Do you know what the different types of RC car battery connectors are? If not, don’t worry; you’re not alone. Many people don’t know the difference between an EC5 connector and a Deans connector, for example.
In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of RC battery connectors and review their unique specifications. We’ll also provide tips on choosing the right RC battery connector for your RC vehicle.
Always review the manufactures specifications and user manuals before purchasing or installing an RC car battery connector.
What are the different Types of RC Car battery connectors?
Depending on the size, type, and make of your RC car, there are several different types of battery connectors that you might come across. The most popular RC battery connectors are:
- IC5 (Spektrum)
- EC5
- Deans
- Traxxas
- XT60
- Tamiya
- EC3
- JST
Each type RC car battery connector has its own unique shape and electrical specifications. Always make sure to review the connector’s amp rating and compare that with your LiPo battery before installing a new connector.
For my 1/10 scale Traxxas and Arrma vehicles, I install the Spektrum IC5 connector. It is a high amp rated connector that is easy to solder. By standardizing the connector on all of my vehicles, I don’t have to worry about only using a certain LiPo pack for each car. All my batteries and cars run the IC5, making charging and swapping out batteries quick and easy.
IC5 Connector
The IC5 connector is one of my favorite connectors because it is easy to solder and has a grey collar that fits over the solder connections. The IC5 is great for higher amp applications and is suitable for 1/10 scale RC cars running a 3S LiPo battery.
The IC5 is called a “smart connector” because it has a data pin that will interface with different Spektrum chargers and telemetry systems.
The IC5 is also compatible with legacy EC5 connectors! That is huge if you have some older vehicles or batteries with the EC5 connectors installed.
Deans Connector
The Deans connector is one of the most popular types of RC battery connectors. It’s often used on brushed and brushless motors. The Deans connector is known for its high amperage rating and low resistance.
Also called the T-connector, the Deans connector has two female and two male parts. The female part of the connector is typically used on the battery, while the male part is used on the ESC or motor.
Their small size makes them ideal for use in tight spaces. Deans connectors are also relatively easy to solder.
For typical Dean’s connectors, the voltage and current ratings are as follows:
Rated Voltage: DC 500V
Rated Current: 60A
Traxxas Connector
Check price on Amazon: Traxxas Battery Connector
The Traxxas or the Trx connector is one of the most popular RC car battery connectors on the market. It is a simple design that uses two wires to connect the battery to the RC car. The Traxxas connector is easy to use and is very reliable.
Used mainly on the Traxxas RC cars, the Traxxas connector is also compatible with many other brands of RC cars.
Low resistance, ease of applicability, protection from reverse polarity, and high amp draws are some of the advantages of using a Traxxas connector.
The Amp capacity for this connector is approximately 60A.
XT60 Connector
Check price on Amazon: XT60 Male and Female Connectors
The XT60 is a very popular RC car battery connector that is used on many different brands of RC cars. It is a simple design that uses two wires to connect the battery to the RC car. The XT60 connector is easy to use and is very reliable.
I like the XT60 because it is easy to solder the leads on. Once the soldering is done, the plastic cover helps protect the lead ends. The plastic cover is the grey part on the connector. It spans on and off pretty easily with a pair of pliers.
Made of a Nylon body, these are resistant to melting and have a high-temperature tolerance. The XT60 can handle up to 60A current draw, making it one of the most popular RC car battery connectors.
The main advantage of using an XT60 connector is that its easy to solder and comes with a collar that fits around the wiring. They are also reliable and can handle a moderate current draw.
However, if you need a higher rated plug, check out the XT90. It is rated for a higher amp draw than the XT60.
Tamiya Connector
The Tamiya connector is one of the most popular RC car battery connectors. It is named after the company that created it, which is also one of the most well-known brands in the RC world. The Tamiya connector is a standard size for many RC batteries, so it’s likely that if you have an RC car, you have a Tamiya connector. There are two types of Tamiya connectors: male and female.
The current rating for the Tamiya connector is only up to 10A which means that it is not suitable for high-powered RC cars. The Tamiya connector is also one of the older RC car battery connectors, so it is not as common as it once was. However, it is still used by many people because it is a simple and reliable connector.
The Tamiya connector is also very easy to use with an adapter, so you can use it with other types of batteries if necessary.
EC3 Connector
The EC-type connectors are commonly used on batteries intended for aircraft. They are also seen on some RC cars, trucks, and boats. The “EC” stands for “Electrical Connector”. The main advantage of using this type of connector is that it can handle high currents without getting hot.
Another advantage is that they are relatively easy to solder. The EC3 is rated for 60 Amps load and has 3 mm bullet pins.
The EC3 connectors have a secure snap-lock system that will prevent accidental disconnection and won’t let you connect it backwards, reversing the polarity.
JST Connectors
Check price on Amazon: 20 AWG JST Connector
These small connectors are becoming increasingly popular in the RC world. JST connectors are used in various applications, including battery packs, charger leads, and general wiring harnesses. They are very lightweight and have a low profile, making them ideal for use in tight spaces.
JST connectors are available in a variety of sizes and pin arrangements to suit your needs. They have a lower current rating than other types of connectors, so they are not suitable for high-power applications.
Polarity is important when using any connector, and you should always check the polarity of your connector before plugging and connecting your battery to the ESC. A great feature of the JST connectors is the male and female heads are designed so you can’t connect them incorrectly.
JST connectors are an excellent choice for applications where weight and space are at a premium. They are relatively inexpensive and widely available.
To use a JST connector, insert the wire into the appropriate slot on the connector and squeeze the sides together to secure it in place. To release the wire, squeeze the sides of the connector and pull the wire out.
Do Different Types of RC Car Battery Connectors have male or female Connections?
Batteries usually have female connectors, because the male connectors are on the ESC (electronic speed control). This is so that you can’t accidentally plug the battery in backwards and damage the ESC.
As a rule of thumb, male connectors go on the ESC and female connectors go on the battery. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, some batteries have a balance lead that plugs into the side of the battery. This balance lead usually has a male connector, because it is plugged into the balance port on the ESC.
If you have a brand new electric RC car, check out our post on how to charge a lipo battery for the first time.
Some RC batteries have a balance connector, which is a small white or black connector with two or three wires coming out of it. This is used to balance the cells in the battery pack while charging and is usually a JST-XH type connector.
Why do RC batteries have two connectors?
This is because RC batteries have two different types of cells that need to be connected in order to work. The first type of cell is the anode, and the second type of cell is the cathode. The anode is the positive side of the battery, and the cathode is the negative side. In order for the current to flow through the battery, the anode and cathode must be connected.
The Bottom Line
Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned veteran, it is important to know the different types of RC car battery connectors. With so many different options on the market, it can be difficult to determine which one is right for you. By understanding the basic differences between each type of connector, you can make an informed decision about which one will best suit your needs.
