An XT60 connector handles 60 A on 12 to 14 AWG wire, which covers most RC battery packs. It uses gold-plated bullet contacts in a nylon housing that cannot short when mated. Pick male and female pairs to match your battery and ESC. Solder the joint well and cover it with heat shrink. This guide compares the XT60 family.
What current can an XT60 handle?
An XT60 handles 60 A continuous on 12 to 14 AWG wire. That covers 3S to 6S packs on most sport models.
An XT90 handles 90 A on 10 AWG wire for larger packs. Pick the XT90 when the ESC draws more than 60 A.
What is the difference between XT60 and EC2?
An EC2 suits small batteries at low current, with 2 mm bullet contacts. An XT60 uses larger contacts for 60 A loads.
An EC2 to XT60 adapter lets EC2 packs run on XT60 gear. It uses 14 AWG wire and keeps the same polarity on both ends.
How do you solder an XT60 connector?
Heat the solder cup to 350 degrees C, then feed solder until the cup fills. Push the tinned wire in and hold it still for 3 seconds.
A 60 W iron or hotter suits 12 AWG wire and XT60 cups. A weak iron cools the joint and leaves a cold solder.
Which wire size fits an XT60?
Use 14 AWG wire for packs up to 60 A and 12 AWG wire for the full rating. The connector housing accepts wire up to 12 AWG.
A 10 AWG wire will not fit an XT60 housing, so use an XT90 instead. Strip 5 mm of insulation before you tin the wire.
How do you wire batteries in parallel with XT60?
A parallel Y-splitter joins two packs into one ESC lead on 14 AWG wire. It doubles capacity while voltage stays the same.
Use two packs of the same cell count and charge state. A series cable raises voltage instead, so never mix the two.
How do you keep XT60 joints safe?
Cover each solder joint with heat shrink tubing before you mate the pair. Shrink it with a heat gun at 150 degrees C.
Check the joint by pulling the wire with 2 kg of force. A good joint holds, while a cold joint pulls free.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use an XT60 on a 6S pack?
Yes. The XT60 rating is current, not voltage. A 6S pack at 60 A or less works fine on an XT60.
What is the XT60H version?
The XT60H adds a sheath housing around the same 60 A contacts. It gives a better grip when you plug and unplug packs.
Do XT60 connectors need a special crimper?
No. XT60 contacts solder into cups, so you need a soldering iron, not a crimper. A 60 W iron suits the job.
Can I plug an XT60 into an EC2?
No, not directly. Use an EC2 to XT60 adapter, which matches the pins and keeps polarity correct.
Parts used
XT60H Male + Female Connector Set with Sheath Housing, 10-Pair, $11.87. XT60H male + female bullet connector set with sheath housing : gold-plated copper, 60A max. 10-pair. Ships from NY, USA.
XT60 Extension Cable, 14AWG, $6.31. XT60 connector pigtail with 14AWG silicone wire. Gold-plated contacts, rated 30A. Choose male or female, length, and quantity. Ships from NY, USA.
XT60 Parallel Y-Splitter Cable, 14AWG, $8.49. XT60 parallel Y-splitter cable with 14AWG silicone wire. Wire two batteries in parallel for double capacity. Pick your connector combo. Ships from NY, USA.
XT90 / XT60 Series Connection Cable, 12AWG, $17.64. Amass XT90 and XT60 series connection cable. 10cm 12AWG silicone wire, gold-plated connectors. Raises voltage in series. Ships from NY, USA.
QS8 Anti-Spark 110A Battery Connector, $11.99. QS8-S anti-spark battery plug rated 110A continuous, 180A peak. Gold-plated brass contacts. Choose male, female, or a pair. Ships from NY, USA.
XT60 Splitter Adapter, 1 Male to 2 Female, $5.25. XT60 splitter: one male to two female. Run two batteries in parallel or split power to two loads.
EC2 Female to XT60 Male Adapter, $6.00. Adapter from EC2 female to XT60 male. Lets you charge or run EC2 batteries on XT60 gear.
EC2 Connector Set, 5 Pairs, $5.99. Five pairs of EC2 connectors with plugs and housings. For small batteries and receiver power leads.
XL4015 5A DC-DC Step Down Buck Converter Module, 4-38V to 1.25-36V, 2-Pack, $7.41. XL4015 5A DC-DC step-down buck module : 4: 38V in, adjustable 1.25: 36V out. 2-pack. Ships from NY, USA.
Heat Shrink Tubing Assortment (127/1600 Pieces), $5.13. Heat shrink tubing kit for electrical wire insulation and solder joint protection. 2:1 polyolefin, flame retardant. Ships from NY, USA.
Related buying guides on Quality RC Parts
How to Choose XT60 Connectors for an RC Battery Pack
How to Choose XT60 and EC2 Connectors for RC Builds
How to Choose Connectors and Wiring for Your RC Build
Browse all the guides on the Quality RC Parts Drone Guides hub, or start at the Quality RC Parts store.
Sources
- PowerStream: Wire size and ampacity
- EuroRC: RC connectors explained
- Adafruit: Guide to excellent soldering
Quality RC Parts stocks parts in New York, USA and ships in-stock orders in 1-2 business days.
Last updated: 2026-11-10.