TE Connectivity 146255-3 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TE Connectivity 146255-3 is a rectangular connector header manufactured under the AMPMODU Mod II series. This through-hole connector features 6 positions arranged in 2 rows with 0.100" (2.54mm) pitch spacing. The part is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of active equivalent and substitute components for ongoing design and procurement requirements.

The 146255-3 functions as a board-to-board or cable connector with male pin contacts, solder termination, and push-pull fastening. Its primary applications include general-purpose interconnection in electronic assemblies requiring reliable through-hole mounting.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Manufacturer Part Number	146255-3
Manufacturer	TE Connectivity AMP Connectors
Series	AMPMODU Mod II
Product Status	Obsolete
Connector Type	Header, Breakaway
Contact Type	Male Pin
Number of Positions	6
Number of Rows	2
Pitch - Mating	0.100" (2.54mm)
Row Spacing - Mating	0.100" (2.54mm)
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Termination	Solder
Fastening Type	Push-Pull
Contact Length - Mating	0.230" (5.84mm)
Contact Length - Post	0.120" (3.05mm)
Overall Contact Length	0.440" (11.18mm)
Insulation Height	0.090" (2.29mm)
Contact Shape	Square
Contact Finish - Mating	Gold
Contact Finish - Post	Tin-Lead
Contact Material	Copper Alloy
Insulation Material	Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP)
Operating Temperature	-65°C ~ 105°C
Current Rating	3A
Voltage Rating	30VAC
Material Flammability Rating	UL94 V-0
RoHS Status	RoHS non-compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level	1 (Unlimited)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the obsolete 146255-3 is determined by strict alignment of the following critical parameters:

Mandatory Matching Parameters:

Number of Positions: 6
Number of Rows: 2
Pitch - Mating: 0.100" (2.54mm)
Row Spacing - Mating: 0.100" (2.54mm)
Contact Type: Male Pin
Mounting Type: Through Hole
Termination: Solder
Fastening Type: Push-Pull
Contact Shape: Square
Insulation Material: Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP) or compatible
Material Flammability Rating: UL94 V-0
Current Rating: 3A
Voltage Rating: 30VAC or higher

Acceptable Variation Parameters:

Contact Length - Mating: 0.230" to 0.240" (5.84mm to 6.10mm)
Contact Length - Post: 0.107" to 0.175" (2.71mm to 4.45mm)
Overall Contact Length: 0.437" to 0.505" (11.10mm to 12.83mm)
Insulation Height: 0.090" to 0.100" (2.29mm to 2.54mm)
Contact Finish - Mating: Gold or Tin
Contact Finish - Post: Tin or Tin-Lead
Operating Temperature: -55°C to -65°C minimum; 105°C to 130°C maximum
Product Status: Active preferred; Obsolete acceptable only if no active alternative exists

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories: direct equivalents from TE Connectivity and cross-manufacturer alternatives from Molex, 3M, and Amphenol ICC (FCI) that meet all mandatory parameters.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	146255-3 (Main)	5-146255-3	0010897060	0010897061	0010897062	0702800591	0702871001	0702871099	2306-6121-TP	67997-706HLF	68602-106HLF
Manufacturer	TE Connectivity	TE Connectivity	Molex	Molex	Molex	Molex	Molex	Molex	3M	Amphenol ICC (FCI)	Amphenol ICC (FCI)
Series	AMPMODU Mod II	AMPMODU Mod II	C-Grid 70280	C-Grid 70280	C-Grid 70280	C-Grid 70280	C-Grid 70287	C-Grid 70287	2300	BERGSTIK® II	BERGSTIK® II
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active
Number of Positions	6	6	6	6	6	6	6	6	6	6	6
Number of Rows	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	2
Pitch - Mating	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)
Row Spacing - Mating	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)
Contact Type	Male Pin	Male Pin	Male Pin	Male Pin	Male Pin	Male Pin	Male Pin	Male Pin	Male Pin	Male Pin	Male Pin
Mounting Type	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole
Termination	Solder	Solder	Solder	Solder	Solder	Solder	Kinked Pin, Solder	Kinked Pin, Solder	Solder	Solder	Solder
Fastening Type	Push-Pull	Push-Pull	Push-Pull	Push-Pull	Push-Pull	Push-Pull	Push-Pull	Push-Pull	Push-Pull	Push-Pull	Push-Pull
Contact Length - Mating	0.230" (5.84mm)	0.230" (5.84mm)	0.240" (6.10mm)	0.240" (6.10mm)	0.240" (6.10mm)	0.240" (6.10mm)	0.240" (6.10mm)	0.240" (6.10mm)	0.230" (5.84mm)	0.230" (5.84mm)	0.230" (5.84mm)
Contact Length - Post	0.120" (3.05mm)	0.120" (3.05mm)	0.107" (2.71mm)	0.107" (2.71mm)	0.107" (2.71mm)	0.175" (4.45mm)	0.125" (3.18mm)	0.125" (3.18mm)	0.120" (3.05mm)	0.120" (3.05mm)	0.150" (3.81mm)
Overall Contact Length	0.440" (11.18mm)	0.440" (11.18mm)	0.437" (11.10mm)	0.437" (11.10mm)	0.437" (11.10mm)	0.505" (12.83mm)	0.455" (11.56mm)	0.455" (11.56mm)	0.450" (11.43mm)	0.450" (11.43mm)	0.480" (12.19mm)
Insulation Height	0.090" (2.29mm)	0.090" (2.29mm)	0.090" (2.29mm)	0.090" (2.29mm)	0.090" (2.29mm)	0.090" (2.29mm)	0.090" (2.29mm)	0.090" (2.29mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)
Contact Shape	Square	Square	Square	Square	Square	Square	Square	Square	Square	Square	Square
Contact Finish - Mating	Gold	Gold	Gold	Tin	Gold	Tin	Tin	Gold	Tin-Lead	Gold or Gold, GXT™	Gold or Gold, GXT™
Contact Finish - Post	Tin-Lead	Tin	Tin	Tin	Tin	Tin	Tin	Tin	Tin-Lead	Not specified	Not specified
Contact Material	Copper Alloy	Copper Alloy	Copper Alloy	Copper Alloy	Copper Alloy	Copper Alloy	Copper Alloy	Copper Alloy	Copper Alloy	Phosphor Bronze	Phosphor Bronze
Insulation Material	Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP)	Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP)	Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP), Glass Filled	Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP), Glass Filled	Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP), Glass Filled	Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP), Glass Filled	Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP), Glass Filled	Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP), Glass Filled	Thermoplastic, Glass Filled	Not specified	Not specified
Operating Temperature	-65°C ~ 105°C	-65°C ~ 105°C	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified	-55°C ~ 105°C	-65°C ~ 130°C	-65°C ~ 130°C
Current Rating	3A	3A	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified	3A	3A	3A
Voltage Rating	30VAC	30VAC	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified
Material Flammability Rating	UL94 V-0	UL94 V-0	UL94 V-0	UL94 V-0	UL94 V-0	UL94 V-0	UL94 V-0	UL94 V-0	UL94 V-0	UL94 V-0	UL94 V-0
RoHS Status	RoHS non-compliant	RoHS Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	RoHS non-compliant	RoHS Compliant	RoHS Compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Recommendation: TE Connectivity 5-146255-3

The 5-146255-3 is the direct equivalent replacement for the obsolete 146255-3. Both parts share identical electrical and mechanical specifications with the exception of contact finish on the post (Tin versus Tin-Lead). The 5-146255-3 is active in production and RoHS Compliant, addressing regulatory requirements that the original part does not meet. This part is the preferred choice for direct substitution in existing designs.

Secondary Recommendations: Molex C-Grid Series (0010897060, 0010897061, 0010897062, 0702871001, 0702871099)

The Molex C-Grid 70280 and 70287 series connectors provide functional equivalence with minor dimensional variations in contact length and overall height. These parts are active, ROHS3 Compliant, and widely available. The 0702871001 and 0702871099 feature kinked pin termination, which provides enhanced mechanical retention during solder processing. Selection among these variants depends on specific post length requirements:

0010897060, 0010897061, 0010897062: Contact post length 0.107" (2.71mm)
0702871001, 0702871099: Contact post length 0.125" (3.18mm)
0702800591: Contact post length 0.175" (4.45mm)

Tertiary Recommendations: 3M 2306-6121-TP and Amphenol ICC (FCI) BERGSTIK® II Series (67997-706HLF, 68602-106HLF)

The 3M 2306-6121-TP and Amphenol ICC (FCI) BERGSTIK® II series provide alternative cross-manufacturer solutions. The Amphenol ICC (FCI) parts feature phosphor bronze contacts and extended operating temperature range (-65°C to 130°C), offering enhanced performance in demanding thermal environments. The 68602-106HLF provides a contact post length of 0.150" (3.81mm), intermediate between the original specification and Molex alternatives.

Compliance Considerations:

For applications requiring RoHS compliance, the 5-146255-3, all Molex variants, and Amphenol ICC (FCI) parts are suitable. The 3M 2306-6121-TP remains RoHS non-compliant and should be selected only when legacy compliance status is acceptable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 5-146255-3 be used as a direct replacement for the 146255-3?

A: Yes. The 5-146255-3 is the direct equivalent with identical form, fit, and function. The only difference is the contact finish on the post (Tin versus Tin-Lead) and RoHS compliance status. The 5-146255-3 is the recommended replacement for new designs and obsolescence mitigation.

Q: What is the difference between the Molex C-Grid 70280 and 70287 series?

A: Both series meet the core electrical and mechanical requirements. The primary difference is contact post length: C-Grid 70280 variants feature 0.107" to 0.175" post length, while C-Grid 70287 variants feature 0.125" post length. Selection depends on PCB thickness and solder joint requirements.

Q: Are Molex and Amphenol ICC (FCI) connectors mechanically compatible with the original TE Connectivity design?

A: Yes, within the specified parameter tolerances. All substitute parts maintain the 0.100" (2.54mm) pitch, 6-position, 2-row configuration, and push-pull fastening mechanism. Minor variations in overall contact length (0.437" to 0.505") and insulation height (0.090" to 0.100") are within acceptable mechanical tolerances for standard PCB mounting and mating applications.

Q: Which substitute part offers the best thermal performance?

A: The Amphenol ICC (FCI) BERGSTIK® II series (67997-706HLF and 68602-106HLF) provides the highest operating temperature range (-65°C to 130°C), compared to the original specification of -65°C to 105°C. These parts are suitable for applications requiring extended thermal performance.

Q: What is the significance of kinked pin termination in the Molex 0702871001 and 0702871099?

A: Kinked pin termination provides mechanical retention during solder reflow, reducing the risk of component shift or tombstoning on the PCB. This feature is beneficial in automated assembly processes with high-speed placement equipment.

Q: Are there packaging differences between the substitute parts?

A: Yes. The TE Connectivity 5-146255-3 is supplied in Bulk packaging. Molex parts are supplied in Bulk packaging. The 3M 2306-6121-TP packaging is not specified. Amphenol ICC (FCI) BERGSTIK® II series parts are supplied in Bag packaging. Packaging differences do not affect electrical or mechanical performance but may impact handling and storage procedures.

Q: Can the 146255-3 be used in new designs, or must a substitute be selected?

A: The 146255-3 is obsolete and should not be used in new designs. The 5-146255-3 is the recommended replacement for new designs. For existing designs in production, the 146255-3 may be used until inventory is exhausted, after which transition to an active equivalent is required.

Q: What is the difference between Gold and Tin contact finishes on the mating surface?

A: Both finishes are acceptable for the specified application. Gold provides superior corrosion resistance and lower contact resistance, while Tin offers cost efficiency. Selection depends on application requirements and cost constraints. The original 146255-3 specifies Gold finish; most substitutes offer both options.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS Compliant?

A: No. The 3M 2306-6121-TP is RoHS non-compliant, matching the original part. The TE Connectivity 5-146255-3 and all Molex and Amphenol ICC (FCI) variants are RoHS Compliant or ROHS3 Compliant. For applications requiring RoHS compliance, select from the compliant alternatives.

Q: What is the current rating for the Molex substitute parts?

A: The Molex C-Grid series parts do not specify a current rating in the provided data. However, the original 146255-3 specifies 3A, and the Molex parts are mechanically and electrically equivalent. For applications requiring confirmed current rating specification, contact the manufacturer or select the TE Connectivity 5-146255-3 or Amphenol ICC (FCI) parts, which explicitly specify 3A.

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