TE Connectivity 176118-8 Rectangular Connector Plug Housing Equivalents & Substitutes

Part Overview

The TE Connectivity 176118-8 is an 18-position rectangular connector plug housing from the Multi-Lock series, featuring orange insulation material and a latch lock fastening mechanism. This connector housing is designed for free-hanging, in-line applications with crimp-style female socket contacts (contacts not included). The part is currently in active production status with 916 units available in inventory.

Substitute parts are identified when equivalent electrical and mechanical parameters are maintained across the connector housing specifications. Alternative part numbers within the Multi-Lock series provide functionally equivalent solutions while accommodating different application requirements, inventory availability, or design color specifications.

Substiute Parts

176118-8

TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 934176118-8 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

173853-1

TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 3459173853-1 Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

176118-5

TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 708176118-5 Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the 176118-8 are identified based on strict equivalence across all critical electrical and mechanical parameters. The following parameters must remain constant for a part to qualify as a substitute:

• Connector type (Plug)
• Contact type (Female Socket)
• Number of positions (18)
• Number of rows (2)
• Row spacing (0.232" / 5.90mm)
• Mounting type (Free Hanging, In-Line)
• Contact termination method (Crimp)
• Fastening type (Latch Lock)
• Series designation (Multi-Lock)
• Manufacturer (TE Connectivity AMP Connectors)
• RoHS compliance status (ROHS3 Compliant)
• Moisture sensitivity level (1 / Unlimited)

Substitute parts may differ in color specification and product status while maintaining full functional and mechanical compatibility. All substitute parts are contacts-not-included housings, consistent with the main part specification.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

176118-8 (Orange) - Primary Selection

The 176118-8 maintains active production status with established inventory levels. This part is suitable for applications requiring orange color coding for circuit identification or system organization. ROHS3 compliance and unlimited moisture sensitivity rating support deployment in standard industrial and commercial environments.

173853-1 (White) - Preferred Alternative

The 173853-1 offers the highest inventory availability at 3400 units and maintains active production status. This substitute provides identical electrical and mechanical specifications with white color insulation. The part carries REACH Unaffected status and documented operating temperature range of -30°C to 105°C. Selection of this substitute is appropriate when inventory continuity or white color coding is required.

176118-5 (Blue) - Limited Availability Alternative

The 176118-5 provides functional equivalence with blue color insulation but operates under Last Time Buy status with 643 units in inventory. This part is suitable for applications where blue color coding is specified and immediate availability is confirmed. Future procurement of this part number should not be assumed.

All three parts are ROHS3 compliant and carry identical electrical performance characteristics. Selection between substitutes should be based on color requirement, inventory availability, and product status considerations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can 173853-1 be used as a direct replacement for 176118-8?

A: Yes. The 173853-1 is a parametric equivalent substitute. Both parts maintain identical connector type, contact type, position count, row configuration, row spacing, mounting type, contact termination, and fastening mechanism. The primary difference is color (white versus orange). Both parts are ROHS3 compliant with unlimited moisture sensitivity rating.

Q: What is the difference between the 176118-8 and 176118-5?

A: Both parts are mechanically and electrically identical 18-position Multi-Lock plug housings with identical row spacing and fastening specifications. The 176118-8 features orange insulation, while the 176118-5 features blue insulation. The 176118-5 operates under Last Time Buy status, indicating limited future availability.

Q: Are contacts included with these connector housings?

A: No. All three part numbers (176118-8, 173853-1, and 176118-5) are housings only. Female socket contacts must be procured separately and crimped into the housing according to TE Connectivity specifications.

Q: What is the row spacing specification, and why is it important?

A: Row spacing is 0.232 inches (5.90mm) for all three substitute parts. This dimension defines the distance between the two rows of contact positions and is critical for mating connector alignment and PCB layout design. All substitutes maintain identical row spacing.

Q: Do all substitute parts have the same RoHS compliance status?

A: Yes. All three parts (176118-8, 173853-1, and 176118-5) are ROHS3 compliant. The 173853-1 additionally carries REACH Unaffected status, while the other two parts show Vendor Undefined REACH status.

Q: What is the moisture sensitivity level, and what does it mean?

A: All three parts carry Moisture Sensitivity Level 1, which indicates unlimited shelf life without special moisture control requirements. This classification supports standard storage and handling procedures without desiccant packaging or controlled humidity environments.

Q: Can color be changed after assembly?

A: No. The color is an integral property of the housing insulation material. If color coding is required for system identification, the appropriate colored housing part number must be selected during procurement.

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

A: For new designs, the 173853-1 (white) is recommended based on active production status and highest inventory availability. The 176118-8 (orange) is appropriate if orange color coding is specified. The 176118-5 (blue) should not be selected for new designs due to Last Time Buy status.