Quick Product Introduction
ZH23 is an environment-resistant bayonet circular electrical connector series. Published manufacturer documentation establishes a corresponding model relationship with the Russian designation СНЦ23, while SNTs23/SNTS23 is also commonly encountered as a Latin transliteration in international markets. Individual products are further differentiated by contact count, shell size, contact type, connector configuration, key position and environmental classification.
For example:
ZH23-61/36P-6-a-B
can be interpreted as:
ZH23 → Series designation
61 → 61 contacts
36 → Standard shell size
P → Contact type
6 → Connector/tail attachment configuration
a → Key position
B → Climate condition
Therefore, specifying only "61-pin," "32-pin" or "19-pin" may still result in ambiguity when purchasing a ZH23 connector.
What Is the ZH23 Series ?
ZH23 is a multi-contact circular bayonet connector platform. Its value extends beyond simply connecting multiple wires. Through standardized mechanical interfaces, contact arrangements and polarization/keying structures, it enables multiple electrical circuits to be interconnected within a compact interface.
Published catalogs confirm the following principal contact arrangements:
3/14, 4/14, 7/18, 10/18, 7/22, 10/22, 19/22, 19/24, 19/27, 28/27, 32/27, 24/30, 41/30, 32/33, 55/33, 43/36, 61/36 and 45/39.
This is one of the most important principles for understanding ZH23 part numbers:
The first number represents contact count, while the second represents shell size.
Therefore:
32/27 ≠ 32/33
Although both have 32 contacts, they are different mechanical configurations and should not be assumed to mate simply because their contact counts are identical.
ZH23 Common Models Comparison：
From the perspective of cable harness assembly, equipment interconnection and legacy equipment replacement-rather than evaluating the connector alone-the following ZH23 product groups deserve particular attention. Different contact counts and shell sizes correspond to different wiring densities, installation spaces and equipment interface requirements, so selection should always be based on the complete connector configuration.
Which ZH23 Models Deserve the Most Attention?
◆ ZH23-19 Series - A Key Medium-Contact-Count Configuration
The ZH23-19 family occupies a distinctive position within the overall product family because the 19-contact configuration is available in multiple shell sizes, including ZH23-19/22, ZH23-19/24 and ZH23-19/27. These configurations can accommodate different installation spaces, mechanical structures and legacy equipment interface requirements.
For repair harnesses, equipment retrofits and СНЦ23 legacy equipment replacement projects, confirming "19 contacts" alone is insufficient. It is also essential to determine whether the original connector is 19/22, 19/24 or 19/27.
◆ ZH23-32/27 - A Key Medium-to-High-Density Configuration
ZH23-32/27 uses a size-27 shell and provides 32 contact positions. Compared with ZH23-19/27 and ZH23-28/27, it provides higher circuit density within the same shell-size category, making it particularly suitable for equipment connections that need to consolidate multiple control, status and auxiliary signal circuits.
◆ ZH23-41/30 - High-Density Equipment Interconnection
ZH23-41/30 provides 41 contact positions within a size-30 shell, further increasing the circuit consolidation capability of a single interface. This configuration offers significant engineering value when equipment must integrate numerous control, status, monitoring or auxiliary circuits through one connector.
◆ ZH23-55/33 - High-Contact-Count Centralized Harness Connection
ZH23-55/33 is a high-density configuration within the ZH23 family, integrating 55 contact positions into a size-33 shell. It is well suited to equipment harness architectures that aim to reduce multiple separate connectors and consolidate a large number of conductors, helping optimize interface layout and cable harness management.
◆ ZH23-61/36 - 61-Contact High-Density Configuration
ZH23-61/36 provides 61 contact positions within a size-36 shell and is one of the representative high-contact-count configurations in the ZH23 family. It is suitable for equipment and cable harness projects that need to consolidate a large number of circuits through a single circular connector interface.
In published manufacturer part-number documentation, ZH23-61/36P-6-a-B is also used as an example to explain the complete ZH23 model-number structure. This makes the configuration particularly representative for understanding ZH23 contact count, shell size, contact form and structural coding.
Pain Points
СНЦ23 may appear as SNTs23 or SNTS23, with ZH23 used for the corresponding series. Always verify the complete part number and specifications.
ZH23 selection requires verification of both plug/receptacle type and pin/socket contacts to prevent incorrect contact-gender matching.
After connector matching, wire gauge, core count, shielding, pinout, length, jacket and testing must also be verified for a reliable cable assembly.
Product Value
ZH23 Combined Wiring Harness
For equipment manufacturers and maintenance projects, the real value of a ZH23 cable assembly is not simply purchasing two connectors and soldering wires between them.
It is the integration of Connector Identification + Pin Mapping + Cable Engineering + Harness Manufacturing + Electrical Testing into a complete interconnection solution.
This becomes increasingly important for 19, 32, 41, 55 and 61-contact configurations, where higher contact counts increase the potential risks of wiring errors, incorrect pin positions, missed solder joints, short circuits and inconsistent shielding termination.
Factory-assembled ZH23 cable assemblies can therefore improve production consistency through standardized BOM control, pin-to-pin mapping, wire identification, continuity testing and insulation inspection.
Selection Guide
If only general project requirements are known, the selection range can initially be narrowed according to the following logic:
Low circuit count → 3/14, 4/14, 7/18, 10/18
Medium circuit count → 19/22, 19/24, 19/27
Medium-high density → 28/27, 32/27, 24/30
High density → 41/30, 32/33, 43/36
Very high contact count → 55/33, 61/36, 45/39
However, this is only an initial selection method and not an interchangeability rule.
Final model selection must continue by verifying shell size, contact type, key position and connector type.
Compatibility Statement
Compatibility Verification
ZH23 and СНЦ23 have clearly documented series and model correspondence, and published catalogs even list Russian part numbers, Chinese part numbers and SNTs23 transliterated designations together.
However, series correspondence does not mean that any ZH23 connector can mate directly with any СНЦ23 connector.
Before replacement, verify:
Contact count, shell size, contact type, connector type, key position, insert rotation, tail attachment, mating interface, pin assignment and electrical requirements.
For legacy equipment maintenance projects where the original connector marking is incomplete, the model should preferably be identified using photographs of the original connector, front-face pin layout, shell dimensions, key position and mating connector information together.
How to Select a ZH23 Connector ?
Verify the Complete Interface, Not Just the Contact Count
First, confirm the complete part number (P/N) of the original equipment connector or mating connector. If the exact part number is unavailable, at minimum verify the contact count, shell size, pin/socket contact type, plug/receptacle configuration and key position. In particular, descriptions such as "19-pin ZH23" or "32-pin ZH23" should never be used as the sole criterion for purchasing or compatibility verification.
Select the Contact Arrangement Based on Circuit Count and Installation Space
For new equipment designs, an appropriate contact arrangement such as 19/22, 32/27, 41/30, 55/33 or 61/36 can be selected according to the actual circuit count. A higher contact count should not be selected without also evaluating the panel cutout dimensions, connector diameter, cable diameter, bending radius and available assembly space, ensuring proper mechanical integration with the equipment.
Verify the Tail Attachment and Cable Exit Direction
ZH23 connectors are available not only with different contact arrangements but also with simplified, straight-clamp, angled-clamp and various shielded tail configurations. When installation space behind the equipment is limited, the tail attachment and cable exit direction can directly determine whether the connector can be properly installed and should therefore be selected according to the actual equipment layout.
Confirm the Pinout and Cable Harness Electrical Requirements
Mechanical connector compatibility is only the first step. Before manufacturing a complete ZH23 cable assembly, verify the pin-to-pin mapping, signal definitions, operating voltage, current, wire gauge, shielding, grounding, cable length, operating environment and testing requirements. A reliable ZH23 cable harness solution requires both mechanical and electrical compatibility.
Customization Capabilities
Connector, cable, pinout, shielding and mechanical details can be developed around your equipment interface and installation requirements.
↕ ZH23 Interface & Contact-Count Customization
Custom 3–61-contact ZH23 harnesses are available with matched shell sizes and contact arrangements.
□ Pin, Socket & Mating-End Customization
Pin/socket and mating ends can be customized for ZH23-to-ZH23, open-end or other industrial interfaces.
◉ Pinout & Cable Customization
Supports 1:1, crossed or custom pinouts, with wire gauge, shielding and jacket configured to electrical requirements.
⚙ Length & Cable-Exit Customization
Cable length, straight or angled exits, and tail attachments can be customized to installation requirements.
⌘ Shielding & Grounding Customization
Shielded cable, drain wire, shield termination and shell grounding can be customized for different EMC requirements.
◇ Complete Harness & Testing Customization
Termination, labeling, branching, wrapping, continuity and insulation testing deliver ready-to-install ZH23 cable assemblies.
Product FAQ
Is ZH23 the Same as the Russian СНЦ23 Series ?
ZH23 is commonly used in the Chinese supply chain as a corresponding series designation for СНЦ23, and published manufacturer catalogs show cross-references among СНЦ23, ZH23 and SNTs23 part numbers. However, engineering replacement still requires verification of the complete part number, mechanical configuration and technical specifications rather than assuming 100% compatibility based solely on the series name.
Which ZH23 Model Is the Most Commonly Used ?
There are currently no reliable public global sales statistics proving that any single ZH23 configuration is the "most widely used." From the perspective of product coverage and engineering applications, medium- and high-contact-count configurations such as 19/22, 19/24, 19/27, 32/27, 41/30, 55/33 and 61/36 deserve particular attention. Therefore, terms such as "commonly used models" or "key selection models" are more technically appropriate than "best-selling model."
Why Does the ZH23 19-Contact Family Have Multiple Configurations ?
Because contact count is not the only mechanical parameter. The ZH23 family includes 19/22, 19/24 and 19/27 configurations, meaning the same 19-contact count can correspond to different shell sizes and contact arrangements. The complete configuration must therefore be verified during selection.
Are Visually Similar ZH23 Connectors Intermateable ?
No. Compatibility cannot be determined by appearance alone. Even visually similar connector shells may differ in shell size, contact arrangement, pin/socket configuration, key position or insert rotation, any of which can affect mating compatibility.
Can ZH23 Be Made as a Connector-to-Open-End Cable Assembly ?
Yes. ZH23-to-open-end cable assemblies can be customized for equipment maintenance, test benches, control cabinets and OEM internal wiring. Wire identification, colors, labels and end treatments such as pre-stripping or tinning can also be provided according to the customer's pinout.
What Information Is Required for a ZH23 Cable Assembly Quotation ?
Recommended information includes the complete ZH23/СНЦ23 part number, equipment model, mating connector, contact count, shell size, pin/socket configuration, key position, pinout, signal names, voltage, current, wire gauge, cable length, shielding, operating environment and quantity. More complete information helps reduce compatibility risks during the prototype stage.
