Choosing the Right Connector for Your 3S LiPo Battery

By Ufine, Updated on July 7, 2025

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When choosing the right connector for your 3S LiPo battery, it’s important to match the connector type to your power needs. This ensures safe, efficient, and reliable power delivery to your RC vehicles, drones, or electronics projects. Whether you’re deciding between JST, XT30, XT60, XT90, EC3, or IC5 connectors, each option comes with its own advantages and limitations.

If you’re asking, “Which connector is best for my 3S LiPo battery?” the short answer is that it depends on your current draw, application, and space constraints. Let’s break it all down, part by part.

Part 1. What is a 3S LiPo battery connector?

A 3S LiPo battery connector is the plug that connects your 3-cell lithium polymer (LiPo) battery to a power system. The “3S” means the battery has three cells in series, producing a nominal voltage of 11.1V (3.7V per cell). These batteries are popular in drones, RC cars, airplanes, and other high-performance electronics.

To safely and efficiently deliver that voltage and current, you need a connector that matches your amperage requirements, form factor, and durability expectations.

Part 2. Why choosing the right connector matters?

Choosing the wrong connector can lead to:

Overheating
Voltage drops
Connector melting
Fire hazards
Poor performance

The connector is not just a plug. It’s a critical part of your electrical system. It determines how much current you can safely draw and how efficient your setup will be.

Part 3. Overview of popular 3S LiPo battery connectors

Let’s look at the most common connectors used with 3S LiPo batteries:

Connector	Max Current (A)	Size	Weight	Typical Use Case
JST	5A	Very small	Very light	Micro drones, small electronics
XT30	30A	Small	Light	Racing drones, mini quads
XT60	60A	Medium	Medium	RC cars, drones, planes
XT90	90A	Large	Heavy	High-power RC vehicles
EC3	60A	Medium	Medium	Helicopters, RC trucks
IC5	120A+	Large	Heavy	Large-scale RC, high-drain setups

Part 4. JST vs XT vs EC3 vs IC5: Which is best?

Let’s compare these connectors in more detail.

JST (Japan Solderless Terminal)

Max current: ~5A
Best for: Very small electronics
Pros: Lightweight, compact
Cons: Not for high current, easily overheated

Use JST only for low-power applications, like LED lights, flight controllers, or tiny drones.

XT30

Max current: ~30A
Best for: Small drones, FPV racers
Pros: Compact but high-performance
Cons: Can be tricky to solder due to size

XT30 is a perfect middle-ground for powerful mini-drone builds or small vehicles.

XT60

Max current: ~60A
Best for: Drones, RC planes, 1/10 scale RC cars
Pros: Gold-plated, solid connection
Cons: Slightly bulky for very small builds

XT60 is the most common connector used by hobbyists. Great for balance between size and power.

XT90

Max current: ~90A
Best for: High-current applications, large RC cars
Pros: Low resistance, anti-spark version available
Cons: Heavy, large footprint

Use XT90 if you’re pushing serious power. Ideal for 3S setups drawing over 70A.

EC3

Max current: ~60A
Best for: RC helicopters, planes
Pros: Secure fit, easy to plug/unplug
Cons: Less common than XT series

EC3 offers similar performance to XT60, but it’s a preference thing. Some users prefer the EC-style click.

IC5

Max current: 120A+
Best for: High-drain, large RC vehicles
Pros: Smart connector compatibility, built-in spark resistance
Cons: Bulky, not compatible with EC3

Use IC5 when you need maximum current handling and smart telemetry. Great for Spektrum power systems.

Part 5. Soldering tips and wiring diagrams

When working with LiPo connectors, soldering correctly is critical. Poor solder joints can cause resistance and heat buildup.

Basic soldering steps:

Strip the wire about 4mm.
Tin the wire and the connector pad.
Heat and press the wire into the connector until the solder flows.
Let it cool completely before moving it.
Add heat shrink tubing to prevent shorts.

Wiring diagram:

+ (Red) Wire → Positive connector terminal
– (Black) Wire → Negative connector terminal

Always double-check polarity. Reverse polarity can damage or destroy your ESC and the battery.

Part 6. Application-based connector guide

Which connector should I use with my 3S LiPo battery?

Here’s a quick-pick guide:

Application	Recommended Connector
Micro drone (<100mm)	JST
Small FPV racer	XT30
5-inch freestyle quad	XT60
1/10 scale RC car	XT60 or EC3
1/8 scale RC car	XT90 or IC5
High-performance plane	XT60 or XT90
Large RC truck (1/5)	IC5

Part 7. Connector compatibility and adapters

Sometimes, you’ll need to connect different plug types. Adapters exist, such as:

XT60 to XT90
EC3 to IC5
XT60 to JST

However, be cautious. Using an adapter can increase resistance and reduce reliability. Always try to solder the correct connector directly.

Part 8. Connector maintenance and safety tips

Check for loose connections
Clean contacts regularly
Avoid overcurrent draw
Never pull on the wires to unplug
Use anti-spark connectors for high-current

Keep your connectors clean and tight. A poor connection can lead to arcing or fire.

Part 9. How to test current draw and connector suitability?

To confirm you’re using the right connector:

Use a wattmeter or inline current monitor
Measure peak current draw during operation
Ensure your connector is rated 20-30% higher than peak draw

Example: If your drone pulls 45A at full throttle, go with XT60 (rated 60A) or higher.

Part 10. FAQs about 3S LiPo battery connector

What connector should I use for my 3S LiPo battery in a drone?

If it’s a micro drone, use JST or XT30. For regular-size FPV drones, opt for the XT60. For larger drones pulling high currents, XT90 or IC5 is best.

Can I use XT60 instead of EC3?

Yes, both handle similar current levels. Ensure that your ESC or battery wires match the connector size and polarity.

Is soldering necessary for LiPo connectors?

Yes. Most connectors need to be soldered. Pre-soldered connectors exist but are often lower quality. Proper soldering ensures low resistance and safety.