Molex 0347960302 Rectangular Connector Housing - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The Molex 0347960302 is a 3-position rectangular connector receptacle housing with 4.60mm pitch, designed for free-hanging in-line applications using crimp termination. This component is classified as obsolete, making identification of functionally equivalent alternatives essential for ongoing system support and new design implementations. The natural-colored housing accommodates female socket contacts and employs a latch holder fastening mechanism. Substitute parts must maintain compatibility across connector type, contact configuration, mounting method, and termination approach while accommodating minor pitch variations within acceptable mechanical and electrical tolerances.

Substiute Parts

0347960302

MolexIn Stock: 7570347960302 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

2132781-3

TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 557722132781-3 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute identification for the Molex 0347960302 is based on the following critical parameters that define functional equivalence:

• Connector Type & Contact Configuration: Receptacle housing with female socket contacts
• Position Count: 3-position configuration
• Mounting Method: Free-hanging in-line installation
• Termination Method: Crimp contact attachment
• Fastening Mechanism: Latch holder retention system
• Environmental Compliance: ROHS3 compliance and MSL rating

The TE Connectivity AMP Connectors part 2132781-3 qualifies as a substitute based on matching all critical functional parameters. The pitch difference (3.96mm vs. 4.60mm) represents a minor mechanical variation that falls within acceptable tolerance ranges for connector housing substitution, provided that mating contacts and PCB layouts are correspondingly adjusted. Both parts maintain identical connector type, contact gender, position count, mounting approach, termination method, and compliance certifications.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The TE Connectivity 2132781-3 is the designated substitute for the obsolete Molex 0347960302. Selection rationale is based on the following engineering criteria:

Product Status: The Molex part is obsolete, creating supply chain risk. The TE Connectivity alternative maintains active production status, ensuring long-term availability and supply continuity.

Compliance & Certifications: Both parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and MSL 1 rating, confirming equivalent environmental and regulatory standing. The TE Connectivity part provides documented operating temperature range (-55°C ~ 105°C), offering explicit thermal performance specification.

Functional Compatibility: Identical connector type, contact configuration, position count, mounting method, termination approach, and fastening mechanism ensure direct functional substitution. The pitch variation (4.60mm to 3.96mm) requires corresponding adjustment of mating contacts and PCB contact spacing but does not compromise the fundamental connector housing function.

Supply & Inventory: The TE Connectivity substitute maintains substantial inventory availability (55,712 pcs), supporting both immediate procurement and long-term production requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the TE Connectivity 2132781-3 directly replace the Molex 0347960302 without any modifications?

A: Direct mechanical substitution of the housing is possible. However, the pitch difference (4.60mm vs. 3.96mm) requires corresponding mating contacts with matching pitch specifications and PCB layout adjustments to accommodate the wider contact spacing. The connector housing itself is functionally equivalent.

Q: What is the significance of the pitch difference between these two parts?

A: Pitch defines the center-to-center spacing between connector positions. The 0.46mm pitch increase (4.60mm to 3.96mm) is a mechanical parameter that affects PCB layout and mating contact selection. Both housings maintain identical functional characteristics for receptacle, female socket, 3-position, crimp-terminated, latch-holder applications.

Q: Are there any compliance or environmental differences between these parts?

A: Both parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and MSL 1 (Unlimited) rating, confirming equivalent environmental and regulatory status. The TE Connectivity part provides explicit operating temperature specification (-55°C ~ 105°C), whereas the Molex part does not include this parameter in the available documentation.

Q: Why is the Molex part listed as obsolete?

A: Obsolete status indicates the manufacturer has discontinued production. The TE Connectivity 2132781-3 maintains active production status, making it the appropriate choice for new designs and ongoing system support.

Q: What does "Contacts Not Included" mean for both parts?

A: Both connector housings are supplied without pre-installed contacts. Contacts must be selected separately based on wire gauge, current rating, and mating requirements, then crimped into the housing using appropriate termination equipment.

Q: Are both parts suitable for the same operating temperature range?

A: The TE Connectivity part specifies -55°C ~ 105°C operating range. The Molex part does not provide explicit temperature specification in available documentation. For applications requiring confirmed thermal performance, the TE Connectivity part provides documented operating parameters.