SHV, MHV, HN, 10kV & 20kV RF connector solutions

Choosing the right high-voltage RF connector

High-voltage RF parts are easiest to choose by separating connector family from voltage class. Connector families such as SHV, MHV and HN are defined by their physical interface and are usually specified by the equipment they mate to. Voltage-rated options such as 10kV and 20kV describe a working-voltage class — products in these categories may use different connector geometries, and the cable still has to be matched to the rating.

Start with the connector family already used on the equipment, then confirm cable type, working voltage and the mating connector. Similar-looking high-voltage connectors are not always interchangeable.

Connector families

Voltage-rated and custom builds

10kV and 20kV are working-voltage classes. The physical connector geometry varies by part — check both connector compatibility and cable rating before ordering. Where stocked options don’t fit, we build bespoke cable assemblies to specification.

Need an equivalent to Radiall, Huber+Suhner, Kings, Pasternack or another HV connector?

High-voltage RF connector part numbers can be awkward, especially when you are replacing a legacy lead or trying to avoid a long lead time on a premium-brand connector. Send us the original part number, a photo, the cable type and the mating connector if you have them. We can usually identify a near-equivalent stocked part to check, or suggest a practical replacement route. Direct drop-in claims are only made after we have confirmed the manufacturer datasheet against the original part.

For SHV connectors, common replacement discussions include straight crimp plugs, bulkhead jacks, panel jacks and RG58 / RG59 / RG213 / RG11 cable options. For MHV and HN, we recommend checking the mating connector carefully before ordering because similar-looking HV connectors are not always interchangeable.

Cable choice matters as much as connector choice

Many coaxial cables used with high-voltage connectors have lower voltage ratings than the connector itself. Common RG58, RG59 and RG316-style cables are typically only suitable for lower-voltage HV work compared with specialist HV cable constructions. RFShop stocks HRG58, a 20kVDC-rated RG58-format cable, and HRG316, a 10kVDC / 1kVAC-rated RG316/RG174-format cable, for builds that need familiar cable dimensions with HV margin. A cable assembly should not be assumed to carry the connector’s headline voltage rating unless the cable, connector and termination have all been specified for that use.

Where the application is voltage-critical, consider HRG58, HRG316, RG213 / 400-size or other suitable HV cable constructions and confirm the requirement before ordering. RFShop can supply connectors and cable separately, or quote a complete assembly.

What to send us for fast identification

• Connector family if known: SHV, MHV, HN, 10kV, 20kV or unknown.
• Any part number, manufacturer marking, drawing or BOM line.
• Photos of the connector front, rear/termination end and panel mounting if applicable.
• Cable type or outside diameter.
• Working voltage, whether AC/DC/pulsed, and whether the environment is lab, field, vacuum, panel, or equipment-internal.
• Required cable length and quantity if you need finished assemblies.

Technical reference: typical coaxial cable voltage considerations

The figures below are typical guide values drawn from cable datasheets in common circulation. Use them only as a starting point. Do not rely on these numbers for compliance, certification or safety calculations. The finished assembly rating depends on the exact cable, connector, termination, condition and installation environment. Always verify against the manufacturer datasheet for the specific cable being used.

Note on impedance: the original /U military-spec values are shown where they differ from common commercial usage. RG-58 is typically taken as 50 Ω in modern practice (RG-58A/U, RG-58C/U), and RG-59 as 75 Ω (RG-59B/U). Always confirm against the cable datasheet.

Show compact cable data by group

Common HV cable choices

Cable	Impedance (nominal)	OD	Voltage guide / rating	Practical note
HRG58-20-2	50 Ω	4.95 mm	20kVDC	High-voltage RG58-format cable for HV applications.
RG-58/U	53.5 Ω (50 Ω commercial)	4.95 mm	1900Vrms	Common SHV/MHV bench lead size; often cable-limited.
RG-59/U	73 Ω (75 Ω commercial)	6.15 mm	2300Vrms	Common legacy SHV/MHV size; confirm impedance.
RG-223/U	50 Ω	5.38 mm	1900Vrms	Double-shielded RG58-size option; connector variant matters.
RG-213/U	50 Ω	10.29 mm	5000Vrms	Larger 50 Ω cable route when RG58 is too limiting.
RG-214/U	50 Ω	10.80 mm	5000Vrms	Double-shielded larger 50 Ω cable.
RG-11/U	75 Ω	10.29 mm	5000Vrms	Larger SHV assembly option where 75 Ω is suitable.

Miniature and PTFE cable options

Cable	Impedance	OD	Voltage guide	Practical note
HRG316-10-B-2	50 Ω ±3 Ω	2.45 mm	10kVDC / 1kVAC	High-voltage RG316/RG174-format cable; datasheet states compatibility with HC55P-316 SHV type coaxial connector.
RG-174/U	50 Ω	2.56 mm	1500Vrms	Thin flexible lead; limited HV margin.
RG-316/U	50 Ω	2.49 mm	1200Vrms	Compact PTFE lead; useful but not a HV shortcut.
RG-178B/U	50 Ω	1.83 mm	1000Vrms	Very small cable; use only where size is the driver.
RG-141A/U	50 Ω	4.83 mm	1900Vrms	PTFE-style 50 Ω family; compare connector fit.
RG-142B/U	50 Ω	4.95 mm	1900Vrms	PTFE 50 Ω cable; useful for temperature/dielectric requirements.
RG-303/U	50 Ω	4.31 mm	1900Vrms	PTFE 50 Ω cable; check dimensions before substituting.

Legacy, special impedance and low-loss comparison cables

Cable	Impedance	OD	Voltage guide	Practical note
RG-62/U	93 Ω	6.04 mm	700Vrms	Legacy/instrument cable; avoid assuming HV suitability.
RG-179B/U	75 Ω	2.54 mm	1200Vrms	Thin 75 Ω legacy cable.
RG-180B/U	95 Ω	3.56 mm	1500Vrms	Specialist impedance; replace only against exact spec.
Belden 9913	50 Ω	10.29 mm	Not listed	Low-loss comparison cable; verify voltage separately.
CommScope CNT-400	50 Ω	10.29 mm	Not listed	Low-loss 400-size cable; datasheet required for HV use.
Times Microwave LMR-400	50 Ω	10.29 mm	2500Vrms	Verify exact cable brand and rating before HV use.

High-voltage RF connector FAQs

What is the difference between SHV and MHV connectors?

SHV and MHV connectors are not interchangeable. SHV connectors are generally preferred for safer high-voltage mating geometry, while MHV is common on older high-voltage instrumentation and test equipment. Always check the mating connector before ordering.

Can ordinary RG58 be used for 20kV assemblies?

Ordinary RG58 should not be treated as a 20kV cable. RFShop stocks HRG58, a 20kVDC-rated RG58-format cable, but the finished assembly still depends on the exact connector, cable and termination.

Is there a high-voltage equivalent for RG316 or RG174-size cable?

Yes. HRG316-10-B-2 is a 10kVDC / 1kVAC-rated high-voltage cable with RG316/RG174-fit dimensions. It is not the same as ordinary RG316 or RG174, and the finished assembly still depends on connector compatibility and termination.

What limits the voltage rating of a high-voltage cable assembly?

The finished assembly is limited by the weakest component: connector rating, cable dielectric, termination method, bend radius, contamination, altitude and operating environment can all affect suitability.

Can RFShop help identify a replacement for Radiall, Huber+Suhner, Kings or Pasternack parts?

Yes. Send the original part number, photos, cable type and mating connector where possible. RFShop can usually identify a near-equivalent stocked part to check, or suggest a practical replacement route. Specific cross-references are confirmed against the manufacturer datasheet before any drop-in claim is made.