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RAST Connectors

Delivering reliable electrical performance and overall cost savings in a compact package, RAST Connectors are a proven, standardized solution for streamlined assembly and expedient production. These UL-94V0- and UL-94V2-rated connectors are Glow Wire approved and support a range of current ratings and circuit sizes for design flexibility in home appliance and automotive lighting applications.

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Current Pitch Resin Wire Gauge
Up to 16.0A 2.50, 5.00mm V0, V2, Glow Wire 26 to 16 AWG

Automation-Ready RAST Connectors

High-volume crimp connector wiring is slow, labor intensive and prone to human error, while complex harnesses increase the risk of mis‑mating and assembly mistakes. Design engineers for appliances and HVAC systems must also mitigate environmental stresses, including heat, vibration and moisture ingress.

A connector system that supports fast, automated, repeatable wire termination reduces manual labor and significantly lowers crimp-related errors. Built-in mechanical safeguards are necessary to help prevent incorrect mating during production. Additionally, appliances and HVAC applications require robust connector systems designed for demanding electrical and environmental conditions.

Molex RAST Connectors provide an exceptional solution with insulation displacement technology (IDT) mass‑termination that enables simultaneous multi‑wire insertion, reducing manual labor and minimizing crimp‑related errors. RAST Connectors also provide keying, polarization and color‑coding options to ensure each connector only mates with its intended header for direct PCB mating. With Glow Wire‑compliant housings and high‑retention IDT contacts, RAST connectors enable durable, vibration‑resistant performance with compliance to global appliance safety standards. This ensures long‑term reliability even in harsh operating environments.

RAST 2.5 Connectors

For low‑power and signal applications, RAST 2.5 Connectors offer a 2.50mm-pitch option ideal for sensors, control boards and user‑interface modules where space is limited and automated IDT termination is required. The smallest and most compact versions of the RAST family, these connectors streamline assembly and improve reliability, supporting scalable production.

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RAST 5 Connectors

Supporting mid- to high-current levels and robust wiring, RAST 5 Connectors feature a 5.00mm pitch, a range of current ratings and polarization options for exceptional design flexibility. Reliable IDT mass termination and strong retention features make these connectors ideal for home appliances and HVAC systems, including mid-power loads such as pumps, valves, heaters and control modules.

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RAST R5 Connectors

RAST R5 Connectors incorporate additional coding, locking and polarization options for manufacturer‑specific harness designs. These connectors provide an external locking latch, enabling secure mating with various components, and are often chosen for complex appliance wiring where multiple similar connectors must be uniquely keyed.

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RAST Power Connectors

RAST Power Connectors offer a low profile similar to RAST 2.5 products but are designed for higher-current applications that simplify integration and support efficient assembly when multiple components are used. These connectors use reinforced terminals, thick wire support and robust insulation displacement connector (IDC) features to deliver reliable power distribution in motors, heating elements and other demanding loads.

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RAST R-Power Connectors

RAST R‑Power Connectors are the most advanced high‑current variant in the RAST family, combining the power‑handling capability of RAST Power Connectors with expanded coding, locking and customization options. Designed for manufacturers who require maximum safety, Glow Wire compliance and error‑proof mating in high‑power appliance systems, RAST R-Power products are cost effective and maintain a similar profile to RAST 2.5 Connectors.

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Compare RAST Connectors

  Pitch (mm) Current Range Circuits Wire Gauge (AWG) Mating Type
RAST 2.5 2.50 2.0 to 4.0A 2 to 20 24 to 22 Direct to PCB or through header
RAST 5 5.00 4.0 to 16.0A 2 to 12 22 to 16 Through header only
RAST R Power 5.00 6.0 to 10.0A 2 to 12 22 to 18 Direct to PCB or through header
RAST Power 5.00 6.0 to 10.0A 2 to 12 22 to 18 Direct to PCB or through header
RAST R5 5.00 4.0 to 16.0A 1 to 10 20 to 16 Through header only
RAST Crimp 5.00 10.0 to 20.0A 2 to 6 18 to 14 Through header only

Features and Benefits

IDT Termination for Efficient and Reliable Assembly

RAST Connectors with IDT enable fast, reliable and consistent wire termination without the need for wire stripping, crimping and terminal insertion processes. This single-step, mass termination process significantly reduces assembly time and labor costs, minimizes the risk of errors and improves overall product quality by protecting contacts from damage during termination.

RAST 2.5 IDT connector

Multiple Keying and Polarization Options for Secure Connections 

RAST Connectors offer multiple keying and polarization options to ensure correct orientation, help prevent mis-mating with the PCB and enhance overall connection reliability in complex assemblies.

RAST 2.5 connector with position keys.

Glow Wire-Capable Designs for Safety-Critical Applications

RAST Connectors are Glow Wire capable and hot-wire compliant (V2 and V0) to meet European safety standard IEC-60335-1 4th edition and US safety standards.

RAST Power glow-wire capable connector

Increases PCB retention for direct mating
The internal latching helps secure mating to minimize the risk of electrical failure.

Helps prevent mis-mating with PCB
Direct and indirect mating options enable correct mating to avoid connector damage and faulty connections.

Provides easy identification when multiple parts are used
Colored stripe markings promote visual awareness and reduce mis-mating incidents that lead to electrical failures.

Offers exceptional design flexibility
RAST Connectors’ rib feature enables placement between any two circuits, eliminating the need for redesign and saving cost and time.

Eliminates reverse-insertion errors that lead to component damage and electrical malfunction
RAST Connectors provide reliable daisy-chain mating, improving wire termination and retention.

Delivers design flexibility for high- and mid-current applications
High current ratings up to 16.0A enable reliable performance for a range of applications.

Featured Videos

RAST Connectors

Insulation displacement technology or IDT is a wire termination technique in which an insulated wire is pressed into a terminal slot smaller than the conductor diameter, displacing the insulation and forming an electrical contact between the terminal and conductor. See how RAST Connectors use this technology to enable fast, reliable and consistent wire termination without the need for wire stripping, crimping and terminal insertion processes. This improves the integrity of electrical connections and reduces the risk of mis-wiring errors.

RAST 2.5 Connectors

Designed to meet global safety and flammability standards, RAST 2.5 Connectors are Glow Wire capable and UL‑94V0 rated, supporting compliance with European IEC‑60335‑1 requirements and US regulatory demands. Widely used in washing machines, dishwashers, dryers and other home appliance applications, these connectors offer a solution that enhances safety, provides ease of assembly and ensures long-term product reliability.

RAST 5 and R5 Connectors

The 5.00mm-pitch RAST 5 Connector offers multiple keying and polarization options to help prevent mis-mating and supports indirect mating for design flexibility in home appliances and HVAC systems. RAST R5 Connectors offer additional locking and polarization options for harness designs with headers that have a staggered footprint for easier routing layouts. Direct- and indirect-mating options enable secure mating retention, and unique connector keying simplifies complex appliance wiring.

RAST Power and R-Power Connectors

Designed for mid- and high-current applications, RAST Power Connectors provide reliable power distribution in motors, heating elements and other demanding loads. RAST R Power Connectors combine the capability of RAST Power Connectors with additional polarization options and feature enhanced coding, locking and customization options. Both RAST Connector versions provide exceptional solutions with overall cost savings and are ideal for appliance and HVAC systems that require Glow Wire-capable and hot-wire compliant connectors.

Applications by Industry

Lighting

Countertops
Coffee machines
Dishwashers
Clothes dryers
Hair dryers
Irons
Microwaves
Ovens
Refrigerators
Toasters
Vacuum cleaners
Washing machines

Air conditioners
Heat pumps

This is not a definitive list of applications for this product. It represents some of the more common uses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are RAST Connectors?

RAST Connectors are insulation displacement technology (IDT) wire-to-board connector systems that deliver superior quality and reliability for appliance harnesses and more. These connectors enable fast, repeatable terminations without the need for stripping wires, reducing assembly time and labor costs. With a broad range of current ratings and position sizes, RAST Connectors support both low-power and signal, and high-current applications, making them versatile across appliances, HVAC systems and automotive lighting markets. Additionally, RAST connectors comply with stringent safety requirements, including Glow Wire and flammability standards.

What is insulation displacement technology (IDT)?

Insulation displacement technology (IDT) is a wire termination technique in which an insulated wire is pressed into a terminal slot smaller than the conductor diameter, displacing the insulation and forming an electrical contact between the terminal and conductor. IDT enables fast, reliable and consistent wire termination without the need for wire stripping, crimping and terminal insertion processes.

What is the difference between RAST 2.5 and RAST 5 Connectors?

The main difference between RAST 2.5 and RAST 5 connectors is their pitch and current capacity. RAST 2.5 connectors have a 2.50mm pitch, making them more compact and suitable for low-power applications. RAST 5 connectors have a 5.00mm pitch, supporting larger wires and higher current capacities, ideal for medium- to high-power applications.

What is the unique feature that led to the development of RAST R5 Connectors?

The unique feature is RAST R5 Connectors’ ability to handle higher current capacities, facilitated by a 5.00mm pitch which allows for larger wire gauges and more robust power connections suitable for high-power applications. RAST R5 Connectors also feature a unique internal latch design.

What is the difference between direct and indirect mating?

Direct mating connects the receptacle and PCB, whereas indirect mating occurs between receptacles and headers.

Can RAST 2.5, R-Power and RAST Power Connectors be mated with RAST 2.5 headers?

Yes, RAST 2.5, R-Power and Power Connector options can be mated with RAST 2.5 headers.

Do RAST 2.5 and RAST 5 Connectors offer vertical and right-angle header options?

RAST 2.5 Connectors offer vertical options while RAST 5 Connectors feature both vertical and right-angle header options. These configurations provide flexibility in PCB layout and cable routing for various applications.

Are RAST Connectors suitable for automotive applications?

Yes, RAST Connectors are suitable for automotive applications, particularly automotive lighting. Series 93806 within the RAST 2.5 family meets the LV214 standard within the automotive industry and offers tin- and gold-plating options.

What industries use RAST Connector systems?

RAST Connectors support a wide range of industries, including home appliances, HVAC and automotive systems. Compact and Glow Wire rated, these connectors enable high-reliability connectivity for applications such as washing machines, refrigeration, HVAC equipment, PCB control units, sensors and other appliance subassemblies where secure, standardized connections are essential.

What current ratings are available for RAST Connectors?

RAST Connectors are available in 2.0 to 20.0A depending on the RAST Connector family. Please consult our product reference guide for more product specifications.