Russian Standard Connectors—commonly known by part series such as PC, OHS, 2PM, and ZH23—are trusted worldwide for their robust mechanical performance, extreme environmental tolerance, and versatile design configurations. Originally developed to support Soviet-era military and aerospace systems, these connectors have been continuously refined and adapted to meet modern requirements across critical industries.
Today, they are widely applied in military electronics, industrial automation, railway networks, medical devices, and power infrastructure. This guide explores the distinguishing features of four popular Russian connector families, explains how they are applied across industries, and provides expert guidance to help you select the right model for your application.
Russian Connector Series at a Glance
| Series | Key Use Case | Features | Sealing Type |
| PC | Subminiature equipment I/O | 2A/contact, threaded, or knife-mated | Sealed/unsealed |
| OHS | High-density applications | Up to 50 pins, low contact resistance | Optional |
| 2PM | Compact industrial/electrical | High-voltage, high-current options | Optional |
| 2PMГД | Aerospace and defense systems | Hermetically sealed, shock-resistant | Glass-to-metal |
| ZH23 | High-power and data systems | Bayonet coupling, vibration resistant | Optional |
Understanding the Russian Connector Series
PC Series (Subminiature Cylindrical Connectors)
Design & Size: Extremely compact; ideal for equipment-to-equipment or internal PCB interconnection in miniaturized systems.
Coupling Mechanism: Threaded or knife-blade (snap-in) coupling depending on subseries (e.g., PC, PCA, PCГ, PCГБ).
Material Specs:
- Shell: HE-30 Aluminum alloy, chromated for corrosion resistance.
- Contact: Beryllium copper contacts, silver- or gold-plated for conductivity.
Electrical Ratings:
- Current: 2 A per contact.
- Voltage: Up to 500V AC.
Durability: Rated for over 500 mating cycles under standard conditions.
Applications: Internal instrumentation, diagnostic devices, laboratory measurement systems, and rugged handheld test instruments.
OHS Series (High-Density Circular Connectors)
Overview: Compact circular connectors engineered for high-density contact configurations.
Shell Sizes: Available in sizes 18 and 27, enabling wiring options in space-constrained environments.
Contact Options:
- Shell Size 18: 19 contacts.
- Shell Size 27: 50 contacts.
Electrical Performance:
- Max current: 2.1 A.
- Voltage rating: 250 V.
- Contact resistance: ≤5 mΩ.
Mechanical Strength: Built to withstand mechanical shock, moderate vibration, and operational wear.
Applications: aerospace electronics, avionics modules, factory automation, communication systems, and motor control interfaces.
2PM Series (Compact Circular Power and Signal Connectors)
Overview: Threaded connectors are ideal for transmitting both power and signal in harsh industrial and military environments.
Subtypes:
- 2PM: General-purpose industrial-grade.
- 2PMГ: Hermetically sealed with glass-to-metal transitions.
- 2PMД: Larger contacts for high-current applications.
- 2PMГД: Fully sealed and ruggedized for extreme exposure.
Electrical Ratings:
- Voltage: Up to 700 V.
- Current: 5 A to 40 A depending on configuration.
Benefits:
- Exceptional vibration and temperature resistance.
- Long mating life (up to 1000 cycles).
Applications: UAV navigation, military communications, battery management systems, electric vehicles, marine equipment, and industrial control panels.
ZH23 Series (High-Performance Circular Connectors)
Design Characteristics: Bayonet coupling for quick, secure installation.
Shell Sizes: 14, 18, 22, and 27.
Contact Configurations:
- Size 14: 3 to 4 pins.
- Size 18: 7 to 10 pins.
- Size 22: 10 to 19 pins.
- Size 27: Up to 32 pins.
Electrical & Mechanical Specs:
- High-frequency and high-current compatible.
- Vibration resistance: 40 g (1–5000 Hz).
- Shock resistance: Up to 500 g.
- Sealing available for dust and moisture ingress protection.
Applications: locomotive control systems, telecom base stations, signal distribution, satellite ground stations, and heavy-duty process control systems.
Product Application Examples
Defense Communication Systems
PC and 2PM series connectors are widely used in military-grade walkie-talkies, radar modules, and encrypted communication terminals. Their robust build and signal clarity under electromagnetic interference are key benefits in tactical environments.
Aviation and UAV Systems
Modern UAVs integrate 2PMГД connectors to maintain tight electrical seals and withstand temperature extremes during flight missions. In-flight data links and navigation sensors also use compact OHS connectors.
Railway and Infrastructure Control
ZH23 connectors are a mainstay in control room panels, sensor modules, and cable harnesses across rail networks in Russia and Central Asia. They provide consistent current flow with low noise in vibration-heavy environments.
Medical and Scientific Equipment
The PC series plays a critical role in laboratory analyzers, diagnostic terminals, and imaging equipment, where subminiature connectors are needed. The gold-plated contacts ensure stable conductivity across repeated sterilization cycles.
Energy and Utilities
OHS and 2PM connectors are deployed in power monitoring units and substation control systems. Their compact designs reduce cabinet footprint while offering robust electrical transmission.
Key Advantages of Russian Standard Connectors
Threaded or Bayonet Coupling: Eliminates accidental disconnection in mobile or vibration-prone environments.
Exceptional Environmental Resistance: Supports operating temperatures from −60°C to +125°C, with some models exceeding those limits.
Material Quality: Aluminum alloy shells, nickel/chromate coatings, and thermoset insulation for harsh field conditions.
Versatile Layouts: Shell size and contact layout customization for up to 50+ contacts per unit.
Shielded Options: Available with EMI/RFI protection for sensitive signal systems.
Longevity: Mating cycle ratings up to 1,000+ for mission-critical devices.
How to Choose the Right Russian Connector
Define Electrical Load: Verify the voltage and current per pin. Choose a higher-rated 2PM or ZH23 for power.
Assess Environmental Exposure: Use sealed models like 2PMГД or bayonet-sealed ZH23 where exposure to moisture or dust is a concern.
Consider Space Constraints: Choose the PC or OHS series for PCB and compact module integrations.
Evaluate EMI/Noise Risk: Prioritize shielded options (e.g., CЩP, OHS with shielding) in communication or high-sensitivity circuits.
Mounting and Cabling Geometry: Straight vs. angled plugs, back-shells with cable clamps, and panel mount compatibility.
Check Certification Needs: Ensure conformity to GOST, MIL-STD, or JSS based on the industry and geography.
Conclusion
Russian Standard connectors offer a trusted combination of mechanical robustness, electrical performance, and environmental sealing. With decades of successful use in aerospace, defense, railways, medical, and industrial applications, series like PC, OHS, 2PM, and ZH23 continue to set benchmarks for quality and reliability. Engineers, designers, and sourcing teams can count on these proven interfaces to ensure uninterrupted connectivity across even the harshest operating conditions.
Whether you’re upgrading a communications platform or building a new generation of industrial control systems, selecting the right connector series is key to system resilience and longevity.
Need help choosing the right connector? Explore Renhotec’s RU connector series or email our technical experts at [email protected] for personalized support.