How to Choose XT60 Connectors for an RC Battery Pack
Choose an XT60 connector by current, wire gauge, and layout. The XT60H set lists 30A rated and 60A maximum with 0.5 mOhm contacts on DC 500V. It suits 12AWG silicone wire and lasts 1000 mating cycles. The 14AWG extension lists 30A with 60A instantaneous. Pick the layout that fits the battery bay.
Quick facts
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| XT60H set | 30A rated, 60A max, 0.5 mOhm, $11.87 |
| XT60 extension | 14AWG, 30A, 60A instantaneous, from $6.31 |
| Parallel splitter | 14AWG, 10 cm, from $8.49 |
| Series cable | 12AWG, 10 cm, from $17.64 |
| QS8-S | 110A continuous, 180A peak, $11.99 |
| 8.0 mm bullets | 180A, 2-pair set, $5.99 |
What current can an XT60 connector carry?
The XT60H set lists a 30A rated current with a 60A maximum.
Contacts are gold-plated copper at 0.5 mOhm on DC 500V.
The housing runs -20C to +120C and lasts 1000 mating cycles.
The set suits 12AWG silicone wire and costs $11.87 for 10 pairs.
The 14AWG extension lists 30A with 60A instantaneous at 0.55 mOhm.
Which XT60 cable layout fits your build?
Pick the layout that matches the battery bay and the ESC lead.
The extension cable costs from $6.31 for 1 piece in 10, 15, or 20 cm.
The parallel splitter costs from $8.49 and wires two packs for double capacity.
The series cable costs from $17.64 and uses 10 cm of 12AWG wire.
The XT60 switch harness costs $11.99 and adds a power switch on 14AWG wire.
What is the difference between series and parallel packs?
Series wiring raises voltage at the same capacity.
Parallel wiring doubles capacity at the same voltage.
The series cable joins packs positive to negative on 12AWG wire.
The parallel splitter joins two packs on 14AWG wire for double capacity.
Use two packs of the same cell count for a series or parallel pair.
How do XT60 and XT90 cables compare?
The series cable comes in XT60H and XT90H options on the same 12AWG wire.
The XT90S option adds an anti-spark design to the same cable.
XT60 options cost from $17.64, and XT90 options cost from $18.30.
Pick the option that matches the plug on the battery and the ESC.
XT60 and XT90 plugs do not mate, so check both ends first.
What wire gauge fits an XT60 connector?
Match the wire gauge to the current the connector must carry.
The XT60H set suits 12AWG silicone wire.
The table lists 12AWG at 41A for chassis wiring.
The 14AWG extension lists 30A with 60A instantaneous.
The table lists 14AWG at 32A for chassis wiring.
Use 10AWG wire at 55A chassis rating when the draw nears 60A.
When does a bigger connector fit?
Step up when the draw passes the 60A maximum of an XT60.
The QS8-S connector handles 110A continuous and 180A peak.
It uses gold-plated brass contacts in a PA66 housing.
It suits 8 to 12 AWG cable and costs $11.99 for one plug.
The 8.0 mm gold bullet connectors handle 180A for $5.99 a 2-pair set.
How the options compare
| Connector | Current | Wire | Mating cycles | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XT60H set, 10-pair | 30A rated, 60A max | 12AWG | 1000 | $11.87 |
| XT60 extension, 1 pc | 30A, 60A instantaneous | 14AWG | 1000 | From $6.31 |
| XT60 parallel splitter | Not listed | 14AWG, 10 cm | Not listed | From $8.49 |
| XT60 series cable | Not listed | 12AWG, 10 cm | Not listed | From $17.64 |
| QS8-S, single | 110A continuous, 180A peak | 8 to 12 AWG | Not listed | $11.99 |
| QS8-S, pair | 110A continuous, 180A peak | 8 to 12 AWG | Not listed | $17.99 |
| 8.0 mm bullets, 2-pair | 180A | Not listed | Not listed | $5.99 |
How do you solder an XT60 connector?
- Slide a piece of heat shrink onto the wire first.
- Tin the wire end and the connector cup with solder.
- Heat the cup and feed the wire in until the solder flows.
- Hold the wire still until the joint cools and turns shiny.
- Slide the heat shrink over the joint and heat it to shrink.
- Tug the wire once to check the joint before you plug it in.
Parts that fit this guide
In-stock parts ship from the New York, USA warehouse in 1-2 business days. Prices below are the live store prices we verified on November 10, 2026.
XT60H Male + Female Connector Set with Sheath Housing, 10-Pair ($11.87)
XT60H connector set at $11.87 for 10 pairs. It lists 30A rated and 60A maximum with 0.5 mOhm gold-plated copper contacts.
XT60 Extension Cable, 14AWG ($6.31)
XT60 extension cable from $6.31 for 1 piece. It uses 14AWG silicone wire in 10, 15, or 20 cm lengths and lists 30A with 60A instantaneous.
XT60 Parallel Y-Splitter Cable, 14AWG ($8.49)
XT60 parallel Y-splitter from $8.49. It wires two batteries in parallel for double capacity on 10 cm of 14AWG wire.
XT90 / XT60 Series Connection Cable, 12AWG ($17.64)
XT90 and XT60 series connection cable from $17.64. It uses 10 cm of 12AWG wire with gold-plated connectors and raises voltage in series.
QS8 Anti-Spark 110A Battery Connector ($11.99)
QS8-S anti-spark connector at $11.99 for one plug. It handles 110A continuous and 180A peak with gold-plated brass contacts.
Shop the full range: Connectors and Wiring at Quality RC Parts. See also: Related guide.
Frequently asked questions
What current can an XT60 connector carry?
The XT60H set lists 30A rated and 60A maximum. Contacts are gold-plated copper at 0.5 mOhm on DC 500V.
What is the difference between the XT60H set and the extension cable?
The set gives 10 pairs of housings and bullets to solder yourself. The extension gives a finished pigtail on 14AWG wire from $6.31.
Should I wire two packs in series or parallel?
Wire in series to raise voltage at the same capacity. Wire in parallel to double capacity at the same voltage.
When should I step up to a bigger connector?
Step up when the draw passes the 60A maximum of an XT60. The QS8-S handles 110A continuous and 180A peak for $11.99.
Sources
- Amass XT60U connector datasheet
- Adafruit guide to excellent soldering
- Battery University: series and parallel battery configurations
Last updated: November 10, 2026.
