Switchcraft 236PKG Stereo Phone Plug Connector - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The Switchcraft 236PKG is a 6.35mm (1/4") stereo phone plug connector designed for headphone and audio applications. This right-angle, male connector features three conductors (TRS configuration) with solder eyelet termination and is currently in active production status. Finding equivalent and substitute parts is necessary to ensure design flexibility, manage supply chain alternatives, and accommodate different packaging requirements while maintaining electrical and mechanical compatibility.

Substiute Parts

236PKG
Switchcraft Inc.In Stock: 940236PKG Datasheet
236PKG
Current Part
236
Switchcraft Inc.In Stock: 1286236 Datasheet
236
Direct

Key Parameters

Parameter Specification
Connector Type Phone Plug (Male)
Mating Diameter 6.35mm (0.250", 1/4") - Headphone
Signal Configuration Stereo (3 Conductor, TRS)
Number of Contacts 3 Conductors, 3 Contacts
Mounting Type Free Hanging (In-Line), Right Angle
Termination Method Solder Eyelet(s)
Contact Material Plating Nickel
Cable Opening 0.297" (7.54mm)
RoHS Status ROHS3 Compliant
REACH Status REACH Unaffected

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

The Switchcraft 236 (bulk packaging variant) qualifies as a direct substitute for the 236PKG based on the following critical parameters that determine substitutability:

  • Connector Type & Gender: Both are male phone plugs with identical mating interface
  • Mating Diameter: Both use 6.35mm (1/4") headphone standard
  • Signal Configuration: Both feature stereo (3 Conductor, TRS) configuration
  • Number of Contacts: Both provide 3 conductors and 3 contacts
  • Mounting Type: Both are right-angle, free-hanging (in-line) connectors
  • Termination Method: Both use solder eyelet termination
  • Contact Material Plating: Both feature nickel plating
  • Cable Opening: Both specify 0.297" (7.54mm)
  • Compliance: Both are ROHS3 Compliant and REACH Unaffected

The primary difference between these parts is packaging format (236PKG includes individual packaging with handle and insulator tube, while 236 is supplied in bulk). Both parts are manufactured by Switchcraft Inc. and maintain active product status.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter 236PKG (Main Part) 236 (Substitute) Compatibility
Manufacturer Switchcraft Inc. Switchcraft Inc. Identical
Connector Type Phone Plug Phone Plug Identical
Gender Male Male Identical
Mating Diameter 6.35mm (0.250", 1/4") 6.35mm (0.250", 1/4") Identical
Signal Lines Stereo (3 Conductor, TRS) Stereo (3 Conductor, TRS) Identical
Number of Positions/Contacts 3 Conductors, 3 Contacts 3 Conductors, 3 Contacts Identical
Mounting Type Free Hanging (In-Line), Right Angle Free Hanging (In-Line), Right Angle Identical
Termination Solder Eyelet(s) Solder Eyelet(s) Identical
Contact Material Plating Nickel Nickel Identical
Cable Opening 0.297" (7.54mm) 0.297" (7.54mm) Identical
Packaging Individual (with handle and insulator tube) Bulk Different format, same component
Shielding Unshielded Shielded Substitute has enhanced shielding
Operating Temperature Not specified -20°C ~ 65°C Substitute has defined range
Voltage - Rated Not specified 500VAC Substitute has defined rating
RoHS Status ROHS3 Compliant ROHS3 Compliant Identical
REACH Status REACH Unaffected REACH Unaffected Identical

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The Switchcraft 236 (bulk packaging) is a direct functional equivalent to the 236PKG for applications requiring 6.35mm stereo phone plug connectors with solder eyelet termination. Both parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status, meeting current regulatory requirements for electronic component manufacturing and use.

Selection between these parts should be based on packaging requirements and application constraints. The 236PKG variant provides individual packaging with integrated handle and insulator tube, suitable for applications requiring pre-assembled, ready-to-use connectors. The 236 bulk variant is appropriate for high-volume manufacturing environments where individual packaging is not required.

The 236 substitute provides additional specifications not listed for the 236PKG: defined operating temperature range (-20°C ~ 65°C) and rated voltage (500VAC). The 236 also specifies shielded construction compared to the unshielded 236PKG. These enhanced specifications in the substitute part provide additional design margin and environmental protection for applications operating within these parameters.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the Switchcraft 236 (bulk) be used as a direct replacement for the 236PKG?

A: Yes. Both parts share identical connector type, mating diameter (6.35mm), stereo (TRS) signal configuration, contact count (3), mounting type (right-angle, free-hanging), and termination method (solder eyelet). The primary difference is packaging format. The 236PKG includes individual packaging with handle and insulator tube, while the 236 is supplied in bulk. Functionally, they are equivalent for applications requiring 6.35mm stereo phone plug connectors.

Q: What is the difference in shielding between these parts?

A: The 236PKG is specified as unshielded, while the 236 substitute is specified as shielded. Shielding provides electromagnetic interference (EMI) protection. Applications sensitive to EMI or operating in electromagnetically noisy environments may benefit from the shielded 236 variant.

Q: Are there operating temperature or voltage specifications for the 236PKG?

A: Operating temperature and voltage ratings are not specified for the 236PKG in the provided documentation. The 236 substitute specifies an operating temperature range of -20°C ~ 65°C and a rated voltage of 500VAC. For applications requiring defined environmental or electrical specifications, the 236 provides documented performance parameters.

Q: Which part should be selected for high-volume manufacturing?

A: The Switchcraft 236 (bulk packaging) is appropriate for high-volume manufacturing environments. Bulk packaging reduces per-unit cost and packaging waste while maintaining identical electrical and mechanical performance. Individual packaging (236PKG) is suitable for applications requiring pre-assembled, ready-to-use connectors with integrated handling components.

Q: Are both parts compliant with current regulatory standards?

A: Yes. Both the 236PKG and 236 are ROHS3 Compliant and REACH Unaffected, meeting current regulatory requirements for electronic component manufacturing and distribution in regulated markets.

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