How to Choose Connectors and Wiring for Your RC Build
Choose RC connectors and wiring by current, gauge, and cell count. An XT60 connector lists 30A rated and 60A maximum with 0.5 mOhm contacts. A JST-XH balance connector runs 2.5 mm pitch at 3A with AWG 22 wire. Silicone wire runs 10 to 26 AWG and handles -65 to +200C. Match the gauge to the current first.
Quick facts
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| XT60H set | 30A rated, 60A max, 0.5 mOhm, $11.87 |
| JST-XH | 2.5 mm pitch, 3A, 250V, AWG 30 to 22 |
| Silicone wire | 10 to 26 AWG, -65 to +200C, from $4.99 |
| Balance leads | 20 cm, 22AWG, 1S to 6S, from $7.37 |
| Series cable | 10 cm, 12AWG, from $17.64 |
| Parallel splitter | 10 cm, 14AWG, from $8.49 |
Which connector carries battery power?
XT60 connectors carry battery power on most RC builds.
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.
Which connector fits balance leads?
JST-XH is the balance connector on most LiPo packs.
It runs 2.5 mm pitch at 3A with AWG 22 wire on 250V.
It takes AWG 30 to 22 wire and runs -25C to +85C.
Balance extension leads run 20 cm of 22AWG from 1S to 6S.
The 1S lead costs $7.37, and the 6S lead costs $10.65.
What wire gauge fits the current?
Match the wire gauge to the current before you solder.
The PowerStream table lists 12AWG at 41A and 14AWG at 32A for chassis wiring.
It lists 16AWG at 22A and 22AWG at 7A for chassis wiring.
Silicone wire runs -65C to +200C in 10 to 26 AWG.
The 10AWG 2 m length costs $17.99, and the 24AWG 2 m length costs $4.99.
How do you join two packs?
Wire two packs in series to raise voltage at the same capacity.
Wire two packs in parallel to double capacity at the same voltage.
The series cable costs from $17.64 and uses 10 cm of 12AWG wire.
The parallel splitter costs from $8.49 and uses 10 cm of 14AWG wire.
Use two packs of the same cell count for a series or parallel pair.
How do you switch receiver power?
A receiver switch cuts power without unplugging the battery.
The JR and Futaba switch costs $6.99 in 2-wire and 3-wire options.
It adapts JR to JST plugs on cars, boats, and planes.
The XT60 switch harness costs $11.99 on 14AWG wire.
It puts an XT60 female on one end and an XT60 male on the other.
What kit covers small wiring jobs?
A connector kit holds the housings and terminals for custom leads.
The 500-piece JST-XH kit costs $12.72 with 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6-pin housings.
It holds 320 crimp terminals and through-hole pin headers.
Match the pitch on your boards and packs before you order.
How the options compare
| Connector or wire | Rating | Wire | Use | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XT60H set, 10-pair | 30A rated, 60A max | 12AWG | Battery power | $11.87 |
| XT60 extension, 1 pc | 30A, 60A instantaneous | 14AWG | Battery lead | From $6.31 |
| JST-XH kit, 500 pc | 3A, 2.5 mm pitch | Not listed | Custom leads | $12.72 |
| JST-XH extensions | 3A, 2.5 mm pitch | 22AWG, 20 cm | Balance leads | From $7.37 |
| Silicone wire, 10AWG | 55A chassis | 10AWG, 2 m | Battery leads | $17.99 |
| Silicone wire, 24AWG | 3.5A chassis | 24AWG, 2 m | Signal wire | $4.99 |
| Parallel splitter | Not listed | 14AWG, 10 cm | Two packs | From $8.49 |
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.
JST-XH 1S-6S Balance Extension Leads, 20cm, 5 Pieces ($7.37)
JST-XH balance extension leads from $7.37 for 1S. They run 20 cm of 22AWG wire in a 5-pack from 1S to 6S.
Silicone RC Wire, Red/Black, 10AWG to 26AWG ($4.99)
Silicone wire from $4.99 for 24AWG 2 m to $17.99 for 10AWG 2 m. It runs -65C to +200C in 10 to 26 AWG with tinned copper strands.
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.
8.0mm Gold Bullet Connectors, 180A, 2 Pairs ($5.99)
8.0mm gold-plated bullet connectors at $5.99 for 2 pairs. They are rated 180A for batteries, chargers, motors, and ESCs.
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 a JST-XH balance connector?
It is the balance plug on most LiPo packs. It runs 2.5 mm pitch at 3A with AWG 22 wire on 250V.
What wire gauge fits a battery lead?
Use 12AWG or 10AWG for battery leads. The table lists 12AWG at 41A and 10AWG at 55A for chassis wiring.
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.
Sources
- Amass XT60U connector datasheet
- JST XH connector datasheet
- PowerStream wire size and ampacity table
- Battery University: series and parallel battery configurations
Last updated: November 10, 2026.
