RH7082A-3.5-21/962189-1 12 V / 24 V, 8 Position, Automotive Housing for Female Terminals

Detailed Product Description

The RH7082A-3.5-21/962189-1 is a high-current, non-sealable 8-position automotive housing connector engineered for 12V and 24V wire-to-board and wire-to-device 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 gray PA 6.6 housing, 2-row configuration, locking lance primary retention, 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. The circuit application is specifically designated for Power, confirming this connector is optimized for high-current power distribution.

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 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-device configurations, offering maximum application flexibility for connecting harnesses directly to devices such as motors, solenoids, sensors, and electronic control units. 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, 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 – Gray 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 Gray. This distinctive gray housing provides visual differentiation from black or brown connectors, aiding in circuit identification during assembly and service.

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

Direct device connections (wire-to-device applications)

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. Unlike keying codes that use specific alphanumeric designations, polarization is a more general mechanical anti-mismating feature.

Terminal Position Assurance (TPA) is not provided (No) . Without TPA, proper terminal insertion relies on the locking lance primary 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. This makes the connector ideal for in-line power connections and direct device connections.

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 for demanding power connector applications:

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

Excellent mechanical strength and stiffness – resists deformation under high insertion forces from thick gauge wires

Superior heat aging resistance – maintains mechanical properties after extended exposure to elevated temperatures

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 in humid environments

High impact resistance – durable in high-vibration heavy-duty vehicle environments

The centerline (pitch) between adjacent contacts is 6 mm (0.236 in) . This wider-than-standard 6mm pitch is a distinguishing feature that offers several significant benefits:

Superior electrical spacing – provides excellent creepage and clearance distances for 24V systems and 30A high current, preventing arcing and crosstalk

Increased material between cavities – enhances housing structural integrity under thermal and mechanical stress

Accommodates larger wire gauges more easily – provides more room for wire bending and termination for 30A current (typically 12-14 AWG)

Simplifies assembly – more space between terminals makes insertion and removal easier

Better heat dissipation – wider spacing allows for improved thermal management at high currents

Dimensions – Ultra-Low Profile Design

Connector Height: 12.6 mm (0.496 in) – ultra-low profile, approximately 0.5 inches

Product Length: 32 mm (1.26 in)

Product Width: 23 mm (0.906 in)

Row-to-Row Spacing: 5 mm (0.197 in)

The RH7082A-3.5 features an industry-leading ultra-low profile design with an exceptionally low height of only 12.6mm (0.496 inches) – this is 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 32mm length houses the locking lance retention mechanism and polarization features. The 5mm row-to-row spacing provides adequate isolation between the two rows.