Common JST Connector Types & Their Applications

July 25, 2025 / Sam Tang

JST connectors, or Japan Solderless Terminals, are essential in electronics for their reliability and versatility. Whether you’re working on consumer electronics, automotive systems, or industrial equipment, there’s a JST connector designed for your needs. At LDZY Electronics, we supply high-quality alternatives to these popular connectors, ensuring you get the best fit for your project at competitive prices. In this post, we’ll explore the most common JST connector types, their specifications, applications, and how LDZY's alternatives can meet your requirements.

Common Types of JST Connectors

Below, we’ve listed the most popular JST connector types, ordered by pitch size from smallest to largest. For each, we’ve included LDZY’s alternative product, complete with a link to our product page for easy reference.

  • SH ( pitch: 1.0mm / 0.039 inch) 
  • GH (pitch: 1.25mm / 0.049 inch)
  • ZH (pitch: 1.50mm / 0.059 inch)
  • PH (pitch: 2.0mm / 0.079 inch)
  • PA (pitch: 2.0mm / 0.079 inch)
  • XH (pitch: 2.50mm / 0.098 inch)
  • EH (pitch: 2.50mm / 0.098 inch)
  • SM (pitch: 2.50mm / 0.098 inch)
  • RCY (pitch: 2.50mm / 0.098 inch)
  • VH (pitch: 3.96mm / 0.156 inch)

JST SH Connector

JST SH connector

According to JST, it’s the world’s first 1.0mm pitch crimp style connector. It’s a single row wire to board connector system. 2-20pin. Compact and low profile design.

  • LDZY Alternative: A1001
  • Pitch: 1.0 mm
  • Current Rating: 1 A
  • Wire Gauge Compatibility: Typically 28 AWG
  • Applications: Miniaturized electronics, high-density circuit boards in medical instruments, and RC models.
  • Why It’s Great: Perfect for tiny, space-sensitive applications.

Part numbers:

DescriptionPart NumberNote
Housing, with flangeSHR-02V-S-B (2pin)
SHR-20V-S-B (20pin)		 
Housing, without flangeSHR-02V-S
SHR-15V-S (15pin)		 
TerminalSSH-003T-P0.2-H32~28 AWG
Header, top entryBM02B-SRSS-TB (2pin)
BM16B-SRSS-TB (16pin)		 
Header, side entrySM02B-SRSS-TB (2pin)
SM20B-SRSS-TB (20pin)		 

JST GH Connector

JST GH is a single row wire to board connector system. 2-15pin. Developed for to PDP, LCD or small electronics equipments.

JST GH connector
  • LDZY Alternative: A1257
  • Pitch: 1.25 mm
  • Current Rating: 1 A
  • Wire Gauge Compatibility: 28–32 AWG
  • Applications: Compact, low-power devices like robotics.
  • Why It’s Great: A niche option for lightweight, precise connections.

Part numbers:

DescriptionPart NumberNote
HousingGHR-02V-S (2pin)
GHR-15V-S (15pin)		 
TerminalSSHL-002T-P0.230~26 AWG
Header, top entryBM02B-GHS-TBT (2pin)
BM15B-GHS-TBT (15pin)		 
Header, side entrySM02B-GHS-TB (2pin)
SM15B-GHS-TB (15pin)		 

JST ZH Connector

JST ZH is a single row wire to board connector system. 2-13 pin. 

JST ZH Connector
  • LDZY Alternative: A1500
  • Pitch: 1.5 mm
  • Current Rating: Up to 2 A
  • Wire Gauge Compatibility: 26–30 AWG
  • Applications: Small electronic devices, battery connections, and wire-to-board setups.
  • Why It’s Great: Balances size and power for versatile use.

Part numbers:

DescriptionPart NumberNote
HousingZHR-2 (2pin)
ZHR-13 (13pin)		 
TerminalSZH-003T-P0.532~28 AWG
TerminalSZH-002T-P0.528~26 AWG
Header, top entry, through-holeB2B-ZR (2pin)
B13B-ZR (13pin)		 
Header, side entry, through-holeS2B-ZR (2pin)
S13B-ZR (13pin)		 
Header, top entry, SMTB2B-ZR-SM4-TF (2pin)
B13B-ZR-SM4-TF (13pin)		 
Header, side entry, SMTS2B-ZR-SM4-TF (2pin)
S13B-ZR-SM4A-TF (13pin)		 

JST PH Connector

JST PH is a single row wire to board connector system. 2-16 pin. 

JST PH connector
  • LDZY Alternative: A2001
  • Pitch: 2.0 mm
  • Current Rating: Up to 2 A
  • Wire Gauge Compatibility: 24–30 AWG
  • Applications: Small electronic devices like battery packs, internal wiring in consumer electronics, and high-density wire-to-board connections.
  • Why It’s Great: Its compact size makes it a go-to for space-constrained designs.

Part numbers:

DescriptionPart NumberNote
HousingPHR-2 (2pin)
PHR-16 (16pin)		 
TerminalSPH-002T-P0.5S30~24 AWG
TerminalSPH-002T-P0.5L28~24 AWG
TerminalSPH-004T-P0.5S32~28 AWG
Header, top entry, through holeB2B-PH-K-S (2pin)
B16B-PH-K-S (16ipn)		 
Header, side entry, through holeS2B-PH-K-S (2pin)
S16B-PH-K-S (16pin)		 
Header, top entry, SMTB2B-PH-SM4-TB (2pin)
B16B-PH-SM4-TB (16pin)		 
Header, side entry, SMTS2B-PH-SM4-TB (2pin)
S15B-PH-SM4-TB (15pin)		 

JST PA Connector

JST PA is a single row wire to board connector system. 2-16 pin. 

JST PA connector
  • LDZY Alternative: A2007
  • Pitch: 2.0 mm
  • Current Rating: Up to 3 A
  • Wire Gauge Compatibility: 22–28 AWG
  • Applications: Automotive systems, industrial equipment, and wire-to-board connections.
  • Why It’s Great: Designed for higher reliability in demanding environments.

Part numbers:

DescriptionPart NumberNote
HousingPAP-02V-S (2pin)
PAP-16V-S (16pin)		 
TerminalSPHD-001T-P0.526~22 AWG
TerminalSPHD-002T-P0.528~24 AWG
Header, top entry, through holeB02B-PASK-1 (2pin)
B16B-PASK-1 (16pin)		 
Header, side entry, through holeS02B-PASK-2 (2pin)
S16B-PASK-2 (16pin)		 
Header, top entry, SMTBM02B-PASS (2pin)
BM15B-PASS (15pin)		 
Header, side entry, SMTSM02B-PASS (2pin)
SM15B-PASS (15pin)		 

JST XH Connector

JST XH is a single row wire to board connector system. 1-20 pin. 

JST XH connector
  • LDZY Alternative: A2501
  • Pitch: 2.5 mm
  • Current Rating: Up to 3 A
  • Wire Gauge Compatibility: 22–30 AWG
  • Applications: Automotive systems, VCRs, car stereos, and other higher-current setups.
  • Why It’s Great: Its robust design ensures durability in tough conditions.

Part numbers:

DescriptionPart NumberNote
HousingXHP-2 (2pin)
XHP-20 (20pin)		 
TerminalSXH-001T-P0.6N26~22 AWG
TerminalSXH-002T-P0.630~26 AWG
TerminalSXH-001T-P0.628~22 AWG
Header, top entry, through holeB3B-XH-A (3pin)
B20B-XH-A (20pin)		 
Header, side entry, through holeS3B-XH-A (3pin)
S16B-XH-A (16pin)		 
Header, side entry, SMTS3B-XH-SM4-TB (3pin)
S6B-XH-SM4-TB (6pin)		3, 4, 6 pin

JST EH Connector

JST EH is a single row wire to wire connector system. 2-15 pin.

JST EH connector
  • LDZY Alternative: A2502
  • Pitch: 2.5 mm
  • Current Rating: Up to 3 A
  • Wire Gauge Compatibility: 22–28 AWG
  • Applications: Industrial machinery, power supplies, and wire-to-board connections.
  • Why It’s Great: Reliable and widely used in various industries.

Part numbers:

DescriptionPart NumberNote
HousingEHR-2 (2pin)
EHR-15 (15pin)		 
TerminalSEH-001T-P0.630~22 AWG
TerminalSEH-003T-P0.6L32~28 AWG
TerminalSEH-002T-P0.6L30~26 AWG
TerminalSEH-001T-P0.6L26~22 AWG
Header, top entry, through holeB2B-EH (2pin)
B15B-EH (15pin)		 
Header, side entry, through holeS2B-EH (2pin)
S15B-EH (15pin)		 

JST SM Connector

JST SM is a single row wire to wire connector system. 2-18 pin.

JST SM connector
  • LDZY Alternative: C2505
  • Pitch: 2.5 mm
  • Current Rating: Up to 3 A
  • Wire Gauge Compatibility: 24–30 AWG
  • Applications: LED lighting, communication modules, and wire-to-wire configurations.
  • Why It’s Great: Versatile and easy to assemble, especially for custom projects.

Part numbers:

DescriptionPart NumberNote
Housing, femaleSMP-02V-BC (2pin)
SMP-18V-BC (18pin)		black
Housing, femaleSMP-02V-NC (2pin)
SMP-18V-NC (18pin)		white
Housing, maleSMR-02V-B (2pin)
SMR-18V-B (18pin)		black
Housing, maleSMR-02V-N (2pin)
SMR-02V-N (18pin)		white
Terminal, femaleSHF-001T-0.8BS28~22 AWG
Terminal, maleSYM-001T-P0.628~22 AWG

JST RCY Connector

JST RCY is a space-saving and low-profile 2.5 mm pitch wire-to-wire connector.

JST VH connector
  • LDZY Alternative: C2510
  • Pitch: 2.5 mm
  • Current Rating: Up to 3 A
  • Wire Gauge Compatibility: 22–28 AWG
  • Applications: Power connections in consumer electronics and industrial equipment.
  • Why It’s Great: Simple and effective for quick disconnects.

Part numbers:

DescriptionPart NumberNote
Housing, femaleSYR-02T 
Housing, maleSYP-02T-1 
Terminal, femaleSYM-001T-P0.628~22 AWG
Terminal, maleSYF-001’T-P0.628~22 AWG

JST VH Connector

JST VH is a single row wire to wire connector system. 2-11 pin.

JST VH connector
  • LDZY Alternative: A3961
  • Pitch: 3.96 mm
  • Current Rating: Up to 10 A
  • Wire Gauge Compatibility: 18–22 AWG
  • Applications: High-power applications like appliances and industrial machinery.
  • Why It’s Great: Handles higher currents with ease.

Part numbers:

DescriptionPart NumberNote
HousingVHR-2N (2pin)
VHR-11N (11pin)		 
TerminalSVH-21T-P1.122~18 AWG
TerminalSVH-41T-P1.120~16 AWG
Header, top entry, through holeB2P-VH (2pin)
B10P-VH (10pin)		 
Header, side entry, through holeB2PS-VH (2pin)
B10PS-VH (10pin)		 

Each of these connectors—and their LDZY alternatives—offers unique advantages depending on your project’s requirements. From ultra-compact designs to high-power applications, there’s a solution for every need.

How to Choose the Right Connector

Selecting the best connector involves balancing several factors. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

1. Space Constraints

  • What to Consider: How much room do you have? Smaller pitches save space.
  • Best Picks: SH (1.0 mm) or GH (1.25 mm) for tight spots; PH or PA (2.0 mm) for slightly larger areas.

2. Current Requirements

  • What to Consider: How much power will flow through? Match the connector’s rating to your needs.
  • Best Picks: VH (10 A) for high power; XH, EH, SM, or RCY (3 A) for moderate; ZH, PH, or GH (1–2 A) for lower demands.

3. Environmental Conditions

  • What to Consider: Will it face heat, moisture, or vibration? Check for durability and compliance.
  • Best Picks: PA or XH for rugged environments; SM for versatile industrial use.

4. Ease of Assembly

  • What to Consider: Are you building custom cable assemblies? Wire-to-wire options simplify the process.
  • Best Picks: SM or RCY for wire-to-wire setups; PH, XH, or EH for wire-to-board.

For custom projects, LDZY Electronics offers tailored solutions, including discrete-wire cable assemblies and custom flat ribbon cable assemblies, ensuring your connectors fit perfectly with your cables.

Maintenance and Best Practices

To ensure your connectors perform reliably over time, follow these tips:

  • Use Proper Tools: Invest in quality crimping tools to avoid damaging contacts, especially for smaller connectors like SH and GH.
  • Prevent Misinsertion: Choose connectors with locking features for secure connections.
  • Store Smart: Keep connectors in dry, corrosion-free conditions, particularly for harsh environments.

These practices will help extend the life of your connectors and prevent common issues.

JST Connector Size Chart

Comparison of JST SH, GH, ZH, PH, PA, XH, XA, SM, EH, and VH series connectors. You can get all alternatives from LDZY Electronics. 

Note: wb = wire to board, ww = wire to wire

attributes \ seriesJST SHJST GHJST ZHJST PHJST PAJST XHJST XAJST SMJST EHJST VH
LDZY seriesA1001A1257A1500A2001A2007A2501A2508C2505A2502A3961
pitch1.0mm1.25mm1.5mm2.0mm2.0mm2.5mm2.5mm2.5mm2.5mm3.96mm
circuit size2 - 202 - 152 - 132 - 162 - 161 - 202 - 152 - 182 - 152 - 11
current rating1A1A1A2A3A3A3A3A3A10A
voltage rating50V50V50V100V250V250V250V250V250V250V
applicable wire (AWG)32 - 2830 - 2632 - 2632 - 2428 - 2230 - 2228 - 2028 - 2232 - 2222 - 16
configurationswbwbwbwbwbwbwb, wwwwwbwb
single rowYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYES
dual rowNONONONONONONOYESNONO
locking featureNOYESNOYESYESYESYESYESYESYES
through hole typeNONOYESYESYESYESYES/YESYES
SMT typeYESYESYESYESYESYESYES/NONO

Conclusion

JST connectors are a trusted choice for countless electronics projects, and LDZY Electronics supplies high-quality alternatives to meet your specific needs. Whether you’re working on a compact device or a high-power system, our range of connectors—from the tiny 1002 (SH alternative) to the robust 3961 (VH alternative)—has you covered.

Need a custom solution? Visit our contact page to discuss your project with our experts. We’ll help you find the perfect connector and cable assembly for your application.

With LDZY's alternatives, you get the reliability of JST connectors with the added benefits of competitive pricing and tailored support. Let’s bring your next project to life together!

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LDZY electronics is a China manufacturer of connectors and custom cable assemblies (flat ribbon cable assemblies, discrete-wire cable assemblies, overmolded cable assemblies)
Contact
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Email: sales@ldzy.hk
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