RH7081B-2.8-21/929504-3 12 V / 24 V / 48 V, 8 Position, Automotive Housing for Female Terminals

Detailed Product Description

The RH7081B-2.8-21/929504-3 is a high-current, non-sealable 8-position automotive housing connector engineered for 12V, 24V, and 48V wire-to-board and wire-to-wire power applications. This rectangular connector is specifically designed for 2.8mm female receptacle terminals with an exceptional 30A maximum current rating per contact. Featuring a black PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) housing, 2-row configuration, integrated locking lance as the primary locking feature, a compact 29.5mm x 29.5mm footprint, and a wide 5mm centerline pitch with 5.6mm row-to-row spacing, this connector delivers robust power transmission capability in next-generation 48V mild hybrid systems as well as traditional 12V and 24V applications across an extreme temperature range of -40°C to 130°C.

Product Type Features

This connector features a rectangular shape, providing efficient space utilization and ease of handling during harness assembly. It is a non-mixed, non-hybrid connector, meaning all 8 positions accept identical 2.8mm female receptacle terminals, simplifying inventory management and assembly processes. As a housing for female terminals, it is designed to mate with corresponding male terminal housings or headers. The connector is non-sealable (Sealable: No) , making it suitable for interior, under-dash, or dry underhood environments where moisture ingress is not a primary concern.

The primary locking feature is integrated in the housing and specifically implemented as a Locking Lance. A locking lance is a flexible plastic beam molded into the housing that engages with a feature on the terminal to retain it. This proven retention mechanism is widely used in automotive power connectors for its reliability and simplicity. The connector system supports both wire-to-board and wire-to-wire configurations, offering maximum application flexibility. The connector terminates to wire and cable, making it versatile for harness assembly.

Configuration Features

The housing provides 8 positions arranged in 2 rows (4 positions per row). This 2x4 configuration offers a balanced, compact design that is easy to handle and route. The 29.5mm x 29.5mm nearly square footprint provides efficient space utilization on harnesses and mating boards.

Electrical Characteristics – Triple Voltage Capability (12V/24V/48V)
This connector is uniquely rated for triple nominal voltage architectures: 12V, 24V, and 48V. This triple-voltage capability makes the connector exceptionally versatile across current and future vehicle platforms:
12V systems – standard passenger cars, light-duty vehicles, and traditional automotive applications
24V systems – heavy-duty trucks, commercial vehicles, buses, construction equipment, agricultural machinery, and marine applications
48V systems – mild hybrid electric vehicles (MHEV), electric power steering (EPS), e-turbochargers, active suspension systems, electric air conditioning compressors, and emerging 48V architectures

As the automotive industry increasingly transitions to 48V mild hybrid systems for improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, this connector is future-ready for next-generation electrical architectures while maintaining backward compatibility with 12V and 24V systems.

Body Features – Black PBT Housing

The cable exit angle is 180° (straight) , facilitating straightforward cable management and minimizing bend stress on wires exiting the housing. The primary product color is Black, providing a professional appearance along with good UV resistance and thermal stability. Black is the standard color for many automotive connectors, offering broad compatibility and a clean aesthetic.

Contact Features – 2.8mm, 30A High Current

The housing accepts receptacle-type contacts (female terminals) with a contact size of 2.8mm. The mating tab width is precisely 2.8 mm (0.11 in) , a widely used standard in automotive power connectors. The maximum contact current rating is 30A per contact – this exceptional current rating places this connector in the high-power distribution category.

The 30A current rating enables this connector to handle demanding power applications including:

48V mild hybrid power distribution (battery connections, motor generator unit interfaces)
Heavy-duty lighting circuits (headlamps, work lights, warning beacons)
Electric motors (HVAC blowers, cooling fans, actuators)
Solenoids and power relays
Power distribution junctions and fuse box connections
DC-DC converter interconnects (48V to 12V conversion modules)
Battery management system (BMS) interfaces

Mechanical Attachment

Mating alignment is provided with a polarization type alignment feature. Polarization uses asymmetric geometric features to physically prevent incorrect mating or reverse insertion. This ensures proper orientation between the connector and its mating counterpart, reducing assembly errors and preventing damage.

Terminal Position Assurance (TPA) is not provided (No) . Without TPA, proper terminal insertion relies on the integrated locking lance primary locking feature. Installers should ensure terminals are fully seated until an audible or tactile click confirms engagement of the locking lance.

Strain relief is not provided (Without) – for high-vibration applications common in heavy-duty and off-road vehicles, external strain relief such as cable ties or conduit is recommended.

The connector mounting type is Cable Mount (Free-Hanging) , offering maximum flexibility for harness assembly without requiring panel or PCB mounting. This makes the connector ideal for in-line power connections and direct device connections.

Housing Features – PBT Material

The housing is manufactured from Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) . PBT is a high-performance engineering thermoplastic offering excellent properties for demanding power connector applications:
Excellent dimensional stability – maintains precise tolerances across temperature and humidity variations
High heat resistance – retains mechanical properties at 130°C maximum operating temperature
Low moisture absorption – maintains dimensional stability and electrical properties in humid environments
Good chemical resistance – withstands automotive fluids including engine oil, fuel, coolant, and brake fluid
Good dielectric properties – suitable for 12V/24V/48V insulation requirements
Creep resistance – maintains terminal retention force over time
Cost-effective – offers excellent performance at a competitive price point
The centerline (pitch) between adjacent contacts is 5 mm (0.197 in) . This 5mm pitch offers several significant benefits:
Balanced electrical spacing – provides adequate creepage and clearance for 48V systems (which can have higher voltage spikes than 12V/24V)
Industry standard compatibility – 5mm pitch is common in automotive power connectors
Adequate material between cavities – maintains housing structural integrity
Accommodates appropriate wire gauges – suitable for 30A current (typically 12-14 AWG)
The row-to-row spacing is 5.6 mm (0.22 in) , which is wider than the contact pitch. This asymmetric spacing (5mm pitch, 5.6mm row-to-row) provides:
Enhanced isolation between rows – reduces risk of crosstalk or arcing between rows
Mechanical keying effect – helps ensure correct mating orientation
Improved terminal access – easier insertion and removal of terminals in both rows