Hi guys

What's your experience with SMD version of these box header, are they generally strong enough? They won't be plugged in and unplugged regularly. But I don't want them being pulled off the PCB easily.

https://www.hiq.co.nz/sites/default/files/product_documents/DIPPCBR/Box Header.pdf

 

I would think anything with a 2.54 mm pitch is "strong enough." As in strong as bull. The smallest I have intentionally worked with on a self-designed PCB is the TE 292227-6, which has 0.059" (1.5 mm) spacing. It was not a challenge at all.

 

In my experience, it's 50/50 .. I've seen a lot of PCBs with ripped out SMD connectors, usually ones that get a lot of use ie USB.
The biggest culprit is how well the PCB is made ie copper bond to FR4 / thickness / pad area etc, solder resist - does it go right up the pads?
Is the connector glued to the PCB !? If there are many pins, it is much stronger though. Finally, if plugging in / out is perpendicular to the PCB,
then you are FAR better off.