RH7083A-3.5-21/927367-1 12 V / 24 V, 8 Position, Automotive Housing for Female Terminals

Detailed Product Description

The RH7083A-3.5-21/927367-1 is a high-current, non-sealable 8-position automotive housing connector engineered for 12V and 24V 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 distinctive red PA66 housing, keying code C, 2-row configuration, and locking lance primary retention, 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-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, low-profile design that is easy to handle and route in tight spaces. The compact width of only 13.8mm makes this connector particularly suitable for space-constrained installations such as behind dashboards, under seats, or within equipment enclosures.

Electrical Characteristics – Dual Voltage

This connector is uniquely 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, reducing inventory complexity and assembly errors.

Body Features – Red Housing for Visual Identification

The primary product color is Red. This distinctive red housing provides immediate visual identification on the assembly line and during service. Color-coded connectors are essential in complex wiring harnesses to prevent mismating – red typically indicates specific power circuits or voltage ratings in multi-voltage systems.

The connector and keying code is C, indicating a specific keying configuration to prevent mismating with other connectors in the same family. Together with the red housing color, keying code C ensures that only connectors with matching keying code C can be mated correctly, providing both visual and mechanical anti-mismating protection.

Contact Features – 30A High Current Capacity

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)

Commercial vehicle auxiliary power outlets

The high 30A rating is achieved through optimized contact geometry, high-conductivity terminal materials, and robust housing design that maintains proper contact normal force even at elevated temperatures up to 130°C.

Mechanical Attachment

Mating alignment is provided with a keyed alignment type. Keyed connectors use asymmetric plastic features that physically prevent incorrect mating or cross-mating with connectors having different keying codes. The keying code C feature ensures proper orientation with matching receptacles.

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 the locking lance engages with an audible or tactile click.

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

The connector mounting type is Cable Mount (Free-Hanging) , offering maximum flexibility for harness assembly without requiring panel or PCB mounting.

Housing Features – PA66 Material for High Temperature
The housing is manufactured from PA66 (Polyamide 66/Nylon 66) . PA66 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, brake fluid, and road salts

Low creep characteristics – maintains terminal retention force over time and temperature cycling

High impact resistance – durable in high-vibration heavy-duty vehicle environments (trucks, construction equipment)

PA66 is the material of choice for underhood and high-temperature automotive connector applications, particularly those requiring high current capacity.

The centerline (pitch) between adjacent contacts is 5.08 mm (0.2 in) . This 5.08mm pitch is an industry standard for power connectors and provides:

Ample electrical spacing – critical for 24V systems and high current (30A) to prevent arcing and crosstalk

Sufficient material between cavities – maintains housing structural integrity under thermal and mechanical stress

Accommodates larger wire gauges – necessary for 30A current (typically 12-14 AWG, depending on insulation type and temperature rating)

Compatibility with standard tooling – widely available crimp and insertion tools

Dimensions – Compact High-Power Design

Connector Height: 23 mm (0.906 in)
Product Length: 28.8 mm (1.134 in)
Product Width: 13.8 mm (0.543 in)
Row-to-Row Spacing: 5.08 mm (0.2 in)

Despite its impressive 30A current rating, the RH7083A-3.5 features an exceptionally compact form factor. At only 13.8mm wide (approximately 0.54 inches), this is one of the narrowest 8-position high-current connectors available on the market. The 23mm height provides a low profile suitable for tight spaces behind dashboards, under seats, within door panels, or inside equipment enclosures. The 28.8mm length accommodates the locking lance retention mechanism and keying features. The row-to-row spacing matches the contact pitch at 5.08mm, creating a consistent symmetrical grid that simplifies harness design and assembly.