JST XH Connector: Complete Guide to Specs, Pinout, Crimping & Applications
The JST XH connector is one of the most widely used wire-to-board connectors in hobby electronics, 3D printing, and RC systems. If you've worked with a 3D printer, a LiPo balance charger, or a DIY robotics project, you've almost certainly used a JST XH connector — even if you didn't know its name.
This guide covers everything: full specifications, pinout diagrams, crimp tool selection, balance plug wiring, comparison with JST PH, and answers to every common question from engineers and hobbyists. Ready to source? Shop JST XH 2.5mm connectors at Keszoox.
What Is a JST XH Connector?
The JST XH is a wire-to-board connector series manufactured by JST (Japan Solderless Terminal). It features a 2.5mm pitch (center-to-center pin spacing) and is designed for low-voltage signal and power applications up to 3A per contact at 250V.
The XH series consists of three components:
- XHP housing (plug) — wire-side connector, 2–15 pin configurations
- B-XH header (receptacle) — PCB-side component, through-hole vertical and right-angle
- SXH-001T crimp terminal — metal contact crimped onto each wire
The housing is polarized and keyed — it can only mate in one orientation, preventing reverse-polarity connections. Retention is friction-lock (no positive latch tab).
➡️ Shop JST XH 2.5mm Connectors — Housings, Terminals & Pre-Crimped Cables
JST XH Connector Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Pitch | 2.5 mm |
| Current rating | 3A per contact |
| Voltage rating | 250V AC/DC |
| Contact resistance | Max 20 mΩ |
| Insulation resistance | Min 1000 MΩ |
| Withstanding voltage | 1000V AC/min |
| Operating temperature | −25°C to +85°C |
| Wire gauge | AWG 22–28 |
| Wire insulation OD | 1.0–1.7 mm |
| Pin count | 2–15 positions |
| Housing material | PA66 Nylon, UL94V-0 |
| Contact material | Brass, tin-plated |
| Locking | Friction lock (keyed housing) |
JST XH Pinout
JST XH connectors are polarized — the housing is keyed so it can only mate in one orientation. Pin 1 is always at the end of the housing closest to the locking key. Pins are numbered sequentially from Pin 1 to Pin N.
Common JST XH Pinout Configurations
| Application | Pins | Pin 1 | Pin 2 | Pin 3 | Pin 4+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2S LiPo balance | 3 | GND (B−) | Cell 1 | B+ | — |
| 3S LiPo balance | 4 | GND (B−) | Cell 1 | Cell 2 | B+ |
| 4S LiPo balance | 5 | GND (B−) | Cell 1 | Cell 2 | C3, B+ |
| 3D printer endstop | 3 | GND | Signal | VCC 5V | — |
| 3D printer thermistor | 2 | Signal A | Signal B | — | — |
| 3D printer fan | 2 | GND | VCC | — | — |
Important: Always verify pinout against your specific device schematic. Never assume polarity from wire color alone.
JST XH Balance Plug: Complete Wiring Guide
The most common RC use of JST XH is as a LiPo battery balance plug. The XH series is the standard balance connector for most LiPo chargers and batteries in the 2S–6S range.
| Battery | Cells | JST XH Pins | Wire Order (Pin 1 to Last) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2S LiPo | 2 | 3-pin | B−, Cell 1, B+ |
| 3S LiPo | 3 | 4-pin | B−, C1, C2, B+ |
| 4S LiPo | 4 | 5-pin | B−, C1, C2, C3, B+ |
| 5S LiPo | 5 | 6-pin | B−, C1, C2, C3, C4, B+ |
| 6S LiPo | 6 | 7-pin | B−, C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, B+ |
Rule: Pin count = cell count + 1. The extra pin is always the negative (B−) reference.
Can JST XH be replaced with NH connector? Yes. The JST NH series uses the same 2.5mm pitch and is mechanically compatible with JST XH headers. NH connectors are widely used as aftermarket replacements for XH balance plugs in RC applications.
➡️ Shop JST XH Balance Plug Connectors & Pre-Crimped Cables
JST XH vs JST PH: Key Differences
JST XH and JST PH are the two most commonly confused JST connector series. They look nearly identical but are not interchangeable.
| Feature | JST XH | JST PH |
|---|---|---|
| Pitch | 2.5 mm | 2.0 mm |
| Current rating | 3A per contact | 2A per contact |
| Voltage rating | 250V AC/DC | 100V AC/DC |
| Wire gauge | AWG 22–28 | AWG 24–32 |
| Operating temp | −25°C to +85°C | −25°C to +85°C |
| Housing size | Larger | Smaller |
| Common use | 3D printers, RC balance plugs, LiPo chargers | LiPo batteries, Arduino sensors, drones |
| Interchangeable? | No — different pitch, will not mate | |
How to Tell JST XH from JST PH Without a Caliper
- JST XH: Slightly larger housing. Standard on 3D printer mainboards and RC balance leads.
- JST PH: Slightly smaller housing. Standard on small LiPo packs for drones and portable electronics.
- Quick test: Try mating with a known header. If it doesn't click in cleanly, it's the wrong series.
➡️ Shop JST XH | Shop JST PH 2.0mm
JST XH vs JST XHP: What’s the Difference?
XHP is the part number prefix for the JST XH plug housing. XH = the series name; XHP = the plug (wire-side housing) specifically.
- XHP-2, XHP-3, XHP-4… — plug housings by pin count
- B2B-XH, B3B-XH… — PCB headers by pin count
- SXH-001T — crimp terminal (one per wire)
How to Crimp JST XH Connectors
What Crimper Do I Need for JST XH?
The Engineer PA-21 is the most recommended crimper for JST XH. It handles AWG 22–28 and produces consistent crimps on the SXH-001T terminal. The PA-09 also works but is optimized for smaller series (SH, GH, PH). Avoid generic pliers — they produce unreliable crimps.
Step-by-Step Crimping
- Strip 2.0–2.5mm of insulation from the wire end
- Twist conductor strands tightly
- Place the SXH-001T terminal in the PA-21 die (AWG 24–26 position)
- Insert wire so conductor reaches the front wings and insulation sits in the rear wings
- Squeeze until the ratchet releases
- Pull-test: tug the wire firmly — it should not move
- Insert terminal into XHP housing from the rear until it clicks
Can I crimp JST XH without a tool? Technically possible with needle-nose pliers, but not recommended. Without a proper crimping die, it's very difficult to close both conductor and insulation wings evenly. The result is usually a cold crimp that fails under vibration. Use a proper crimper or buy pre-crimped assemblies instead.
➡️ Full JST Crimping Guide with step-by-step photos | Shop JST XH Pre-Crimped Cables
JST XH in 3D Printing
The JST XH 2.5mm connector is the de facto standard for 3D printer wiring. You'll find it on virtually every FDM printer mainboard for:
- Endstops (X, Y, Z limit switches) — typically 3-pin XH
- Thermistors (hotend and heated bed) — typically 2-pin XH
- Part cooling fans — typically 2-pin XH
- Filament runout sensors — typically 3-pin XH
- BLTouch / CR Touch probe — 5-pin XH
Popular 3D printer boards using JST XH: Creality (Ender 3, CR-10), BTT SKR series, MKS boards, and most Marlin-compatible controllers.
➡️ Shop JST XH 2.5mm Connectors for 3D Printers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a JST XH connector? The JST XH is a 2.5mm pitch wire-to-board connector rated at 3A/250V, manufactured by JST (Japan Solderless Terminal). It is the standard connector for 3D printer wiring, LiPo balance plugs, and RC electronics. The system consists of an XHP plug housing, B-XH PCB header, and SXH-001T crimp terminal.
What is the difference between JST XH and JST PH? JST XH uses 2.5mm pitch and is rated 3A/250V. JST PH uses 2.0mm pitch and is rated 2A/100V. They are not interchangeable — different pitch means different housing size and PCB footprint. XH is larger and used for 3D printers and RC balance plugs; PH is smaller and used for LiPo batteries and sensor wiring.
What crimper do I need for JST XH? The Engineer PA-21 is the most recommended crimper for JST XH connectors. It handles AWG 22–28 wire and produces consistent crimps on the SXH-001T terminal.
How do I wire a JST XH LiPo balance plug? Pin count = cell count + 1. For a 3S LiPo: 4-pin XH, wired B−, Cell 1, Cell 2, B+. Connect to your charger's balance port, set to LiPo balance charge mode, select correct cell count, and charge at 1C.
Can JST XH be replaced with NH connector? Yes. The JST NH series uses the same 2.5mm pitch and is mechanically compatible with JST XH headers. NH connectors are widely used as aftermarket replacements for XH balance plugs in RC applications.
How do I depin a JST XH connector? Insert a thin pick into the housing from the mating face. Press down on the terminal's locking tab while gently pulling the wire from the rear. A dedicated JST extraction tool makes this much easier.
How do I prevent JST XH from disconnecting in vibration? JST XH uses friction-lock retention with no positive latch. To prevent accidental disconnection: (1) apply a small amount of hot glue around the mating interface, (2) use a cable tie to secure the wire bundle to a nearby anchor point, or (3) replace with a locking series like Molex Micro-Latch for critical connections.
What is the difference between JST XH and XHP? XHP is the part number prefix for the JST XH plug housing. XH = the series name; XHP = the plug specifically. XHP-3 is a 3-pin JST XH plug housing.
What are SH, GH, PH, XH, VH connectors? These are all JST connector series differentiated by pitch: SH = 1.0mm, GH = 1.25mm, ZH = 1.5mm, PH = 2.0mm, XH = 2.5mm, VH = 3.96mm. Each series is a different size and not interchangeable. See our complete connector types guide.
What is a JST XH connector kit? A complete JST XH kit includes XHP housings in 2–10 pin configurations, B-XH PCB headers (vertical and right-angle), SXH-001T crimp terminals (100+ pieces), and pre-crimped wire assemblies in common lengths. Shop JST XH kits at Keszoox.
Shop JST XH Connectors at Keszoox
Keszoox stocks the complete JST XH range — housings, crimp terminals, PCB headers, and pre-crimped cable assemblies in all pin counts, ready to ship worldwide.
- JST XH 2.5mm Connector Housings, Headers & Terminals
- JST XH Pre-Crimped Cable Assemblies
- JST XH Connector Kits
Related guides: How to Crimp JST Connectors | How to Identify JST Connectors | JST PH vs SH | Wire-to-Board Connector Types Guide