The most critical principle in ZH23 selection has always been not to seek the "most commonly used model," but rather to find a model that truly matches the equipment.
For the domesticated maintenance of СНЦ23 and OEM equipment development, the following should be confirmed simultaneously:
Contact Count + Shell Size + Pin Socket + Plug Receptacle + Key Position + Rear Accessory + Pinout + Electrical Rating + Environmental Requirement.
Quick Product Introduction
What Is a ZH23 Connector ?
ZH23 is a family of environmentally resistant bayonet circular crimp connectors corresponding to the Russian СНЦ23 series, commonly transliterated as SNTs23 / SNTS23. Its primary purpose is to establish detachable multi-circuit electrical connections between equipment and cable harnesses.
Its core mechanical characteristics include:
Bayonet Coupling;
Five-Key Polarization;
Removable Crimp Contacts;
Multiple Rear Accessories.
The standard family covers 3 to 61 contacts and uses shell sizes ranging from 14 to 39 according to the contact arrangement.
ZH23 uses rear-installable, removable crimp contacts. During harness production, conductors are first terminated to contacts using specified crimp tooling, after which the contacts are inserted into the connector insulator. Compared with soldering directly inside the connector, this structure is better suited to standardized harness manufacturing, maintenance and individual contact replacement.
What Are the Common ZH23 Contact Arrangements ?
The complete ZH23 series primarily includes the following standard combinations:
The above 18 sets of standard arrangements can be cross-verified in multiple ZH23 and СНЦ23 catalogs.
From a practical selection perspective, ZH23-4/14, 7/18, 10/18, 19/22, 19/24, and 32/27 are highly recommended representative configurations to prioritize: they respectively cover low-pin-count compact connections, small-to-medium control interfaces, medium-density device connections, and high-density multi-I/O applications. As the number of lines continues to increase, you can further opt for high-density solutions such as 41/30, 55/33, or 61/36.
Which ZH23 Configurations Deserve the Most Attention ?
◆ ZH23-4/14 - Compact 4-Contact Configuration
ZH23-4/14 combines four contacts with a size 14 shell for compact power, control and status connections. Pin/socket, plug/receptacle and rear-accessory options are available, with corresponding СНЦ23 configurations for legacy equipment maintenance, replacement and compact harness development.
◆ ZH23-7/18 - Balanced Size and Circuit Count
ZH23-7/18 uses seven contacts in a size 18 shell, balancing installation size and circuit capacity. It supports multiple power, control and feedback circuits while remaining relatively compact, making it suitable for sensors, actuators, test equipment and control units.
◆ ZH23-10/18 - Compact 10-Circuit Interconnection
ZH23-10/18 integrates ten contacts into a size 18 shell, providing higher contact density than 7/18. It suits space-limited equipment requiring more I/O, control, status-feedback or internal signal circuits without increasing the connector shell size.
◆ ZH23-19/22 - Medium-High-Density 19-Contact Configuration
ZH23-19/22 integrates 19 contacts into a size 22 shell for multi-channel control, signal and status circuits. It increases interconnection density in limited panel space. Selection must also verify contact specifications, current, voltage, keying and pinout rather than relying only on the 19-contact count.
◆ ZH23-55/33 & 61/36 - Large High-Density Interfaces
ZH23-55/33 and 61/36 provide 55 and 61 contact positions in size 33 and 36 shells. Designed for high-circuit-count interconnection, they suit avionics, radar, test platforms and large control equipment requiring many circuits to be consolidated through a single interface.
◆ ZH23-32/27 - High-Density Multi-Circuit Interface
ZH23-32/27 integrates 32 contacts into a size 27 shell for concentrated I/O, control and status connections. It can reduce panel openings and wiring complexity, while requiring tighter control of pin mapping, crimp consistency, wire identification and continuity testing.
◆ ZH23-19/24 - 19-Contact Larger-Shell Configuration
ZH23-19/24 also provides 19 contacts but uses a size 24 shell, creating mechanical and contact-layout differences from 19/22. The two are not interchangeable simply because both have 19 contacts; shell size, keying, pinout and mounting interface must be verified.
Pain Points
Basic Knowledge
Which Is More Common : Plug, Receptacle, Straight or Angled ?
The ZH23 series public model rules include various connector types, for example:
1 - Socket with simple tail accessory
2 - Socket with straight clip line tail attachment
4 - Socket with bent clamp line type tail attachment
6 - Plug with straight clip line tail attachment
8 - Plug with bent clamp line tail attachment
11 - Plug with simple tail attachment
In addition, there are also heat- shrink tubing types and shielding tail accessory structures such as 05, 06, 07, 08, 10, 11.
★ Receptacles for Equipment-Side Mounting
Equipment panels typically use fixed receptacles. Flange, nut-mount and installation details should be verified against the original mechanical drawing.
★ Plugs for Cable-Side Connections
Cable harnesses typically use plugs, with rear accessories selected according to cable diameter, harness weight, installation space and exit direction.
★ Straight Backshells for Open Spaces
Where rear clearance is sufficient, straight backshells simplify cable routing and provide effective strain relief for rearward cable exits.
★ Angled Backshells for Tight Spaces
In confined spaces, angled backshells redirect cable exit, reduce excessive bending and improve routing around nearby components.
Common ZH23 Model Comparison
Compatibility Statement
Verify Complete Interface Specifications
ZH23 can serve as a replacement for СНЦ23 / SNTs23, but the same connector family does not guarantee compatibility. Verify the original P/N, contact count, shell size, pin/socket, plug/receptacle, keying, pinout, rear accessory, electrical ratings, mounting dimensions and environmental requirements.
Mating Does Not Ensure Compatibility
The same contact count or mechanical mateability does not ensure electrical or system compatibility; for example, 7/18 differs from 7/22, and 19/22 from 19/24. Aerospace, defense and UAV applications should also be validated against original drawings, technical specifications and acceptance requirements.
How to Select a ZH23 Connector ?
Determine the Number of Circuits Before Selecting the Contact Arrangement
First determine the actual number of power, signal, control, ground and spare circuits required by the equipment, then select an arrangement such as 3/14, 4/14, 7/18, 10/18, 19/22 or 32/27. Do not increase the pin count simply because a larger connector appears more capable, and do not force too many circuits into an unnecessarily small shell. Appropriate engineering margin should be retained for thermal performance, future expansion and maintenance.
Verify Shell Size and Contact Diameter Together
Standard ZH23 contact diameters primarily include Φ1.0, Φ1.5 and Φ2.0 mm, with different contact diameters providing different current capabilities. Published ZH23 data lists maximum contact currents of approximately 11 A, 20 A and 35 A respectively, but actual operating current must also consider the selected arrangement, conductor gauge, ambient temperature, temperature rise and manufacturer specification.
Selection should therefore never be based on pin count alone.
Select Straight or Angled Rear Accessories According to Installation Space
When sufficient space is available behind the connector, a straight cable-clamp backshell allows the harness to run naturally rearward. When internal equipment space is limited and the cable must change direction immediately, an angled backshell should be considered. For strong EMI environments, shielded straight, shielded angled or memory-ring rear accessories can also be selected.
Localization Projects Must Start from the Original P/N
If the project is intended to replace an original СНЦ23 connector, the part number should not be guessed from photographs alone. The most effective approach is to obtain the complete original P/N, front and side photographs, pin numbering and equipment mounting dimensions, then establish an СНЦ23-to-ZH23 cross-reference and finally verify the replacement through physical mating, pinout confirmation and electrical testing.
Reducing Selection Complexity
A simplified initial selection logic is:
● Few circuits + limited space → 3/14 or 4/14
● Approximately 7–10 circuits + compact equipment → 7/18 or 10/18
● Approximately 19 circuits + medium control equipment → 19/22 or 19/24
● Approximately 28–32 circuits + multi-I/O equipment → 28/27 or 32/27
● More than 40 circuits + large centralized interface → 41/30, 55/33 or 61/36
However, this should only be used for preliminary selection and cannot replace original part-number verification. The final configuration must be determined according to the equipment's electrical and mechanical requirements.
Customization Capabilities
Connector, cable, pinout, shielding and mechanical details can be developed around your equipment interface and installation requirements.
↕ Contact & Shell Configuration
Supports 3–61 contacts and shell sizes 14–39, with ZH23 configurations matched to equipment requirements and original СНЦ23 models.
□ Contact & Interface Configuration
Supports pin/socket and plug/receptacle combinations, enabling mechanical interface matching for equipment-side and harness-side requirements.
◉ Backshell Configuration
Straight, angled and shielded backshells can be customized for cable exit, bend radius, installation space and EMC requirements.
⚙ Keying & Polarization
Standard and multiple key positions are available for mechanical polarization, reducing mismating risks between similar-size connectors.
⌘ Cable & Shielding Customization
Supports customized AWG, conductor count, jackets, braided/foil shielding, drain wires and connector-shell grounding.
◇ Complete Harness Customization
Supports ZH23-to-ZH23, open-end and mixed-connector harnesses with customized pinout, length, branches, labels and testing requirements.
Product FAQ
What Are the Common ZH23 Models ?
There is no official ZH23 sales ranking. Based on standard catalogs and typical engineering applications, common configurations include 4/14, 7/18, 10/18, 19/22, 19/24 and 32/27, with 55/33 and 61/36 available for higher-density applications.
Is There Only One ZH23 7-Pin Model ?
No. ZH23 7-pin configurations include 7/18 and 7/22, which use different shell sizes and contact arrangements. Compatibility cannot be determined by the "7-pin" designation alone.
What Is the Maximum ZH23 Contact Count ?
The standard ZH23 family supports configurations up to 61/36, providing 61 contacts in a size 36 shell. Other high-density options include 55/33, 45/39 and 43/36.
How to Choose ZH23 Plugs and Receptacles ?
Determine the plug/receptacle and pin/socket configuration from the original equipment interface, then verify connector type, keying and mounting structure. The original connector P/N and mechanical drawing should be the final reference.
How to Identify the Required ZH23 Model ?
Provide the complete original P/N, front/side photos, contact count, mounting dimensions and pinout. For custom harnesses, also specify wire gauge, cable length, signal definitions, current, voltage and shielding requirements.
