Equivalent & Substitute Parts for Signal Transformer 241-4-20

Part Overview

The Signal Transformer 241-4-20 is a laminated core power transformer rated at 6VA with a single primary winding (115V) and single secondary winding (20V) with center tap. This chassis mount transformer is designed for applications requiring isolated 20V output at up to 300mA. The part is currently active in production with 822 units in stock. Substitute parts may be required due to inventory constraints, application-specific mounting requirements, or design modifications that permit higher power ratings or dual primary voltage capability.

Substiute Parts

241-4-20

Signal TransformerIn Stock: 916241-4-20 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

186C20

Hammond ManufacturingIn Stock: 1084186C20 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

F4-20

Triad MagneticsIn Stock: 749F4-20 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the 241-4-20 is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Secondary Voltage Output: Must be 20V at full load
• Center Tap Configuration: Must be present
• Mounting Type: Must be chassis mount
• Termination Style: Must support solder and quick connect
• Isolation Voltage: Minimum 2000Vrms
• RoHS Compliance: Must be ROHS3 compliant
• Product Status: Must be active

Two substitute parts meet these criteria with the following distinctions:

186C20 (Hammond Manufacturing): Exceeds base specifications with 12VA rating and dual primary winding (115V/230V), permitting operation across two input voltage standards while maintaining identical secondary output characteristics.

F4-20 (Triad Magnetics): Matches the 241-4-20 specification identically across all critical parameters, with packaging differentiation (bulk versus box).

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

F4-20 (Triad Magnetics) is the direct functional equivalent to the 241-4-20. Both parts share identical electrical specifications (6VA, 115V primary, 20V secondary, 300mA output, center tap), isolation voltage rating, and compliance certifications. The primary distinction is packaging format (bulk versus box). Physical dimensions are nearly identical, with F4-20 measuring marginally smaller in width and height. This part is suitable for direct substitution in applications where the original specification is required without modification.

186C20 (Hammond Manufacturing) is a higher-capacity alternative suitable only when the application design permits increased power handling. The 186C20 provides dual primary winding capability (115V/230V operation) and doubled output current capacity (600mA versus 300mA), resulting in 12VA rating versus 6VA. The isolation voltage is reduced to 2000Vrms. Physical dimensions are larger. This part is appropriate for applications requiring multi-voltage input capability or higher secondary current delivery, provided the circuit design accommodates the increased transformer size and the reduced isolation voltage meets application requirements.

Both substitute parts maintain active production status and full regulatory compliance (ROHS3, REACH Unaffected, EAR99 classification).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can F4-20 replace 241-4-20 in any application? A: F4-20 is electrically and mechanically equivalent to 241-4-20 across all critical parameters. Substitution is valid provided the application does not impose specific packaging requirements (bulk versus box format).

Q: What is the key difference between 186C20 and 241-4-20? A: The 186C20 provides dual primary winding (115V/230V) and higher power rating (12VA, 600mA output) compared to the single primary, 6VA, 300mA specification of 241-4-20. The 186C20 isolation voltage is 2000Vrms versus 2500Vrms for the 241-4-20. Physical dimensions are also larger.

Q: Can 186C20 be used as a drop-in replacement for 241-4-20? A: 186C20 meets the secondary voltage (20V), center tap, and mounting requirements of 241-4-20. However, the increased physical size (71.37mm x 43.82mm x 41.15mm versus 60.30mm x 33.30mm x 36.20mm) may require circuit board layout modification. The reduced isolation voltage (2000Vrms versus 2500Vrms) must be evaluated against application safety requirements.

Q: Are all three parts ROHS3 compliant? A: Yes. The 241-4-20, 186C20, and F4-20 are all ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected.

Q: What is the significance of the center tap on these transformers? A: The center tap on the secondary winding provides a reference point for split-rail power supply configurations, allowing generation of positive and negative voltage rails from a single transformer secondary.

Q: Does packaging format affect electrical performance? A: No. The bulk packaging of F4-20 and box packaging of 241-4-20 do not affect electrical characteristics. Packaging selection is determined by inventory management and logistics requirements.

Q: What are the termination specifications for each part? A: All three parts support solder and quick connect termination. F4-20 specifies quick connect as 0.187" (4.7mm) diameter, consistent with standard chassis mount transformer connectors.