How to Choose JST and Balance Connectors for RC Packs
Choose JST and balance connectors by pitch, current, and cell count. A JST-XH connector runs 2.5 mm pitch at 3A with AWG 22 wire. Balance extension leads run 20 cm of 22AWG from 1S to 6S, with the 1S lead at $7.37. A 2S balance saver costs $4.50 for a 5-pack. Match the lead to the pack.
Quick facts
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| JST-XH | 2.5 mm pitch, 3A, 250V, AWG 30 to 22 |
| Balance leads | 20 cm, 22AWG, 1S to 6S, from $7.37 |
| 2S saver | 5-pack, $4.50 |
| 4S saver | 5-pack, $4.50 |
| Adapter set | JST to JST-XH, 2S to 6S, 20AWG, $5.99 |
| JST-XH kit | 500 pieces, 2 to 6-pin, $12.72 |
What is a JST-XH balance connector?
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.
Its mounting height is 9.8 mm with a friction lock.
Withstand voltage is 1000V AC for one minute.
Which balance lead fits your pack?
Match the lead cell count to the pack cell count.
Balance extension leads run 20 cm of 22AWG wire in a 5-pack.
The 1S lead costs $7.37, the 3S lead costs $8.09, and the 6S lead costs $10.65.
A 3S battery needs the 3S lead, and a 6S battery needs the 6S lead.
The short lead on the battery stays safe when the extension takes the wear.
How do you protect balance leads?
Balance leads take wear on every charge cycle.
A saver plugs onto the balance lead and gives a bigger grip.
The 2S saver costs $4.50 for a 5-pack.
The 4S saver costs $4.50 for a 5-pack.
The saver takes the wear so the battery lead lasts longer.
How do you adapt an odd balance plug?
Some packs ship with a JST balance plug instead of JST-XH.
The adapter set runs JST male to JST-XH from 2S through 6S.
It uses 20AWG wire throughout and costs $5.99.
One set covers every common pack from 2S to 6S.
Plug the adapter into the pack, then into the charger balance port.
What is the difference between JST 1.25, PH 2.0, and XH 2.54?
The three plugs differ by pitch, wire size, and length.
The JST 1.25 mm plug uses 15 cm of 28AWG wire.
The PH 2.0 mm plug uses 20 cm of 26AWG wire.
The XH 2.54 mm plug uses 20 cm of 26AWG wire.
All three are 2-pin plugs rated at 24V in 5 or 10 pair sets.
How do you build your own JST-XH leads?
A kit holds the housings, terminals, and headers for custom leads.
The 500-piece kit costs $12.72 with 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6-pin housings.
It holds 320 crimp terminals and through-hole pin headers.
Crimp the terminal onto the wire and snap it into the housing.
How the options compare
| Lead or kit | Pitch or cells | Wire | Quantity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2S balance saver | 2S | Not listed | 5-pack | $4.50 |
| 4S balance saver | 4S | Not listed | 5-pack | $4.50 |
| Balance adapter set | 2S to 6S | 20AWG | 1 set | $5.99 |
| Balance lead, 1S | 1S | 22AWG, 20 cm | 5-pack | $7.37 |
| Balance lead, 3S | 3S | 22AWG, 20 cm | 5-pack | $8.09 |
| Balance lead, 6S | 6S | 22AWG, 20 cm | 5-pack | $10.65 |
| Pigtails, 5 pairs | 1.25, 2.0, 2.54 mm | 28 or 26AWG | 5 pairs | From $4.99 |
| JST-XH kit | 2.54 mm | Not listed | 500 pieces | $12.72 |
How do you fit a balance connector saver?
- Pick the saver that matches the pack cell count.
- Line up the saver with the balance plug on the battery.
- Push the saver onto the plug until it seats.
- Plug the saver into the charger balance port.
- Pull on the saver grip, not the wires, when you unplug it.
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.
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.
2S JST-XH Balance Connector Saver, 5-Pack ($4.50)
2S JST-XH balance connector saver at $4.50 for a 5-pack. It gives a bigger grip so you pull the saver, not the wires.
4S JST-XH Balance Connector Saver, 5-Pack ($4.50)
4S JST-XH balance connector saver at $4.50 for a 5-pack. It gives the same lead-protecting grip, sized for 4S balance plugs.
JST to JST-XH Balance Adapter Set, 2S-6S ($5.99)
JST to JST-XH balance adapter set at $5.99. It covers 2S through 6S on 20AWG wire for packs with odd balance plugs.
JST-XH 2.54mm Connector Kit, 500pcs – Housings + Crimp Terminals + Pin Headers, 2/3/4/5/6-Pin ($12.72)
JST-XH connector kit at $12.72 for 500 pieces. It holds housings, 320 crimp terminals, and pin headers in 2 to 6-pin sizes.
JST 1.25mm / PH 2.0mm / XH 2.54mm 2-Pin Pigtail Connectors ($4.99)
Mini 2-pin JST pigtail connectors at $4.99. Sets cover 1.25mm, PH 2.0mm, or XH 2.54mm pitch in 5 or 10 pairs.
Shop the full range: Connectors and Wiring at Quality RC Parts. See also: Related guide.
Frequently asked questions
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.
Which balance lead fits a 3S pack?
Use the 3S lead. Balance extension leads run 20 cm of 22AWG wire, and the 3S lead costs $8.09 for a 5-pack.
How do I protect a balance lead from wear?
Fit a balance connector saver on the plug. The 2S and 4S savers cost $4.50 each for a 5-pack.
Can I build my own JST-XH leads?
Yes. The 500-piece kit costs $12.72 with housings, 320 crimp terminals, and pin headers in 2 to 6-pin sizes.
Sources
- JST XH connector datasheet
- Battery University: series and parallel battery configurations
- Adafruit guide to excellent soldering
Last updated: November 10, 2026.
