Molex 0347970301 Rectangular Connector Plug Housing - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The Molex 0347970301 is a 3-position rectangular connector plug housing with a 0.138" (4.60mm) pitch, designed for free-hanging in-line applications. This component features male blade contacts with crimp termination and locking ramp fastening. The part is classified as obsolete, making identification of suitable substitute components essential for ongoing system support and procurement planning.

Substiute Parts

0347970301

MolexIn Stock: 7830347970301 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

0988221031

MolexIn Stock: 115230988221031 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the Molex 0347970301 is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Connector Type & Position Count: Both main and substitute parts must be plug housings with 3 positions to maintain circuit integrity and mating compatibility.
• Pitch Specification: The 0.138" (4.60mm) pitch defines the physical spacing of contact positions. The substitute part operates at 0.131" (3.33mm) pitch, representing a different connector family within Molex's rectangular connector portfolio.
• Contact Configuration: The main part uses male blade contacts; the substitute uses male pin contacts. Both are crimp-terminated, supporting equivalent assembly processes.
• Mounting & Fastening: Both parts are free-hanging in-line designs. The main part uses locking ramp fastening; the substitute uses latch holder fastening. These represent different mechanical retention mechanisms within the same application category.
• Compliance & Environmental: Both parts are ROHS3 compliant with MSL 1 rating, ensuring equivalent environmental performance and regulatory standing.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The Molex 0988221031 is designated as the manufacturer-recommended substitute for the obsolete 0347970301. Both components maintain ROHS3 compliance and MSL 1 ratings, ensuring equivalent regulatory and environmental performance. The substitute part is currently in active production with substantial inventory availability (11,444 pcs), providing supply chain continuity for applications previously using the main part.

Key differences in mechanical design—pitch specification (4.60mm vs. 3.33mm), contact geometry (male blade vs. male pin), and fastening mechanism (locking ramp vs. latch holder)—require validation against specific application requirements. These differences may necessitate corresponding changes to mating connector housings and contact sets to ensure proper mechanical and electrical interface.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 0988221031 directly replace the 0347970301 without any modifications?

A: Direct physical replacement is not possible due to differences in pitch (4.60mm vs. 3.33mm), contact type (male blade vs. male pin), and fastening mechanism. The mating connector housing and contact sets must be compatible with the substitute part's specifications.

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

A: Pitch defines the center-to-center spacing of contact positions. The 4.60mm pitch of the main part and 3.33mm pitch of the substitute represent different connector families. Mating housings must match the pitch specification of the plug housing being used.

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

A: The substitute part specifies an operating temperature range of -40°C to 85°C. The main part does not provide a specified operating temperature range in the available data. Application requirements must be evaluated against the substitute's documented thermal performance.

Q: What is the difference between locking ramp and latch holder fastening?

A: Both are mechanical retention mechanisms for securing the plug housing to its mating connector. Locking ramp and latch holder represent different design approaches within Molex's connector portfolio. The specific fastening type must be compatible with the mating connector housing design.

Q: Why is the substitute part listed as active while the main part is obsolete?

A: The main part (0347970301) has been discontinued by the manufacturer. The substitute part (0988221031) represents Molex's current production offering for similar 3-position rectangular connector plug housing applications and is recommended for new designs and ongoing procurement.

Q: Are there any differences in contact termination between these parts?

A: Both parts use crimp termination, supporting equivalent assembly and rework processes. Contact sets must be selected to match the specific contact type (male blade for the main part, male pin for the substitute).