2P-VH is a JST VH series PCB header with 2 circuits. "B" = board mount, "2" = 2 positions, "P" = pole, "VH" = VH series (3.96mm pitch). B2P-VH-LF-SN is the RoHS-compliant version with lead-free housing and tin-plated contacts.
What is the difference between VHR-2N and B2P-VH?
VHR-2N is the wire-side housing (socket) with pre-installed contacts for quick-connect solid wire insertion. B2P-VH is the PCB-side header that solders onto the circuit board. They mate together to form a complete 2-pin JST VH connection. You need both parts to make a working connector pair.
What does LF SN mean on JST VH connectors?
LF = Lead-Free (RoHS compliant resin and materials). SN = Tin (Sn) plated contacts, replacing older tin-lead (SnPb) plating. B4P-VH-LF-SN is the standard modern RoHS-compliant 4-pin VH header. Always specify LF-SN for new designs sold in the EU or under CE marking.
What does B3P-VH-FBB mean?
B3P-VH-FBB is a 3-pin JST VH PCB header with a flange base and black housing. FBB = Flange Base, Black. The flange base adds mounting ears for panel or chassis mounting. Used when the connector needs mechanical securing beyond PCB soldering.
What does B3P-VH-TW mean?
B3P-VH-TW is a 3-pin JST VH PCB header with top-wire entry. TW = Top Wire. The wire enters the connector from the top rather than the side, useful when PCB layout or enclosure geometry requires vertical wire routing.
What is the difference between JST VH and JST XH?
JST VH has a 3.96mm pitch and is rated at 7A / 250V. JST XH has a 2.5mm pitch and is rated at 3A / 250V. VH is larger and handles higher current; XH is more compact and suited for signal and low-power applications. The two series are not cross-compatible.
How do you crimp a JST VH connector?
For Quick-connect VHR housings: strip 8–10mm of solid wire (AWG 18–20) and push directly into the housing — no tool required. For standard VH housings with stranded wire: crimp SVH-21T-P1.1 contacts using a ratchet crimping tool, then insert contacts into the housing from the rear until they click.
What wire gauge does JST VH use?
JST VH uses AWG 18–20 wire (conductor φ0.8–1.0mm, insulation O.D. φ1.1–1.3mm). Quick-connect VHR housing requires solid wire only. Standard VH housings with SVH-21T crimp contacts accept stranded wire AWG 18–22.
What is the current rating of JST VH?
According to the official JST datasheet, the VH connector is rated at 7A AC/DC (based on φ1.0mm solid wire) and 250V AC/DC — the highest current rating among standard JST series. For currents above 7A per circuit, use multiple VH circuits in parallel or select a higher-rated connector.
Is JST VH the same as Molex KK 396?
No. Both use 3.96mm pitch and similar current ratings, but they are physically incompatible. Housing geometry, latch mechanism, and contact dimensions differ. Never mix JST VH and Molex KK 396 components.
What is the JST VH contact part number?
The standard JST VH crimp contact is SVH-21T-P1.1, rated for conductor φ0.8–1.0mm. For Quick-connect VHR housings, contacts are pre-installed and do not need to be ordered separately.