Molex 0874381233 Rectangular Connector Header - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The Molex 0874381233 is a surface mount, right-angle rectangular connector header with 12 positions at 1.5mm pitch, designed for board-to-cable/wire applications in general purpose and medical equipment. This part is classified as obsolete, making equivalent substitute parts necessary for new designs and ongoing production support. The connector features shrouded 4-wall construction with push-pull fastening and operates across -55°C to 105°C.

Substiute Parts

0874381233

MolexIn Stock: 10400874381233 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

0874381243

MolexIn Stock: 135760874381243 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

1-292228-2

TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 56251-292228-2 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the Molex 0874381233 is determined by strict alignment of the following critical parameters:

• Connector pitch: 1.5mm (0.059")
• Number of positions: 12
• Mounting configuration: Surface mount, right angle
• Shrouding: 4-wall shrouded design
• Contact type: Male pin
• Termination: Solder
• Operating temperature range: Minimum -55°C to 105°C
• Flammability rating: UL94 V-0

Two substitute parts meet these criteria: the Molex 0874381243 (direct manufacturer upgrade within the same Pico-SPOX series) and the TE Connectivity 1-292228-2 (cross-manufacturer equivalent from the Mini CT series). Both maintain electrical and mechanical compatibility with the original specification.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For new designs and production transitions, the Molex 0874381243 is the primary substitute. It maintains identical electrical and mechanical specifications within the same Pico-SPOX series, operates across the full -55°C to 105°C temperature range, and achieves ROHS3 compliance. The transition from tin-lead to tin contact finish aligns with modern manufacturing standards.

The TE Connectivity 1-292228-2 serves as a cross-manufacturer alternative when Molex supply is constrained. This part maintains core compatibility but introduces design considerations: the fastening mechanism changes from push-pull to detent lock, contact mating length reduces from 2.70mm to 2.40mm, insulation height increases to 4.90mm, and the voltage rating is specified as 50VAC rather than 250V. The operating temperature minimum is -30°C, which may not satisfy applications requiring full -55°C performance. These differences require mechanical and electrical validation within the specific application context.

Both substitute parts carry ROHS3 compliance and unlimited moisture sensitivity rating (MSL 1), supporting modern supply chain requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the Molex 0874381243 directly replace the 0874381233 without PCB redesign?

A: Yes. Both parts share identical pitch (1.5mm), position count (12), mounting type (surface mount right angle), shrouding (4-wall), and operating temperature range (-55°C to 105°C). The primary difference is contact finish (tin-lead to tin) and RoHS compliance status. No PCB layout changes are required.

Q: What are the key differences between the Molex 0874381243 and TE Connectivity 1-292228-2?

A: The TE part introduces three mechanical variations: fastening type changes from push-pull to detent lock, contact mating length decreases from 2.70mm to 2.40mm, and insulation height increases to 4.90mm. Electrically, the voltage rating is specified as 50VAC versus 250V for the Molex parts, and the minimum operating temperature is -30°C instead of -55°C. These differences require application-specific validation.

Q: Is the TE Connectivity 1-292228-2 suitable for medical applications?

A: The original Molex 0874381233 lists medical applications. The TE part specifies general purpose applications only. Medical application suitability must be confirmed through TE Connectivity technical documentation and regulatory compliance verification.

Q: What is the impact of the contact finish change from tin-lead to tin?

A: The Molex 0874381243 uses tin finish instead of tin-lead. This change reflects RoHS3 compliance and is standard in modern connector manufacturing. Tin finish maintains equivalent electrical performance and solderability for the specified operating conditions.

Q: Are both substitute parts available in the same packaging format?

A: The original Molex 0874381233 is supplied in bulk packaging. Both substitute parts (Molex 0874381243 and TE Connectivity 1-292228-2) are supplied in tape and reel format, which is standard for high-volume surface mount assembly. Bulk quantities may be available through direct manufacturer contact.

Q: Which substitute part should be selected for new production designs?

A: The Molex 0874381243 is the recommended primary choice for new designs, as it maintains complete specification alignment with the original part within the same manufacturer series. The TE Connectivity 1-292228-2 should be considered only when Molex availability is limited and application requirements accommodate the specified mechanical and electrical variations.