JST XA Connector: Complete Guide to Specs, Part Numbers, Crimping & Applications
Search for "JST XA connector" and you'll find scattered datasheet PDFs, distributor listings, and almost no practical engineering guidance. The JST XA series is one of the most underserved connector families in the 2.5mm pitch space — despite being the only JST 2.5mm connector that passes glow wire testing standards and supports both wire-to-wire and wire-to-board configurations with the same plug housing.
This guide covers everything: complete electrical specifications, all housing and terminal part numbers from 2 to 15 circuits, full dimension tables, crimping terminal selection, and a direct XA vs XH comparison so you can choose the right connector for your application.
What Is the JST XA Connector?
The JST XA series is a 2.5mm pitch wire-to-wire and wire-to-board crimp connector that meets glow wire testing standards (IEC 60695-2-10/11/12/13). It is available in two mounting configurations — free hanging (standard) and panel mount — and uses a secure lock mechanism with retainer compatibility for high-vibration applications.
The XA system consists of four components:
- XARR-NNV-WGT4 — Receptacle housing (wire-side, for pin contacts), free hanging and panel mount
- XARP-NNV-WGT4 — Plug housing (wire-side, for socket contacts), retainer compatible
- XMS-NNV — Retainer (optional, for additional wire retention in the plug housing)
- SXAM-001T-P0.6 / SXAM-01T-P0.6 — Crimp terminals (pin and socket contacts)
Key differentiator: The XA plug housing is cross-compatible with the XA wire-to-board connector — the same plug can mate with either an XA wire-to-wire receptacle or an XA PCB header, giving the XA series flexibility that the XH series does not offer.
➡️ Ready to order? Browse the JST XA 2.5mm connector and cable assembly range at Keszoox, including the JST XA 2.5mm Connector Kit with 22AWG Pre-Crimped Cables.
JST XA Electrical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Pitch | 2.5mm |
| Configuration | Wire-to-wire and wire-to-board |
| Current rating | 3A per contact (AWG #22, AWG #20) |
| Voltage rating | 250V AC/DC |
| Temperature range | -25°C to +105°C |
| Contact resistance (initial) | 10mΩ max. |
| Contact resistance (after environmental test) | 20mΩ max. |
| Insulation resistance | 500MΩ min. (initial) |
| Withstanding voltage | 1,500V AC for 1 minute |
| Wire gauge range | AWG #28 to AWG #20 |
| Insulation O.D. | Ø0.8mm to Ø1.9mm |
| Glow wire standard | Yes — meets IEC 60695-2 |
| RoHS compliance | Yes (RoHS2) |
| Housing material | PA natural (white / ivory) |
| Contact material | Copper alloy, tin-plated |
| Circuit count range | 2 to 15 circuits |
Note on glow wire compliance: The IEC 60695-2 glow wire test simulates the thermal stress caused by a glowing element in contact with a plastic housing. Passing this test is a mandatory requirement for connectors used in household appliances, lighting equipment, and industrial control gear in many markets. The JST XA is one of the few 2.5mm pitch connectors that carries this certification.
➡️ Shop JST XA 2.5mm connector and cable assembly range at Keszoox
JST XA Crimp Terminals
The XA series uses two crimp terminal variants — a pin contact and a socket contact — each available in two wire gauge ranges:
| Part Number | Type | Wire Gauge (AWG) | Conductor Size (mm²) | Insulation O.D. (mm) | Qty/Reel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SXAM-001T-P0.6 | Pin contact | #28 to #22 | 0.08 to 0.33 | 0.8 to 1.9 | 7,000 |
| SXAM-01T-P0.6 | Pin contact | #24 to #20 | 0.22 to 0.5 | 1.5 to 1.9 | 7,000 |
| SXA-001T-P0.6 | Socket contact | #28 to #22 | 0.08 to 0.33 | 0.8 to 1.9 | 8,000 |
| SXA-01T-P0.6 | Socket contact | #24 to #20 | 0.22 to 0.5 | 1.5 to 1.9 | 8,000 |
Terminal selection rule: Match the terminal to your wire gauge. SXAM-001T-P0.6 covers the fine wire range (AWG #28–#22); SXAM-01T-P0.6 covers the heavier wire range (AWG #24–#20). Using the wrong terminal for your wire gauge will result in inadequate crimp retention and potential contact failure.
XARR Receptacle Housing Dimensions (for Pin Contacts)
The XARR-NNV-WGT4 receptacle housing accepts pin contacts (SXAM terminals). Available in free hanging and panel mount configurations. Housing material: PA natural (white).
| Circuits | Without Panel Locks | With Panel Locks | Dim A (mm) | Dim B (mm) | Dim C (mm) | Dim D (mm) | Qty/Bag |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | XARR-02V-WGT4 | XARR-02V-WGT4 | 2.5 | 7.5 | 7.9 | 11.2 | 1,000 |
| 3 | XARR-03VF-WGT4 | XARR-03V-WGT4 | 5.0 | 10.0 | 10.4 | 13.7 | 1,000 |
| 4 | XARR-04VF-WGT4 | XARR-04V-WGT4 | 7.5 | 12.5 | 12.9 | 16.2 | 1,000 |
| 5 | XARR-05VF-WGT4 | XARR-05V-WGT4 | 10.0 | 15.0 | 15.4 | 18.7 | 1,000 |
| 6 | XARR-06VF-WGT4 | XARR-06V-WGT4 | 12.5 | 17.5 | 17.9 | 21.2 | 1,000 |
| 7 | XARR-07VF-WGT4 | XARR-07V-WGT4 | 15.0 | 20.0 | 20.4 | 23.7 | 500 |
| 8 | XARR-08VF-WGT4 | XARR-08V-WGT4 | 17.5 | 22.5 | 22.9 | 26.2 | 500 |
| 9 | XARR-09VF-WGT4 | XARR-09V-WGT4 | 20.0 | 25.0 | 25.4 | 28.7 | 500 |
| 10 | XARR-10VF-WGT4 | XARR-10V-WGT4 | 22.5 | 27.5 | 27.9 | 31.2 | 500 |
| 11 | — | XARR-11V-WGT4 | 25.0 | 30.0 | 30.4 | 33.7 | 500 |
| 12 | XARR-12VF-WGT4 | XARR-12V-WGT4 | 27.5 | 32.5 | 32.9 | 36.2 | 500 |
| 13 | — | XARR-13V-WGT4 | 30.0 | 35.0 | 35.4 | 38.7 | 500 |
| 14 | — | XARR-14V-WGT4 | 32.5 | 37.5 | 37.9 | 41.2 | 500 |
| 15 | — | XARR-15V-WGT4 | 35.0 | 40.0 | 40.4 | 43.7 | 500 |
XARP Plug Housing Dimensions (for Socket Contacts)
The XARP-NNV-WGT4 plug housing accepts socket contacts (SXA terminals) and is retainer compatible. It mates with both the XARR receptacle (wire-to-wire) and the XA PCB header (wire-to-board). Housing material: PA natural (white).
| Circuits | Part Number | Dim A (mm) | Dim B (mm) | Qty/Bag |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | XARP-02V-WGT4 | 2.5 | 7.3 | 1,000 |
| 3 | XARP-03V-WGT4 | 5.0 | 9.8 | 1,000 |
| 4 | XARP-04V-WGT4 | 7.5 | 12.3 | 1,000 |
| 5 | XARP-05V-WGT4 | 10.0 | 14.8 | 1,000 |
| 6 | XARP-06V-WGT4 | 12.5 | 17.3 | 1,000 |
| 7 | XARP-07V-WGT4 | 15.0 | 19.8 | 1,000 |
| 8 | XARP-08V-WGT4 | 17.5 | 22.3 | 1,000 |
| 9 | XARP-09V-WGT4 | 20.0 | 24.8 | 1,000 |
| 10 | XARP-10V-WGT4 | 22.5 | 27.3 | 1,000 |
| 11 | XARP-11V-WGT4 | 25.0 | 29.8 | 1,000 |
| 12 | XARP-12V-WGT4 | 27.5 | 32.3 | 1,000 |
| 13 | XARP-13V-WGT4 | 30.0 | 34.8 | 1,000 |
| 14 | XARP-14V-WGT4 | 32.5 | 37.3 | 1,000 |
| 15 | XARP-15V-WGT4 | 35.0 | 39.8 | 1,000 |
XMS Retainer Dimensions
The XMS-NNV retainer clips into the XARP plug housing to provide additional wire retention. Material: PA 3GF, natural (ivory).
| Circuits | Part Number | Dim A (mm) | Dim B (mm) | Qty/Bag |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | XMS-02V | 2.5 | 4.4 | 1,000 |
| 3 | XMS-03V | 5.0 | 6.9 | 1,000 |
| 4 | XMS-04V | 7.5 | 9.4 | 1,000 |
| 5 | XMS-05V | 10.0 | 11.9 | 1,000 |
| 6 | XMS-06V | 12.5 | 14.4 | 1,000 |
| 7 | XMS-07V | 15.0 | 16.9 | 1,000 |
| 8 | XMS-08V | 17.5 | 19.4 | 1,000 |
| 9 | XMS-09V | 20.0 | 21.9 | 1,000 |
| 10 | XMS-10V | 22.5 | 24.4 | 1,000 |
| 11 | XMS-11V | 25.0 | 26.9 | 1,000 |
| 12 | XMS-12V | 27.5 | 29.4 | 1,000 |
| 13 | XMS-13V | 30.0 | 31.9 | 1,000 |
| 14 | XMS-14V | 32.5 | 34.4 | 1,000 |
| 15 | XMS-15V | 35.0 | 36.9 | 1,000 |
When to use the retainer: Use the XMS retainer in applications subject to cable pull-out forces — automotive harnesses, industrial equipment with vibration, or any installation where the wire harness may be under tension.
JST XA vs JST XH: Key Differences
The JST XA and JST XH are both 2.5mm pitch connectors with identical 3A/250V electrical ratings — but they serve different applications and are not interchangeable.
| Feature | JST XA | JST XH |
|---|---|---|
| Pitch | 2.5mm | 2.5mm |
| Current rating | 3A per contact | 3A per contact |
| Voltage rating | 250V AC/DC | 250V AC/DC |
| Temperature range | -25°C to +105°C | -25°C to +85°C |
| Wire gauge | AWG #28–#20 | AWG #28–#22 |
| Glow wire certified | Yes | No |
| Configuration | Wire-to-wire AND wire-to-board | Wire-to-board only |
| Panel mount option | Yes | No |
| Retainer compatible | Yes (XMS retainer) | No |
| Locking mechanism | Secure lock + inner contact lance | Friction fit (no positive lock) |
| Circuit count | 2–15 | 2–16 |
| Interchangeable? | No — different housing geometry | |
When to choose XA over XH: glow wire compliance required, higher operating temperature (+105°C), wire-to-wire application, panel mount required, or heavier wire gauge (AWG #20) needed.
When to choose XH over XA: standard wire-to-board without special requirements, cost-sensitive designs, or 16-circuit count needed.
➡️ JST XH 2.5mm Complete Guide →
JST XA in the 2.5mm Connector Ecosystem
| Series | Pitch | Current | Temp Max | Glow Wire | Config | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JST XA | 2.5mm | 3A | +105°C | Yes | W-W + W-B | Appliances, industrial, panel-mount |
| JST XH | 2.5mm | 3A | +85°C | No | W-B only | 3D printers, Arduino, RC vehicles |
| XHS2.5 (Yeonho SMH250) | 2.5mm | 3A | +85°C | No | W-B only | Vibration-resistant, belt-lock |
| Molex KF2510 | 2.54mm | 3A | +85°C | No | W-B only | Breadboard-compatible, Arduino |
➡️ Wire-to-Board Connector Types: Complete Guide → | Common JST Connector Types →
How to Select the Right JST XA Connector
- Determine circuit count — XA is available in 2 to 15 circuits. For 16 circuits, use JST XH instead.
- Choose configuration — Wire-to-wire: use XARR receptacle + XARP plug. Wire-to-board: use XA PCB header + XARP plug.
- Choose mounting type — Free hanging (XARR-NNVF-WGT4) or panel mount (XARR-NNV-WGT4 with panel locks). Panel lock variants: 2–15 circuits. Free hanging variants: 2–12 circuits only.
- Select crimp terminal — AWG #28–#22: SXAM-001T-P0.6 (pin) / SXA-001T-P0.6 (socket). AWG #24–#20: SXAM-01T-P0.6 (pin) / SXA-01T-P0.6 (socket).
- Add retainer if needed — Select XMS-NNV matching your circuit count for applications with cable tension or vibration.
- Verify glow wire requirement — If your end product requires IEC 60695-2 compliance, the XA satisfies this requirement.
➡️ Shop ready-to-use XA assemblies: JST XA Connector Kit with 22AWG Pre-Crimped Cables | JST XA Both-Sided Pre-Crimped Terminal Cable 22AWG UL1007 | JST XA Single-Head Pre-Crimped Terminal Cable 22AWG UL1007
Common Applications
- Household appliances — Washing machines, dishwashers, air conditioners requiring glow wire certified connectors for EU/IEC compliance
- Lighting equipment — LED drivers, ballasts, and luminaire internal wiring where IEC 60695-2 compliance is mandatory
- Industrial control panels — Panel-mount configuration allows direct chassis mounting of the receptacle housing
- Automotive accessories — Higher temperature rating (+105°C) and heavier wire gauge support (AWG #20) suit high-ambient-temperature applications
- HVAC systems — Motor wiring and sensor connections in high-temperature environments. For high-flex applications, see the JST XA Silicone Cable 22AWG UL3239 (200°C, 3KV)
- Power tools — Internal wiring requiring glow wire certification and secure lock mechanism
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the JST XA connector?
The JST XA is a 2.5mm pitch wire-to-wire and wire-to-board crimp connector rated for 3A per contact and 250V AC/DC, operating from -25°C to +105°C. It meets IEC 60695-2 glow wire testing standards and is available in 2 to 15 circuits with free hanging and panel mount options. ➡️ Shop JST XA connectors and cables at Keszoox
Is JST XA the same as JST XH?
No. Both use 2.5mm pitch and 3A/250V ratings, but they are not interchangeable. The XA has a higher temperature rating (+105°C vs +85°C), passes glow wire testing, supports wire-to-wire connections, has a panel mount option, and uses a secure lock mechanism. The XH is friction-fit only and wire-to-board only. ➡️ JST XH Complete Guide
What is the part number for a 6-pin JST XA receptacle?
Free hanging: XARR-06VF-WGT4. Panel mount: XARR-06V-WGT4. Matching plug: XARP-06V-WGT4. Crimp terminals: SXAM-001T-P0.6 (AWG #28–#22) or SXAM-01T-P0.6 (AWG #24–#20). ➡️ Shop JST XA at Keszoox
What crimp terminal does the JST XA use?
Four terminals: SXAM-001T-P0.6 (pin, AWG #28–#22), SXAM-01T-P0.6 (pin, AWG #24–#20), SXA-001T-P0.6 (socket, AWG #28–#22), SXA-01T-P0.6 (socket, AWG #24–#20). All are copper alloy, tin-plated.
Does the JST XA pass glow wire testing?
Yes. The JST XA series meets IEC 60695-2-10/11/12/13 glow wire testing standards — a mandatory requirement for connectors used in household appliances, lighting equipment, and industrial control gear in many markets. This is one of the key differentiators from the JST XH series.
What is the XMS retainer for?
The XMS-NNV retainer clips into the XARP plug housing to provide additional wire retention, preventing individual contacts from being pulled back through the housing under cable tension. Use it in applications with vibration, cable pull-out forces, or automotive harness routing. Select the XMS retainer matching your circuit count (e.g., XMS-06V for 6 circuits).
Can the JST XA plug mate with an XA PCB header?
Yes. The XARP plug housing is cross-compatible with the XA wire-to-board PCB header — the same plug can mate with either an XARR wire-to-wire receptacle or an XA PCB header. This gives the XA system flexibility that the XH series does not offer.
➡️ JST XH 2.5mm Connector Guide → | XHS2.5 Belt-Lock Connector Guide → | Wire-to-Board Connector Types → | Common JST Connector Types → | Shop JST XA at Keszoox