LiPo BATTERY CONNECTOR GUIDE
Not sure which connector your battery needs? Start here.
This battery connector types guide shows the most common plugs for LiPo and Li-ion packs — by size, pin count, and current — so you can identify yours or pick the best one for a new design.
Find my connectorHow to read your connector
Three things tell you which connector you have
If you have a plug in hand but don't know its name, check these three things. Together they almost always identify the exact connector.
Pitch (pin spacing)
The gap between pin centers — from 1.0mm (tiny wearables) to 2.5mm+ (larger packs). Smaller pitch = smaller connector. This is the single most useful clue.
Pin count
Pin count tells you how many electrical connections are available, but not their function by itself. A 2-pin battery connector commonly carries Battery + and Battery −. A third pin may be NTC temperature sensing, battery identification or another signal. Multi-pin connectors may carry balance, sensing or communication lines. Always confirm the circuit or pinout rather than identifying function from pin count alone.
Current & size
Higher current usually requires suitable contacts and wire gauge, but connector size or pitch alone does not determine current capability. Check the exact connector series, terminal, wire gauge, temperature rise and manufacturer rating before releasing the finished battery harness.
Pitch Gets You Close. The Mating System Confirms the Connector.
Pitch and pin count can narrow the connector family, but they are not enough to approve a battery harness. Final identification should confirm the battery-side housing, mating PCB header or plug, crimp terminal, latch/keying, entry direction and pinout.
Connector finder
Answer 3 questions, get a shortlist
Pick what fits your product. We'll suggest the connectors that match — then scroll down to compare them in detail.
Choosing a connector for a new battery design? Connector type, wire length, polarity and exit direction can be specified as part of a custom LiPo battery configuration.
Recommended connectors
Shortlist only — final selection must confirm the mating part, terminal, wire gauge, orientation and pinout.
Still selecting the battery itself? Browse LiPo battery models by size and capacity.
Quick reference
All connectors at a glance
Sortable overview of the most common lithium-battery connectors. Full illustrated cards below.
| Connector | Maker | Pitch | Circuits | Wire | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SH 1.0 | JST | 1.0 mm | 2–10 P | AWG 28–32 | Ultra-compact wearables, IoT, sensors |
| SHJ 1.0 | JST | 1.0 mm | 2 / 6 P | AWG 28–32 | Compact locked wire-to-board battery connections |
| GH 1.25 | JST | 1.25 mm | 2–15 P | AWG 28–32 | Compact devices needing a positive lock |
| Molex 1.25 (51021) | Molex | 1.25 mm | 2–15 P | AWG 28–32 | The classic small LiPo connector |
| Molex 1.25 ultra-thin (51146) | Molex | 1.25 mm | 2–5 P | AWG 28–32 | Low-profile builds, thin enclosures |
| Molex 1.2 (78172 / WM4348) | Molex | 1.2 mm | 2–3 P | AWG 28–30 | Slim PCB power input |
| ACH 1.2 (ACHR-02V) | JST | 1.2 mm | 2–3 P | AWG 28–32 | Very limited space, PCB-to-LiPo |
| DF57 1.2 | Hirose | 1.2 mm | 2–8 P | AWG 28–32 | Wearables, outdoor watches (e.g. Suunto) |
| ZH 1.5 | JST | 1.5 mm | 2–13 P | AWG 26–32 | Small packs and PCBs needing 1.5mm |
| DF3 2.0 | Hirose | 2.0 mm | 2 P shown | AWG 24–28 with DF3-2428SC | Compact, robust wire-to-board harnesses |
| PH 2.0 | JST | 2.0 mm | 2–16 P | AWG 24–28 | Small LiPo packs, consumer electronics and compact rechargeable devices |
| PA 2.0 | JST | 2.0 mm | 2–16 P | AWG 24–28 | RC, receivers, JR-style leads |
| Molex 2.0 (51005 / MX2.0) | Molex | 2.0 mm | 2–15 P | AWG 24–28 | RC air-to-air, model power leads |
| HY 2.0 | JST | 2.0 mm | 2–4 P | AWG 24–28 | Battery PCB with locking clip |
| XH 2.54 | JST | 2.5 mm | 2–16 P | AWG 22–26 | Larger packs, higher current |
| Molex 5264 (50-37) | Molex | 2.5 mm | 2–12 P | AWG 22–28 | Wire-to-board with friction lock |
| EH 2.5 | JST | 2.5 mm | 2–15 P | AWG 22–28 | General wire-to-board power |
| VH 3.96 | JST | 3.96 mm | 2–10 P | AWG 16–22 | High-current packs and power |
| Dupont 2.54 (DB) | Dupont | 2.54 mm | 1–40 P | AWG 22–28 | Prototyping, dev boards |
| RCY (SYP 2P) | JST | 2.5 mm | 2 P | AWG 22–26 | Model batteries, LED, finished plug pair |
| SM 2.5 | JST | 2.5 mm | 2–4 P | AWG 22–26 | Detachable wire-to-wire, LED strips |
| 5557 / 5559 | Molex | 4.2 mm | 2–24 P | AWG 18–24 | High-current wire-to-wire (Mini-Fit) |
| 5500 / 2510 | Generic | 2.54 mm | 2 P | AWG 20–24 | Lighting, mains-style fixtures |
| XH 2.54 Balance (3–7P) | JST | 2.5 mm | 3–7 P | AWG 22–26 | LiPo balance leads (2S–6S) |
| PH 2.0 (3P NTC) | JST | 2.0 mm | 3 P | AWG 24–28 | Pack power + NTC temperature line |
| Molex Mini-SPOX 5264 — 3-pin configuration | Molex | 2.5 mm | 3 P | AWG 22–28 | Possible use: Battery + / Battery − / NTC or another signal, per project pinout |
| 5P / 6P / 7P leads | Multi | 2.0–2.5 mm | 5–7 P | AWG 22–28 | Multi-cell packs with sensing/balance |
Wire-to-board (PCB) connectors
The most common type for lithium batteries — the plug mates with a header soldered to your board. Listed small pitch to large. A connector family, battery-side housing, mating PCB header and crimp terminal are separate parts of the complete mating system; exact fields are shown only where confidently verified.
JST
SH 1.0
Smallest mainstream pitch — tightest spaces.
| Pitch | 1.0 mm |
| Circuits | 2–10 P |
| Wire | AWG 28–32 |
| Typical use | Ultra-compact wearables, IoT, sensors |
| Mating part | BM02B-SRSS-TB |
JST
JST SHJ 1.0
Compact 1.0mm wire-to-board family with a secure side-lock mechanism.
| Family | JST SHJ |
| Pitch | 1.0 mm |
| Circuits | 2 P shown |
| Battery housing | SHJP-02V-S |
| Mating part | SM02B-SHJH-TF (side-entry) |
| Terminal | SSHJ-003T-P0.2 |
| Wire | AWG 32–28 |
| Typical use | Compact battery packs and space-constrained PCB connections requiring a positive locking mechanism |
JST
GH 1.25
1.25mm with a secure locking clip.
| Pitch | 1.25 mm |
| Circuits | 2–15 P |
| Wire | AWG 28–32 |
| Typical use | Compact devices needing a positive lock |
| Mating part | BM02B-GHS-TBT |
Molex
Molex 1.25 (51021)
Industry-standard 1.25mm (PicoBlade family).
| Pitch | 1.25 mm |
| Circuits | 2–15 P |
| Wire | AWG 28–32 |
| Typical use | The classic small LiPo connector |
| Mating part | 53047 / 53048 header |
Molex
Molex 1.25 ultra-thin (51146)
Ultra-low-profile 1.25mm housing.
| Pitch | 1.25 mm |
| Circuits | 2–5 P |
| Wire | AWG 28–32 |
| Typical use | Low-profile builds, thin enclosures |
| Mating part | MX 1.25 header |
Molex
Molex 1.2 (78172 / WM4348)
Compact 1.2mm wire-to-board.
| Pitch | 1.2 mm |
| Circuits | 2–3 P |
| Wire | AWG 28–30 |
| Typical use | Slim PCB power input |
| Mating part | 78171 series |
JST
ACH 1.2 (ACHR-02V)
One of the smallest JST wire-to-board.
| Pitch | 1.2 mm |
| Circuits | 2–3 P |
| Wire | AWG 28–32 |
| Typical use | Very limited space, PCB-to-LiPo |
| Mating part | BM02B-ACHSS |
Hirose
DF57 1.2
Low-profile 1.2mm Hirose.
| Pitch | 1.2 mm |
| Circuits | 2–8 P |
| Wire | AWG 28–32 |
| Typical use | Wearables, outdoor watches (e.g. Suunto) |
| Mating part | DF57H header |
JST
ZH 1.5
Popular 1.5mm disconnectable crimp.
| Pitch | 1.5 mm |
| Circuits | 2–13 P |
| Wire | AWG 26–32 |
| Typical use | Small packs and PCBs needing 1.5mm |
| Mating part | B2B-ZR / S2B-ZR |
Hirose
Hirose DF3 2.0
Compact, robust 2.0mm wire-to-board connector family.
| Family | Hirose DF3 |
| Pitch | 2.0 mm |
| Positions | 2 |
| Battery housing | DF3-2S-2C |
| Mating part | DF3 series PCB header |
| Contact | DF3-2428SC |
| Wire | AWG 24–28 with DF3-2428SC |
| Typical use | Compact battery and device harnesses requiring a robust 2.0 mm wire-to-board connection |
JST
PH 2.0
The most common LiPo connector.
| Pitch | 2.0 mm |
| Circuits | 2–16 P |
| Wire | AWG 24–28 |
| Typical use | Small LiPo packs, consumer electronics and compact rechargeable devices |
| Mating part | B2B-PH-K-S |
JST
PA 2.0
2.0mm with locking, common in RC.
| Pitch | 2.0 mm |
| Circuits | 2–16 P |
| Wire | AWG 24–28 |
| Typical use | RC, receivers, JR-style leads |
| Mating part | B2B-PADSS |
Molex
Molex 2.0 (51005 / MX2.0)
2.0mm Molex, popular in models.
| Pitch | 2.0 mm |
| Circuits | 2–15 P |
| Wire | AWG 24–28 |
| Typical use | RC air-to-air, model power leads |
| Mating part | 53014 / 53015 header |
JST
HY 2.0
2.0mm with positive clip lock.
| Pitch | 2.0 mm |
| Circuits | 2–4 P |
| Wire | AWG 24–28 |
| Typical use | Battery PCB with locking clip |
| Mating part | HY2.0 header |
JST
XH 2.54
Higher-current 2.5mm workhorse.
| Pitch | 2.5 mm |
| Circuits | 2–16 P |
| Wire | AWG 22–26 |
| Typical use | Larger packs, higher current |
| Mating part | B2B-XH-A |
Molex
Molex Mini-SPOX 5264
Mini-SPOX 2.5 wire-to-board system with friction lock.
| Family | Mini-SPOX 2.5 |
| Pitch | 2.5 mm |
| Circuits | 2–15 P |
| Battery housing | 5264 series |
| Mating part | 5267 vertical / 5268 right-angle header |
| Terminal | 5263PBT |
| Wire | AWG 22–28 |
| Typical use | Wire-to-board battery harnesses with friction lock |
JST
EH 2.5
Economical 2.5mm wire-to-board.
| Pitch | 2.5 mm |
| Circuits | 2–15 P |
| Wire | AWG 22–28 |
| Typical use | General wire-to-board power |
| Mating part | B2B-EH-A |
JST
VH 3.96
Large 3.96mm for high current.
| Pitch | 3.96 mm |
| Circuits | 2–10 P |
| Wire | AWG 16–22 |
| Typical use | High-current packs and power |
| Mating part | B2P-VH |
Dupont
Dupont 2.54 (DB)
Universal 2.54mm prototyping.
| Pitch | 2.54 mm |
| Circuits | 1–40 P |
| Wire | AWG 22–28 |
| Typical use | Prototyping, dev boards |
| Mating part | 2.54 header |
Wire-to-wire & locking pairs
Finished male + female plug pairs that connect two cables directly — common for model batteries, LED and lighting.
JST
RCY (SYP 2P)
Red round wire-to-wire, locks together.
| Pitch | 2.5 mm |
| Circuits | 2 P |
| Wire | AWG 22–26 |
| Typical use | Model batteries, LED, finished plug pair |
| Mating part | SYR-02T / SYP-02T |
JST
SM 2.5
Male+female wire-to-wire pair.
| Pitch | 2.5 mm |
| Circuits | 2–4 P |
| Wire | AWG 22–26 |
| Typical use | Detachable wire-to-wire, LED strips |
| Mating part | SMP / SMR housing |
Molex
5557 / 5559
4.2mm Mini-Fit, high current.
| Pitch | 4.2 mm |
| Circuits | 2–24 P |
| Wire | AWG 18–24 |
| Typical use | High-current wire-to-wire (Mini-Fit) |
| Mating part | 5557 / 5559 pair |
Generic
5500 / 2510
Locking wire-to-wire pair.
| Pitch | 2.54 mm |
| Circuits | 2 P |
| Wire | AWG 20–24 |
| Typical use | Lighting, mains-style fixtures |
| Mating part | 5500 housing pair |
Balance & multi-pin (NTC / sensing)
Additional pins may carry balance leads, temperature (NTC), battery-identification, communication or other sensing lines alongside power. Pin function must be confirmed from the project circuit and pinout.
JST
XH 2.54 Balance (3–7P)
The standard balance-charge connector.
| Pitch | 2.5 mm |
| Circuits | 3–7 P |
| Wire | AWG 22–26 |
| Typical use | LiPo balance leads (2S–6S) |
| Mating part | B*B-XH-A |
JST
JST PH 2.0 — 3-pin configuration
A three-circuit PH harness; the third conductor is project-defined.
| Family | JST PH |
| Pitch | 2.0 mm |
| Circuits | 3 P |
| Wire | AWG 24–28 |
| Possible use | Battery + / Battery − / NTC or another signal, depending on project pinout |
| Mating part | B3B-PH-K-S |
Molex
Molex Mini-SPOX 5264 — 3-pin configuration
A three-circuit Mini-SPOX harness; NTC is a harness option, not a family identity.
| Family | Mini-SPOX 2.5 |
| Pitch | 2.5 mm |
| Circuits | 3 P |
| Battery housing | 5264 series |
| Mating part | 5267 vertical / 5268 right-angle header |
| Terminal | 5263PBT |
| Wire | AWG 22–28 |
| Possible use | Battery + / Battery − / NTC or another signal, depending on project pinout |
Multi
5P / 6P / 7P leads
Multi-pin packs with sensing lines.
| Pitch | 2.0–2.5 mm |
| Circuits | 5–7 P |
| Wire | AWG 22–28 |
| Typical use | Multi-cell packs with sensing/balance |
| Mating part | per series |
Also available
Power, RC & interface connectors
Beyond board connectors, we also supply high-current RC/power plugs and device interfaces. Ask us for any not listed.
| Connector | Maker | Typical use | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| XT30 / XT60 | AMASS | RC / e-bike high-current power | Bullet, 15A / 60A+ |
| T-plug (Deans) | Generic | RC battery power | Polarized high-current |
| Tamiya | Tamiya | Hobby / toy battery packs | Classic RC pair |
| Banana 3.5/4mm | Generic | High-current test / RC ESC | Bullet connector |
| JR / Futaba | JR/Futaba | RC receiver / servo leads | 3-pin signal+power |
| DC 5.5/2.1 · 3.5/1.3 | Generic | DC power input barrel | Center-positive barrel |
| GX16 aviation | Generic | E-bike, scooter power | Screw-lock 2–7P |
| USB / Type-C | Generic | Charging input | Charge cable |
| XLR (Cannon) | Generic | E-bike charge port, audio | 3-pin locking |
| Alligator clip | Generic | Bench testing | Test lead |
REAL BATTERY INTEGRATION EXAMPLES
Why the Exact Connector Part Number Matters
Two connectors can look almost identical and still be incompatible. In real battery projects, THOR Power confirms the complete connector, wire and PCM/BMS configuration, mating system and pinout before sample production.
1.0 mm Locked Connector for a Compact Sensor
- Battery-side housing
- JST SHJP-02V-S
- Mating PCB header
- JST SM02B-SHJH-TF
- Family
- JST SHJ
- Pitch
- 1.0 mm
- Circuits
- 2
- Lead length
- 63.5 mm
Engineering lesson: The family name alone was not sufficient. The battery housing, mating header, lead length and final polarity all had to be confirmed before sample production.
2.0 mm Hirose Harness for a Replacement Battery
- Housing
- Hirose DF3-2S-2C
- Contact
- Hirose DF3-2428SC
- Pitch
- 2.0 mm
- Circuits
- 2
- Wire
- 26 AWG
- Lead length
- 63.5 mm
- Pinout
- Pin 1 = Battery +
Pin 2 = Battery −
Engineering lesson: Wire color was not used as the final polarity reference. The mating orientation and numbered connector pins were confirmed first.
Three-Wire Battery With NTC Sensing
- Connection concept
- Battery +
Battery −
NTC signal
A third wire does not identify a connector family by itself. In this type of compact battery pack, the third conductor carries a temperature-sensing signal and the exact NTC circuit and pinout must match the host device.
CONNECTOR FAQ
Battery Connector Questions Engineers Ask
How can I identify a battery connector if I do not know the part number?
Start with the manufacturer marking if available, then measure the pitch, count the pins and check the housing shape, latch and wire-entry direction. Clear photos of the battery plug and the mating PCB header are often more useful than the plug alone. THOR Power can usually narrow the family from these details, but sample production should not begin until the actual mating system and pinout have been confirmed.
Is connector pitch enough to identify a JST, Molex or Hirose connector?
No. Pitch is only one identification clue. Different connector families can share the same or very similar pitch while using different housing shapes, locks, contacts or mating headers. Final identification should confirm the manufacturer and series, circuit count, battery-side housing, mating part and connector orientation. A connector that appears to fit visually should not be treated as compatible without checking the complete mating system.
What is the difference between the connector housing, terminal and mating header?
The housing is the plastic body attached to the battery harness. The terminal or crimp contact is the metal contact crimped to each wire and inserted into that housing. The mating header or plug is the component on the PCB or opposite cable that connects to the battery-side housing. These parts belong to a connector system, so specifying only a family name such as "JST 1.0" is usually not enough for production.
How should battery connector polarity and Pin 1 be confirmed?
Confirm polarity from the connector drawing, numbered cavities and mating orientation rather than from wire color alone. The same housing can be assembled with different wire colors or pin assignments for different products. THOR Power therefore confirms which physical cavity is Pin 1 and which pin carries Battery +, Battery −, NTC or another signal as part of the connector, wire and PCM/BMS configuration before samples are produced.
Does a 3-pin battery connector always mean the third wire is an NTC?
No. A third pin may be used for an NTC temperature sensor, battery identification, another sensing signal or a device-specific function. The number of pins alone does not define the circuit. The battery schematic, original pack, charger or host-device interface should be checked before assigning the third conductor, especially when reproducing an existing battery harness.
How much current can a battery connector safely carry?
There is no reliable current rating based only on connector pitch or physical size. The allowable current depends on the exact connector series, terminal, wire gauge, number of loaded contacts, ambient temperature, contact resistance and permitted temperature rise. Use the connector manufacturer's specification together with the actual battery load. The connector, wire and protection circuit must all be checked against continuous and peak current requirements.
Can THOR Power use a connector that is not listed in this guide?
Yes. The guide covers common battery connector families, not every available interface. Send the connector part number, mating component, drawing or clear photos of both sides of the connection. If the exact part is available, it can be evaluated for the battery harness; if it is obsolete or impractical to source, a compatible alternative can be reviewed with the device-side interface during the custom battery project process before samples are built.
If I change the battery connector, do I need to re-confirm the pinout, polarity and wire compatibility?
Yes. Changing a battery connector can require rechecking the mating connector or header, Pin 1 and Pin 2 assignment, polarity orientation, terminal compatibility, wire gauge, conductor and insulation outer diameter, current rating, and mechanical fit in the device housing. Two connectors with the same pitch do not necessarily share the same pinout or electrical suitability. Always verify connector compatibility against the device-side interface before building new samples.
Have a Connector, Wire or Protection Question?
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