Molex 0845900021 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The Molex 0845900021 is a pin contact designed for the Extra Rugged Circular (XRC) series of circular connectors. This component is rated for 14-18 AWG wire gauges and features compression and crimp termination with nickel plating. The part is classified as obsolete, making identification of functionally equivalent alternatives necessary for ongoing system maintenance and new design implementations where XRC series compatibility is required.

Substiute Parts

0845900021

MolexIn Stock: 11540845900021 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

345807-1

TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 5232345807-1 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the Molex 0845900021 is based on the following critical parameters:

• Wire Gauge Compatibility: The main part accommodates 14-18 AWG. Substitute parts must support this range or a range that fully encompasses it.
• Contact Termination Method: Compression and crimp termination is the primary requirement. Substitute parts must employ crimp termination to ensure mechanical and electrical compatibility.
• Contact Material and Finish: Copper alloy with nickel plating provides corrosion resistance and electrical conductivity. Substitute parts with tin or other finishes may be considered if they meet equivalent performance standards for the application.
• Contact Type: Pin contacts are required for mating with socket contacts in circular connector systems.
• Regulatory Compliance: Both the main part and substitutes must maintain ROHS3 compliance and equivalent MSL ratings.

The TE Connectivity AMP Connectors 345807-1 qualifies as a substitute based on wire gauge overlap (14-20 AWG encompasses the 14-18 AWG requirement), crimp termination compatibility, and equivalent regulatory compliance.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The TE Connectivity 345807-1 serves as a functional substitute for the obsolete Molex 0845900021 based on the following criteria:

• Wire Gauge Accommodation: The 14-20 AWG range of the TE part fully encompasses the 14-18 AWG specification of the Molex part, ensuring compatibility with existing wire specifications.
• Termination Compatibility: Both parts employ crimp termination, maintaining mechanical and electrical connection integrity.
• Regulatory Alignment: Both parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and identical MSL ratings, satisfying environmental and reliability requirements.
• Product Availability: The TE part maintains active product status with higher inventory levels, ensuring long-term supply chain viability compared to the obsolete Molex part.

Contact finish differences (nickel versus tin) represent a material change that must be evaluated within the specific application context, particularly regarding corrosion resistance requirements and mating surface compatibility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the TE Connectivity 345807-1 directly replace the Molex 0845900021 in existing assemblies?

A: Direct replacement depends on connector housing compatibility. The TE part is a pin contact suitable for rectangular connector systems, while the Molex part is designed for circular connectors. Mechanical fit within the housing must be verified before substitution.

Q: What is the significance of the wire gauge range difference (14-18 AWG vs. 14-20 AWG)?

A: The TE part accommodates a broader wire gauge range. For applications using 14-18 AWG wire, the TE part operates within its specified range and is compatible. Wire gauges 19-20 AWG are supported only by the TE part.

Q: How does the contact finish difference affect performance?

A: Nickel plating (Molex) and tin plating (TE) provide different corrosion resistance profiles. Nickel offers superior corrosion resistance in harsh environments, while tin provides adequate performance in standard industrial conditions. Application environment determines the acceptability of this substitution.

Q: Is the TE part available in the same packaging as the Molex part?

A: The TE part is supplied in Cut Tape (CT) packaging. Packaging format compatibility with existing assembly processes must be confirmed before implementation.

Q: Do both parts meet the same regulatory requirements?

A: Yes. Both parts are ROHS3 compliant with identical MSL ratings of 1 (Unlimited), satisfying equivalent environmental and reliability standards.