RH7082-3.5-21/962191-1 12 V / 24 V, 8 Position, Automotive Housing for Female Terminals

Detailed Product Description

The RH7082-3.5-21/962191-1 is a high-current, non-sealable 8-position automotive housing connector engineered for 12V and 24V 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 distinctive brown PA 6.6 housing, 2-row configuration, primary locking feature on the terminal (rather than integrated in the housing), ultra-low profile height of only 12.6mm, and a wide 6mm centerline pitch, this connector delivers robust power transmission capability in demanding commercial vehicle, truck, bus, and industrial equipment applications across an extreme temperature range of -40°C to 130°C.

A key differentiator of this model is that the primary locking feature is on the terminal – this means the terminal itself provides its own retention mechanism, distinct from housing-integrated locking lances found in other models.

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 on the terminal – this is a critical design distinction. Unlike locking lance housings where the housing retains the terminal, this design places the retention mechanism directly on the terminal. Terminal-based locking offers several advantages:
Simpler housing design – reduces housing complexity and tooling costs
Terminal replaceability – individual terminals can be removed and replaced more easily
Proven reliability – terminal-based locking is a mature, widely used approach for 2.8mm contact systems
Lower insertion force – terminals can be inserted without overcoming housing lance resistance
The connector system is wire-to-wire, and the connector terminates directly to wire and cable, making it versatile for harness-to-harness power connections.

Configuration Features

The housing provides 8 positions arranged in 2 rows (4 positions per row). This 2x4 configuration offers a balanced, low-profile design that is easy to handle and route in tight spaces. The ultra-low height of only 12.6mm makes this connector particularly suitable for extremely space-constrained installations.

Electrical Characteristics – Dual Voltage

This connector is rated for dual nominal voltage architectures: 12V and 24V. This dual-voltage capability makes the connector exceptionally versatile across vehicle platforms:
12V systems – standard passenger cars, light-duty vehicles, and consumer automotive applications
24V systems – heavy-duty trucks, commercial vehicles, buses, construction equipment, agricultural machinery, and marine applications
The 12/24V dual rating allows manufacturers to standardize on a single connector platform across mixed fleet vehicles.

Body Features – Brown 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 Brown. This distinctive brown housing provides visual differentiation commonly used in commercial vehicle applications to identify specific power circuits or voltage ratings. Brown housings are frequently associated with 24V systems in heavy-duty trucking.

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:
Heavy-duty lighting circuits (headlamps, work lights, warning beacons)
Electric motors (HVAC blowers, cooling fans, actuators, window lift motors)
Solenoids and power relays
Power distribution junctions and fuse box connections
Battery charging and main power feed circuits
Trailer power connections (12V or 24V systems)

Terminal-Based Primary Locking

As noted, the primary locking feature is on the terminal. When using this housing, the terminals must have an integral locking lance or retention feature that engages with a corresponding surface in the housing cavity. Installation requires:

Crimping the terminal to the wire using approved tooling
Inserting the terminal into the housing cavity until the terminal's locking feature engages
An audible or tactile click confirms proper seating
The terminal's locking lance holds it in place
This design allows for easier terminal removal compared to housing-integrated locking systems.

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.
Terminal Position Assurance (TPA) is not provided (No) . Since the primary locking is on the terminal, proper insertion relies entirely on the terminal's own locking feature. Installers should ensure terminals are fully seated until an audible or tactile click confirms engagement.
Strain relief is not provided (Without) – for high-vibration applications common in heavy-duty 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.

Housing Features – PA 6.6 Material

The housing is manufactured from PA 6.6 (Polyamide 6.6/Nylon 6.6) . PA 6.6 is a premium high-performance engineering plastic offering exceptional properties:

Higher melting point (approx. 260°C) – maintains structural integrity at 130°C maximum operating temperature

Excellent mechanical strength and stiffness – resists deformation under normal use
Superior heat aging resistance – maintains properties after extended high-temperature exposure
Good chemical resistance – withstands automotive fluids including engine oil, fuel, coolant, and road salts
Low moisture absorption compared to PA 6 – provides better dimensional stability
High impact resistance – durable in high-vibration environments
The centerline (pitch) between adjacent contacts is 6 mm (0.236 in) . This wider-than-standard 6mm pitch offers significant benefits:
Superior electrical spacing – excellent creepage and clearance for 24V systems and 30A high current
Increased material between cavities – enhances housing structural integrity
Accommodates larger wire gauges – more room for 12-14 AWG wire termination
Simplifies assembly – more space between terminals makes insertion easier
Better heat dissipation – wider spacing improves thermal management at 30A

Dimensions – Ultra-Low Profile Design

Connector Height: 12.6 mm (0.49 in) – ultra-low profile
Product Length: 34.5 mm (1.358 in)
Product Width: 23 mm (0.91 in)
Row-to-Row Spacing: 5 mm (0.197 in)

The RH7082-3.5 features an ultra-low profile design with an exceptionally low height of only 12.6mm (0.49 inches) – approximately half the height of many comparable 8-position power connectors. The 23mm width provides a compact footprint while accommodating 2 rows of 2.8mm contacts with the wide 6mm pitch. The 34.5mm length is slightly longer than the RH7082A variant to accommodate the terminal-based locking mechanism design. The 5mm row-to-row spacing provides adequate isolation between rows.