High voltage RF

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

RFShop supplies specialist high-voltage RF connectors for laboratory, instrumentation, HV test, detector, power-supply and legacy equipment applications, plus adapters, bulk coaxial cable and made-to-length high-voltage cable assemblies.

Important: the voltage rating of a finished cable assembly is set by the weakest component in the build. Connector rating, cable dielectric, termination method, bend radius, contamination, altitude and operating environment all matter. If the application is critical, tell us the working voltage, cable type, connector family and equipment details so we can help you choose conservatively.

✓ Help choosing SHV vs MHV

✓ Cable compatibility guidance

✓ HRG58 high-voltage cable

✓ Custom cable assemblies

Choosing the right high-voltage RF connector

High-voltage RF parts split into two groups. Connector families (SHV, MHV, HN) are defined by their physical interface and are usually specified by the equipment they mate to. Voltage-rated options (10kV, 20kV) describe a working-voltage class — products in these categories may use various 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

SHV

Best starting point for: HV lab, detector, instrumentation and high-voltage supply connections.

RFShop supplies: plugs, jacks, bulkhead jacks, panel styles, adapters and SHV cable assemblies on RG58, RG11, RG213 and other suitable cables.

Check before ordering: cable voltage rating as well as connector rating.

Browse SHV connectors

MHV

Best for: legacy high-voltage instrumentation and older test equipment.

RFShop supplies: MHV plugs, jacks, bulkhead styles, right-angle connectors, adapters and selected cable assemblies.

Check before ordering: MHV is not the same as SHV. Confirm the mating connector.

Browse MHV connectors

HN

Best for: robust RF and high-power or legacy equipment where HN is specified.

RFShop supplies: HN plugs, jacks and HN-to-N / HN-to-DIN adapters.

Check before ordering: HN is not a substitute for SHV or MHV.

Browse HN connectors

Voltage-rated connector options

10kV and 20kV are working-voltage classes. The physical connector geometry varies by part — check both connector compatibility and cable rating before ordering.

10kV

Best for: higher-voltage coax connections and panel/bulkhead applications.

RFShop supplies: 10kV plugs, bulkhead jacks, hermetic sealed bulkhead jacks and selected assemblies.

Check before ordering: standard RG58-style cable may be the limiting component unless HRG58 or another HV cable is specified.

Browse 10kV connectors

20kV

Best for: specialist high-voltage builds using RG213 / 400-size cable, or RG58-format HV cable where HRG58 is specified.

RFShop supplies: 20kV plug and bulkhead jack options, plus support for HRG58 high-voltage cable enquiries.

Check before ordering: confirm the exact cable, connector and termination. Ordinary RG58 is not equivalent to HRG58.

Browse 20kV connectors

What RFShop stocks in each category

Connector families

SHV connectors and cable assemblies

For many HV lab and instrumentation applications, SHV is the sensible starting point. RFShop stocks SHV plugs, jacks, bulkhead connectors, adapters and finished SHV cable assemblies in common lengths.

MHV connectors and adapters

MHV connectors are still common on older HV supplies and test equipment. We can supply MHV plugs, jacks, bulkhead styles, right-angle connectors and adapters, and help identify replacements from photos or part numbers.

HN connectors and adapters

HN connectors are used where the equipment or specification calls for the HN interface. RFShop supplies HN connectors and adapters including HN-to-N and HN-to-DIN options.

Voltage-rated and custom builds

10kV connectors

For higher-voltage coaxial connections, RFShop carries 10kV plugs, bulkhead jacks and hermetic sealed bulkhead styles. We can also advise on cable choice, including HRG58 where an RG58-format build is required.

20kV connectors

For specialist HV builds, RFShop carries 20kV plug and bulkhead jack options, plus RG213, 400-size and HRG58 cable for matched assemblies.

Custom HV cable assemblies

Need a specific length, connector pair or cable type? We build bespoke RF cable assemblies and can quote from your drawing, BOM, old part number or photo.

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 and RG59-style cables are typically only suitable for lower-voltage HV work compared with larger cable constructions. RFShop stocks HRG58, a 20kVDC-rated RG58-format cable, for builds that need RG58 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, 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.

HRG58-20-2

Best for: high-voltage RG58-format builds.

Key data: 50Ω, 4.95 mm OD, 102 pF/m, 20kVDC datasheet rating.

Watch out: HRG58 is not standard RG58. Do not treat ordinary RG58 as 20kV cable.

RG58 / RG59 / RG223

Best for: common SHV/MHV bench leads and legacy equipment.

Typical guide: around 1.9kV to 2.3kVrms depending on cable type.

Watch out: often the limiting part of an HV assembly.

RG213 / RG214 / RG11

Best for: larger HV assemblies where RG58-size cable is too limiting.

Typical guide: up to around 5kVrms in the legacy table.

Watch out: confirm connector compatibility and bend radius.

RG174 / RG178 / RG316

Best for: compact, flexible leads where size matters.

Typical guide: lower voltage headroom, often around 1kV to 1.5kVrms.

Watch out: higher attenuation and limited HV margin.

PTFE 50Ω cables

Includes: RG141, RG142, RG188, RG196, RG303.

Best for: builds where dielectric, temperature or flexibility matter.

Watch out: connector fit varies by exact cable construction.

400-size low-loss cables

Includes: Belden 9913, CommScope CNT-400, Times Microwave LMR-400.

Best for: low-loss RF runs, not automatic HV suitability.

Watch out: verify voltage rating from the current cable datasheet.

Show compact cable data by group

Common HV cable choices

CableImpedance (nominal)ODVoltage guide / ratingPractical note
HRG58-20-250 Ω4.95 mm20kVDCHigh-voltage RG58-format cable for HV applications.
RG-58/U53.5 Ω (50 Ω commercial)4.95 mm1900VrmsCommon SHV/MHV bench lead size; often cable-limited.
RG-59/U73 Ω (75 Ω commercial)6.15 mm2300VrmsCommon legacy SHV/MHV size; confirm impedance.
RG-223/U50 Ω5.38 mm1900VrmsDouble-shielded RG58-size option; connector variant matters.
RG-213/U50 Ω10.29 mm5000VrmsLarger 50 Ω cable route when RG58 is too limiting.
RG-214/U50 Ω10.80 mm5000VrmsDouble-shielded larger 50 Ω cable.
RG-11/U75 Ω10.29 mm5000VrmsLarger SHV assembly option where 75 Ω is suitable.

Miniature and PTFE cable options

CableImpedanceODVoltage guidePractical note
RG-174/U50 Ω2.56 mm1500VrmsThin flexible lead; limited HV margin.
RG-316/U50 Ω2.49 mm1200VrmsCompact PTFE lead; useful but not a HV shortcut.
RG-178B/U50 Ω1.83 mm1000VrmsVery small cable; use only where size is the driver.
RG-141A/U50 Ω4.83 mm1900VrmsPTFE-style 50 Ω family; compare connector fit.
RG-142B/U50 Ω4.95 mm1900VrmsPTFE 50 Ω cable; useful for temperature/dielectric requirements.
RG-303/U50 Ω4.31 mm1900VrmsPTFE 50 Ω cable; check dimensions before substituting.

Legacy, special impedance and low-loss comparison cables

CableImpedanceODVoltage guidePractical note
RG-62/U93 Ω6.04 mm700VrmsLegacy/instrument cable; avoid assuming HV suitability.
RG-179B/U75 Ω2.54 mm1200VrmsThin 75 Ω legacy cable.
RG-180B/U95 Ω3.56 mm1500VrmsSpecialist impedance; replace only against exact spec.
Belden 991350 Ω10.29 mmNot listedLow-loss comparison cable; verify voltage separately.
CommScope CNT-40050 Ω10.29 mmNot listedLow-loss 400-size cable; datasheet required for HV use.
Times Microwave LMR-40050 Ω10.29 mm2500VrmsVerify 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.

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.